Page 23 of Infernal Hearts

“Like who?”

I shrug, leaning back as I pick the lint off of my shirt. “CEOs, politicians, royalty. Henry the Eighth couldn’t stop making deals, for fuck’s sake. Kept getting bored with his current contract. Honestly, who needs six wives? Didn’t make a difference in the end. He was still unhappy when he died.”

“So is that usually what people wish for? Love?”

“Psh.” I’m sure there’ll be some playful look on his face, but I can’t find one. “Oh, wait, you’re being serious. Sorry. Yeah, that’s the number one request. Money is two. Vengeance is three.”

“I guess I just don’t understand why they’re such a go-to. Don’t agreements like the ones we signed work just as well?”

“Again, two scenarios. One is that you treat it like a business and build a life bartering magic for favors, usually big ones. It’s an easy way to stay comfortable and undisturbed. Second scenario? Say I was captured that night in the woods. I would have tried to trade something in exchange for my life. Those who sign the contract can’t harm each other, so it’s eternal protection. Just like that, the threat is neutralized for very little cost on my part.”

Jason holds up a finger. “Except the trick is getting them to agree.”

I smile at him knowingly. “I think you underestimate how greedy people can be. Which is why you surprised me when you turned down my original offer and didn’t try to sweeten the deal.”

He looks over at me with a smirk. “I guess I’m not like most people you’ve met.”

My heart flutters for a split second. What the fuck? I ignore it, shaking my head to cover that he actually almost made me feel something. “Definitely not.”

“So, what’s the difference in the two deals? I don’t really see how the stakes are different in either situation.”

I’m surprised he can’t figure this one out on his own. “Simple. One is for gain, one is to save my life. I’d prefer to gain something from a deal instead of just saving my ass out of desperation. And it’s a very nice ass.”

That same blush I saw the other night when Iforgotmy towel spreads across his cheeks. “I wouldn’t know.”

I stifle my laughter, placating him. “I’m sure.”

He parks the old truck in front of the store, and we get out. Jason leads the way, turning his head to say something in the middle of the street, but a car comes whipping around the corner out of my peripheral. I immediately wrap my arms around him, yanking him against my chest and back into safety. He yelps at the contact, the car slamming on its horn and speeding past.

My face is right above his shoulder, arms still wrapped around his torso. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think so…” He takes a deep breath before realizing how close we are. “Why are you still touching me?” He shakes me off and jerks back.

How can someone be so ungrateful? Makes me wonder if he’d still be an asshole if I had pulled him out of a shark’s mouth at the last second. “You’re welcome for saving you from being roadkill.”

Jason scoffs. “Thank you.” He motions for me to lead the way to the store.

With a turn of my heel, I walk into the little rundown cell phone shop as the bell at the top of the door clangs. I sense Jason’s presence behind me, but right now I’m focused on something else as soon as the clerk comes into view. I’m going to check if my powers still work.

The nerdy guy at the front desk turns to me with a smile on his face, adjusting his thick rims with his tie slightly disheveled. “Welcome in. Looking for something in particular?”

“Yeah, actually.” I flash him a smile, and his pulse races a little faster. “My phone got stolen. I need a new one.”

“I—can definitely help you with that.” He hurries around the counter to the wall with the latest models. “Anything in particular? We have some great deals on Androids.”

I hold up my hand. “Oh no. Latest iPhone. Can’t stand the green bubbles.”

“I have an Android,” Jason grumbles behind me.

I don’t respond to him directly, only smile,keeping my eyes focused on the clerk. As soon as I crack that grin, his heart picks up speed and the pheromones pour off him. His desire is palpable.

He laughs a little too hard and points to a flashy model on the wall. “How big?”

“The bigger the better.” I put a hand on his shoulder, eyes flashing purple. “And I don’t think any ID will be necessary. I’m sure you can just look up my account if I give you the number.”

He gulps with a blush and a sheepish smile. “I can definitely do that as long as I can keep that number for myself.”

“Aren’t you just the cutest thing?” I stroke his arm with my fingers. He all but runs to the back, leaving me with Jason. Good. My gifts are still in top shape, but Jason folds his arms across his chest with a pinched expression on his face.

---