Page 92 of I Accidentally Hired a Shadow Walker
I scoffed, placing my hand on my chest. “I do? When did I agree to that?”
“Yes,” she said. “But it appears I’ve miscalculated things. I’ll be here when you’re ready. Besides, you have other things to worry about now. That friend of yours…she may not last long here.”
“Natalie?” My heart skipped a beat. “What’s wrong with her? What do you know?”
“I know she’s human.” Likosa sighed, a somber expression masking her face. “Most humans don’t adapt well. They either die or they mutate. Either way, you’ll want to get her back to Earth as soon as possible.”
“Can you help us save her?” I asked desperately. “I don’t want her to die here.”
“My help comes with a bargain.” She stood from the throne and took four deliberate steps. “What are you willing to do for me?”
Marriage. She wants you to marry Raymond.
“No, we can figure it out on our own.” Raymond pulled my hand into his. “Keep your bargains for the next fool.”
The shadow wall opened behind us, and he turned, pulling me with him.
“Wait,” Likosa called out. She pulled the scarf from around her neck as she reached me. Then, with a cool smile on her face, she slowly wrapped it around my neck. “You’ll need this. Keep it close.”
23
Damn, I need a nap.
Iopened my eyes from a quick call with Jackie, where I filled her in on everything. She, of course, clung to the idea of Raymond and me being married, and that was when I had to end it. Her head floated in front of me, fuzzy and unnerving, eyes filled with unspoken judgement.
“We’re supposed to be focused on Natalie!” I fussed at her. If I could have grabbed her by the shoulders to shake her, I would have.
“Yeah, and then we can plan a wedding!” she teased.
“I’m leaving.” I sucked my teeth then released the stone from my hand. My vision cleared, and I was back in the condo, sitting on the leather sofa next to Raymond. “So dang annoying.”
I muttered, and Raymond’s head snapped toward me. “You’re back.”
“Yeah, I am.” I tucked the stone back into my shirt.
“What is it?” He sat next to me, a mask of concern twisting his expression. “Is something wrong back on Earth?”
“No, everything is okay. Just Jackie being Jackie. You know how she can be.”
“Demanding more sushi?” He smirked at his lighthearted joke. “How much do you owe her now?”
“Not yet, but it’s definitely coming.” I rolled my neck. “I’m sure the longer we’re here, the higher the tally grows.”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ll cover the tab.”
“You know, what I really wish is that I could have one of those little donuts right now.” My stomach ached at the thought of the sweet treats. “I know they aren’t the best thing for me, but neither is going to another world to face off against demons.”
“Ask, and you shall receive.” The corner of his lips twisted up into a half smile as he placed the little packet in my hand. “I told you I had plenty for the trip.”
“Oh, thank you!” I snatched the little package away from him so quickly, I almost scratched him. “Sorry. That was a lot more aggressive than I planned.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He chuckled as he watched me open the package and quickly devour the first sweet treat.
“What’s that?” I looked up from the donut in my hand to see Cufio walking back into the room. They’d left us alone before I made the call to Jackie.
“Something to keep her happy,” Raymond said as another packet of donuts appeared in his hand for me. “Did you find out anything useful while you were gone?”
“Actually, I did. I spoke with Punal,” Cufio spoke. “He said Klougus is open to a meeting.”
