Page 104 of Surrendering Hope (The Hope Legacy)

She folds her arms and bites her lip. A look passes between her and Jed. She nods. “I understand, but it’s time you trusted me and Jed. We might be family to Archan, but we aren’t stupid.”

I nod. “Okay, I’m sorry.”

Jed points to the blades. “You have a hiding place for those things?”

“Yes, I –”

“Don’t tell us,” Jed says. “That way Zac can’t torture information out of Emi.”

She snorts. “Like the snot-nosed, temper tantrum throwing toddler could torture me.”

Everyone freezes before laughter rumbles through the cave. My phone rings, Blue Oyster Cult telling me again to not fear the reaper. In truth, there are a hundred other things which frighten me before we get close to death.

I tug my phone from my pocket. “What are you wearing?” I ask in greeting.

A husky chuckle makes a smile tug at my lips. “I’m naked. I need your help to know what to wear for a date. Given that you’re my bestie, I thought you could help.”

I have a room full of wide eyes. I turn around to avoid their judgement. Being rescued from Hell will bond two people regardless of species. I was having suspicions about the evilness of this demon.

“Who’s the lucky girl?”

“You!”

“Huh?” Clever retort, Natia.

“You, me, music, food and a date with the Queen of Poisons.”

“Oh you old romantic, why didn’t you say.”

“Be at the club around eleven. Dress to impress.”

I huff out a laugh and slide the phone in my pocket. “What did he say?” Jed asks.

I spin around. “Looks like I’m going on a date with a demon.” Emi scowls, I sigh. “Look, I’m sorry I didn’t trust you, I didn’t want to put you in a position where you thought you had to choose between me and Archan.”

“Natia, nobody can deny your feelings for Archan. I am confident that you will make this work, but I understand your need to cover all possibilities.”

My shoulders slump. “Thank you.”

A wicked twinkle appears in her eyes. “Of course there are ways you can make it up to me.”

I narrow my eyes. “How?”

She taps a finger against her lips, as if she’s not already thought of something. “Well, before Armageddon, I thought we could have a night out. I need to tell you some of your history, and whilst the bat cave is cozy, I am craving some girl time.”

“Done,” I say. I need to know why I can’t remember my history, and Emi seems to be the only one with answers.

She claps her hands as Zee comes to stand next to her with a huff. “You said the next time you went out you would take me to the hottest club there is and dance circles around me.”

Duncan chuckles as I grin. “No, the deal was if you didn’t see me naked before that time, that you would date someone of my choosing.”

Zee darts a glance at Emi. “Your commitment to me supersedes your girl night.”

Emi wraps an arm around him. “Why don’t we make a big night of it?” He stares at the tiny goddess. “I know the right club and you might even have two people dancing around you?”

A wide grin splits his face. I clap my hands. “Great. Team night out before we all die, perfect!”

Zee snorts. “Like you don’t wanna dance when you get stressed?”

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