Deal with a Demon (Kindle Serial) Read Free Page A

eyes at him and he saw suspicion brewing clouds in her gaze. He wondered if he’d be able to use his Gift on someone with eyes like those; the storms she stirred there might be stronger than his talent, which only made him want to try it on her more.
    Before he got the chance, she marched out of the room. Two seconds later she returned, a tattered leather journal in hand.
    “Most of what’s in here is gibberish.”
    He couldn’t resist running a finger across the back of her hand when he took it from her. “I’ll be the judge of what’s important.”
    She snatched her hand away and glared at him from under the fringe of her hair. “Just read it and tell me what the fuck’s going on.”
    Oh, he was going to enjoy making her mouth say the word “fuck” to him. It would be more like begging him for it but…
    He pulled his wandering thoughts away from his crotch and back into the head on his shoulders. He flipped through the stained pages to read the last entry in the book.
    “Well?” She’d moved away and leaned against the doorframe.
    Sorro. Shit. Seeing that demon’s name in the brother’s journal did not leave much room for a positive outcome. How did Sorro get out of the Fourth in the first place? And what could he possibly want with a living human?
    He should’ve known it was too good to be true. To meet the requirement of the Incubai King, he thought all he would have to do was use his Gift to get her to submit, and then convince her to go with him. Now it was all fucked. He’d have to go home, back to the pointless existence he’d been living, and sit and wait for another opportunity.
    Of one thing he was certain: he’d make it a point to find Sorro and show him what happens when you inconvenience an Asmodai.
    He tossed the worthless journal on the floor and turned to her. “There’s nothing I can do.”
    “You’re not going to help me?” Her eyes had almost changed color — like a winter river.
    “I’m sorry.” He wasn’t. “I’m not getting involved.” True. If Sorro had taken her brother, he was a goner and nothing could be done about it. A demon didn’t get named after an emotion like grief if he led people to happy endings.
    He hated the thought of not getting what he’d come for. Hated the fact that his first Call in six months, and a chance to put the final piece in place for his change to Incubus, was a total waste of time. Who knew how long he’d have to wait for another opportunity? And he didn’t want to wait any longer, but this situation wasn’t part of his plan. Too messy. “I’m afraid you’re on your own.”
    “I thought you were supposed to be some kind of demon knight in shining armor. What happened to your Helper bullshit?”
    “You know, you really are lovely when you’re fired up.”
    “Don’t you dare change the subject.” Nic moved closer and pointed at him. “Why can’t you help?”
    “If Sorro has taken him, there’s nothing I can do.”
    Her stone glare reminded him not to underestimate her. His sore temple was a throbbing reminder of her capabilities, but he was still wholly unprepared for the way she chose to make her point.
    He stared down the barrel of her gun and chewed at the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. He hadn’t even seen her reach for her weapon. She was full of surprises, this one.
    Arden knew he needed to tread lightly or he’d end up with a hole in his head. The shot wouldn’t kill him, but the recovery time would be substantial and he’d wasted enough time already. “Let’s not get carried away.”
    “I’m not getting carried away. I’m simply making myself perfectly clear.” Her hands were sure on the weapon’s grip and she smiled.
    “Point taken. Now, would you kindly lower that thing and let me explain.” At first she hesitated, but then just switched her target from his head to his chest. Well, that was a little better — a chest shot would be a lot easier to heal.
    “You’re going to help me find my