Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(26)

Serah narrowed her gaze. She could only wish to look so beautiful. “Yet you say you aren’t a sorceress. You really had me fooled there—for a second.”

Matthias’s jaw ticked. “She’s no sorceress.”

“Yeah, right.”

“She’s a goddess.”

Then again, she should have figured.

“Goddess?” Serah arched a brow. What the hell else was this town hiding? The Ark of the Covenant? Then again, with her experience in antique chests, that wouldn’t be a big surprise.

Matthias clenched his fists and his jaw ticked—judging by the scathing gaze he aimed at the goddess, he knew her well.

“But I thought they all were converted to demonism.”

Matthias groaned. “Not all.”

“If all of us were converted, there wouldn’t be anyone to pray to.” She chuckled. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Matthias scrubbed his fingers across his chin and paced in front of the expansive sofa. “Serah SanGermano, meet Minerva. The—”

“Wisdom?”

“Well, you know who I am, so that’s a start.” She smiled and removed the winged headdress, setting it on the gold-trimmed end table. “And wisdom is subjective.”

“I don’t always feel so wise all the time. Is there a crime in that?”

“Wise people learn from their mistakes. Have you?”

“I’ve learned to not spend time in metaphysical, antique, and secondhand shops.” She got up from the seat.

Matthias grabbed her wrist, the contact sending electrical impulses shooting through her body. “Minerva never shows herself unless there’s a reason.” He turned to face Minerva, his voice stony. “What exactly are your reasons?”

“Your debt has long been paid, Matthias.” She traced a finger down his cheek.

Serah’s nostrils flared. She bit her lip and clenched her fists. “What sort of debt?”

Minerva’s eyes widened, and a singsong chuckle burst from her mouth. “Oh! I had something he wanted, and he had something I wanted. It was a fair trade.”

What exactly did he want? What else was this demon hiding? She didn’t like it one bit. Minerva sat there behind her nondescript facade. She liked this supposed goddess less every moment. The sooner she could get back home, the better. Matter of fact, the sooner she could get the hell away from malodorous demons and mysterious goddesses, the better too.

“It’s really not my place to discuss,” Minerva said with a flip of her golden hair. “You’re here because I have my own debts to pay.”

Matthias lunged forward and yanked Minerva to face him. “I won’t let you take her.”

Serah blinked. Was she really in that much demand? Then again, Balthazar seemed to want her. She just assumed it was him trying to get under Matthias’s skin, but something else flashed in the walking cesspool’s eyes that scared her to death.

She stifled the chuckle. Had he actually suggested Matthias was attracted to her? Yeah right! As if some muscle-bound giant was interested in her. Heck, someone that built didn’t dare eat the stuff she was fond of cooking. She was Italian, after all. Can you say carbohydrate central?

Minerva hissed and with a light push sent Matthias flying back against the back of the sofa, the impact sending them both reeling.

Holy shit! What did they want from her? A catered three-course meal with devil’s food cake for dessert? That was all she was probably good for.

“I owe one of my dearest friends. I promised her I would deliver something.”

“Don’t let us stop you.” Matthias crossed his arms and leaned into the sofa.

“Good, now that we have that all out of the way.” Minerva steepled her fingers and rose from the chair. She snapped her fingers and a golden tray with three glasses of red wine appeared on the table. She plucked two of the glasses and handed them to Serah and Matthias, the red liquid sloshing. “Wine?”

Serah hesitated. She glanced toward Matthias, who was equally hesitant.

Minerva’s lips spread into a wide smile. “Lambrusco. A little birdie told me it was your favorite.” She thrust the glass out to Serah, giving her no chance to refuse. “Of the Dolce variety too.”

Serah took the fine crystal glass into her hand, allowing her fingertips to trace along the etchings. How did this woman know sweet Lambrusco was her favorite? Maybe she really was Minerva. “Thank you.”

Minerva nodded. “You’re welcome.”

Bringing the crystal up to her nose, Serah inhaled the deep, heady scent. Whatever vintage it was, it was exquisite. She took a sip. Despite the slight dryness, the delicate fizz burst along her tongue and the delicious notes of berries swirled in her mouth. It was amazing.

The goddess turned to Matthias and shoved the glass in his hand. “I don’t care if it isn’t your favorite. You demons need to broaden your tastes.”

Matthias grumbled. His eyes shooting daggers, he took a healthy sip of wine, gulping visibly as he swallowed. “Happy now?”

“Very.” Minerva swished toward the back hallway. “Now if you will follow me?”

Matthias rose from the sofa and placed his hands on his waist. He dwarfed the goddess by a good six inches. Either he was brave or just incredibly stupid. If this woman was truly a goddess, no one in his right mind would dare challenge her. Gods had smote people for less. “What sort of debt, Minerva? And don’t dance around the subject.”