Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(37)

And that was where his mission did a complete one-eighty. Something inside him snapped. He went from mercenary to protector in a nanosecond.

He originally thought it was because Belial reneged on his promise. But something else stirred him into action. Something he couldn’t decipher. It was dangerous and unnerving, yet caused his body to zing.

Maybe he’d been celibate too damn long.

But it was the only way he could keep focused on his missions. Sex only complicated matters. Even a meaningless tryst could turn a simple assignment into an utter failure. But sex with Serah would be far from meaningless. It would be mind-blowing. And if he wanted this mission to be successful, he needed all his wits about him.

An impossible task. Just looking at her sent his wits flying out the window.

“Curse those bloody Fore-Demons.” They knew damn well what they were doing.

A door snicked open. Bloody hell. He didn’t want to see her. Not now, not when he still needed to get control of his rampaging body.

“You can go back to bed, Serah.”

“Sorry tae disappoint ye.” Farquhar whipped his tail against his leg. Daring little imp. “Ah needed tae tak’ a wiz. By th’ way, wa’ was Serah moanin’ yer name?”

“It was just a nightmare.”

“Seriously?” Farquhar mewed out a laugh. “That was nae nightmare.”

“She told me it was nothing.”

“Ye expect me tae believe that guff?” Farquhar shook his black-and-white-furred head. “Haven’t ye ever… ye ken?”

“Know what?”

Farquhar rolled his round eyes. “Forget it. Ye Paladins need tae get oot more often. By the way, blankets an’ spare pillows are in the hall closet. But ye really dinnae need them, dae ye?”

Matthias shrugged. It was uncommon knowledge that demons didn’t need sleep to function, but despite the unnatural stamina, handling Serah SanGermano’s stubborn streak left him completely drained. He’d never felt so vulnerable in centuries.

“I enjoy a rest every so often.”

“Fair enaw.” With that, Farquhar sauntered down the hallway and pushed open the bathroom door. “Wha’ever ye want tae believe. ’At wasnae a moan o’ distress. If ye try anythin’, I’ll slice ye frae limb tae limb.” He raised his paw and extended his five claws, one by one. “Got it?”

Matthias offered a silent nod.

“Guid.” Tail flicking back and forth, Farquhar swished into the bathroom.

“Shit,” Matthias muttered beneath his breath. He’d heard her moan like that before. When they were locked up in the Infernati dungeon. There was no doubt now. Her memories were coming back.

She was getting stronger. It was only a matter of time before the truth made itself known. His stomach pitched at the thought. She would hate him.

He couldn’t blame her. He deserved it. To be honest, he deserved worse. And when she remembered, the worst was yet to come.

“The Fore-Demons must have lost their minds.” If he were one of them, he’d never allow himself to join. If they weren’t crazy, then they had a sadistic sense of humor.

Then again, this was the Fore-Demon Council. He’d heard stories about their strange and twisted ways. They obviously knew more than they were letting on.

Damned Fore-Demons! There was no doubt now. They wanted him to suffer. And suffer he would, if it meant protecting Serah.

Nothing in life was simple. And if it was, it was always too good to be true. He paced in front of the couch and scrubbed the stubble growing along his chin.

The blast of wind chimes reverberated against his eardrums.

Reaching into the pocket of his pants, he fumbled for the mobile phone Deleon insisted he carry. Modern technology was a necessary evil.

He swiped his finger across the green button flashing on the screen.

“Ambrose.”

“Is everything in order?” There was no masking the concern in Rafael’s voice. “Lucy said she tried calling Serah several times tonight.”

“Serah has gone to bed for the evening.”

“Already?”

“It’s eleven thirty.”

Rafael blew out a breath. “She’s a night owl. It’s early for her. What happened?”

“There was an issue while we were at the store.”

“Issue?”

“We were attacked by Balthazar.”

Rafael clucked his tongue. “Balthazar? Not good.”

“Who’s Balthazar?” Matthias heard muffled in the background. Lucia. Thank goodness Serah had such dedicated friends. Who knew where she’d be without Lucia Gregory and Rafael Deleon.

“Hold on a moment, Ambrose.” More muffled words ensued. “Let me get more info from Ambrose.”

He came back to the receiver. “So what happened, and do not sugarcoat it.”

Matthias relayed the entire evening, sans the kiss. If Deleon knew the truth, he’d send him packing back to the Council. He might not have wanted the mission before. Now, on the other hand, he had to protect Serah. She needed him. Hell, he owed it to her.

“And what’s this about some television show she’s signed up for?”

“Television show?”

Of course she didn’t tell them. She knew how’d they react.