Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(42)

“Damn it, where’s that fire extinguisher!”

“What the hell is going on?”

Serah burst into the kitchen, a damp towel tightly wrapped around her curvy body. An equally damp towel wrapped around her head, shielding her beautiful curls from his view. Even in a towel, the woman was magnificent. Damn. How could his mind wander to a place like that now? Her eyes, widening in horror, curbed his overactive libido. “Jesus Christ!”

She ripped open a cupboard and yanked out a giant yellow cardboard box with an arm holding a hammer stamped on it. With a forceful shove, she pushed Matthias out of the way. She pulled out the spout and poured its white powdery contents onto the fire, the flames dying and smoke billowing and churning in the air.

“It’s a grease fire. Water doesn’t work.” She sat the box down on the blackened counter and wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, a charcoal streak forming in its place. “You are not allowed in my kitchen ever again.”

“I didn’t know,” was all he could mutter.

Coughing and sputtering, she swatted at the smoke. “My kitchen is ruined.”

Matthias rubbed his chin. Sorry wouldn’t cut it right now. How was he to know that, over the centuries, cooking would become such a complicated task. Life was supposed to become easier as the world evolved, after all. “I haven’t cooked in few centuries. I’m sorry, Serah. I was just trying to help out.”

She grabbed the blackened pan from the stove and dropped it into the trash. “Be helpful by fixing the door you destroyed last night. I hope your carpentry skills are better than your cooking.” Picking up the crispy towel off the counter, she blew out a deep sigh. “I hope Kalli can clean up this mess.”

Kalli Corapolous. He’d heard stories about her and her abilities. Cleaning, mind reading, tracking demons, to name a few. Matter of fact, she’d almost tracked him on several occasions. If she was as good as the stories he’d heard, she shouldn’t have any problems with a small kitchen.

“Was the mess caused by a demon?”

She shrugged. “I guess so, but she’s cleaned up a few of my messes too.”

“Because you know of our nature. You were blessed at some time in your life, which makes you even more powerful.”

“Fine I’ll call her from the shop. I still have to do my hair and makeup. I need to get ready for the audition, and I don’t want to be late.”

“Makeup?”

“You know, stuff women wear on their faces to make themselves look better?”

Look better? If she looked any better, he would die right then and there. “You don’t need makeup.”

“Yeah, right, tell that to the rings under my eyes. I only got a couple hours of sleep.”

Matthias nodded. So much for a compliment. “What about breakfast?”

“I’ll stop by BigBob’s on the way to the shop.”

“BigBob’s?” Matthias shuddered at the name. “Sounds interesting.”

“BigBob’s coffee is the best. Even better than Starbucks.” She scanned the counter, and picked up a half-melted coffee cup, the two B’s wilting and melting together. “Looks like I need a new cup anyway.” She dropped it into the trash can.

“Fine. What about your furry friend?”

“Farquhar? He can take care of himself.”

“Does he always sleep during fires?”

“No, but you were here weren’t you?” Serah smirked. “Then again, if you weren’t here, my kitchen would be fine.”

“Touché.”

“Oh, well. Kalli and her magic pail of wonder can fix it, but we are going to have a serious sit-down with Lucy and Rafe, especially if I get the show.”

She’d get the show. Despite her stubborn streak, the woman had charm. And, of course, she was beautiful, from those two sparking sapphire eyes to her full pouty lips. And those curves. This Daniel person would have to be blind not to notice.

If only he could be that lucky. “We can discuss this show later. I still don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“I signed an agreement. It’s too late.”

Matthias crossed his arms. “I can be very persuasive.”

“If you enrapture Daniel Blackburn, I’ll kick you back to limbo myself. Got it?”

“Fine, but if I smell any brimstone, I can’t guarantee I’ll be so kind.”

She angled her chin high and stood proud—all while wearing that damned towel. He longed to pull that towel off her too-tempting body and have his way with her right on the kitchen table. If she continued to stand there so defiantly, he didn’t know how long he could last. Clenching his teeth, he reined in all his remaining control. She finally spoke. “Fair enough, but you have nothing to worry about. I doubt the host of a popular cooking show is a demon. Don’t they usually keep low profiles?”

“Let’s hope you’re right, Serah.” He’d seen some of those so-called celebrities. If they weren’t demons, then there was no hope for Hollywood. He spun toward the dining area and marched through the doorway. The sooner he got her towel-clad body out of his sight, the better.





Chapter 18


She didn’t like the way he stared at her. Like he was the one she should be running from. Like a tiger ready to pounce on his prey. She scrubbed at her soot-streaked face. Running a brush through her dampened curls, she sighed.