Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(56)

Matthias adjusted the phone to his ear, his grip tight. One little bit of honesty wouldn’t hurt Rafael. “One that is now dead.”

And that was all he could say for now.

“You killed that angel, didn’t you?”

“No. Be here in five minutes.” He pulled the phone from his ear and slammed his thumb on the red dot to end the call.

Between Edie and Daniel, something smelled fishy. And it certainly wasn’t salmon. He’d get to the bottom of this. He’d make sure of it.

He slipped the phone into his back pocket and reclined in the chair. Maybe a little meditation would help clear his mind.

The door swung open. His meditation would have to wait.

Serah stood there in the doorway, a pristine white chef’s jacket hiding his view of the swirly blue dress he’d suggested she wear earlier. Sadly, it hid her sultry curves as well.

“I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”

“No. I just spoke to Deleon. Lucia and he are on their way.”

Serah wrung her hands in front of her. “Yeah… about that…”

Matthias narrowed his gaze. He didn’t like the sound of that. “What is it?”

“It’s going to get crowded. Daniel and his crew will probably take up most of the kitchen.”

Matthias leaned over the desk, and narrowed his gaze. “And?”

Taking cautious steps closer, Serah gulped. “Daniel needs you guys to make yourselves scarce during the recording. They like a more intimate environment.”

Intimate? What the hell kind of show were they filming? It was a blasted cooking show, not a romance. His jaw twitched. He gripped the edge of the desk. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

“There needs be some chemistry between the host and guest. Otherwise, it gets boring.”

Matthias gritted his teeth. He saw the way Serah and Daniel interacted. Smiles, jokes, laughter. They had enough chemistry already. “You look like you were getting along just fine.”

Serah shut the door behind her. “Yeah, he’s pretty awesome. And he’s clean. I can sense vibes from people and his appears honest and good.”

“I’m still not convinced.” Sure, Daniel looked like any normal person, but there was just something about him that screamed caution. “Edie as well. How long has she worked here?”

Serah’s gaze sparked and her lips drew straight. “Now you have a problem with my employees?” She took a deep breath and paced in front of the desk. “For your information, I hired Edie after my grandmother died. She had very good references.”

Matthias bolted from the chair and stormed toward her. She had no idea of the danger she was in. He grabbed her by the shoulders and glared down at her. She glared back, defiantly lifting her chin. His body reacted accordingly. His heart pounded and hot sizzling energy ripped through him. He throbbed against the boxers he still wore. Bloody hell. Who knew defiance could be such a turn-on.

Controlling the emotions colliding inside, he reached and brushed aside one of her curls. “I just want you safe—is that so wrong?”

Serah’s gaze softened and lowered to the floor. Hopefully she wouldn’t notice the problem that had recently arisen.

“No, you are dedicated to your mission,” she said, her voice wavering. “Like all Paladins are.”

“Good. So you will tell Daniel I won’t let you leave my sight?”

“I’ll try, but it’s his producer who’s calling the shots.”

“Is the producer here?”

“No, she’s not.”

“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”

“I guess,” Serah said with a shrug. I’ll talk to him.”

“That’s all I’m asking.” He pulled away and turned to look out the window. Trees lined a lazy river. They swayed with the breeze, their leaves of golds, reds, and oranges fluttering in the wind. Breathtaking, but not as breathtaking as Serah. This was getting to be too much. The sooner this mission was complete, the better.

***

Great. Now she had to worry about Edie too? Who knew what side she was on. Team Daniel or Team Matthias. Wonderful, now she was starting to sound like a vampire-and werewolf-obsessed teenager.

And what was Matthias’s deal? In one moment he was tender. The next, he was uptight and distant. If the signals got any more mixed, she’d need a strainer to separate them.

“I’m not done here.” She’d get down to the bottom of this somehow. She closed the blinds to the office and turned back around. “What is your deal?”

Matthias scrubbed his hand through his hair and turned one way and the other. Then he looked her in the eyes, his onyx pupils sparking and swirling. “My deal?” he asked, his tone incredulous.

Serah stood her ground. She raised her chin and crossed her arms. “Yes. One moment you are tender and caring.” She took a deep breath. “Then next moment you’re an uptight ass.”

His eyes continued to swim like a dark ocean. His jaw twitched. He clenched and unclenched his fists. “Serah, don’t do this now.”

“Do what? Have a discussion?” She shook her head. “You are so infuriating. What were the Fore-Demons thinking sending you here?” She took another breath and exhaled deeply. This breathing thing didn’t work. She was still stressed as hell.