Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(60)

Sleet and snow pummeled Serah’s face as the winds churned around them. Her curls whipped and whirled around her face. She shielded her face in a futile attempt to keep away from the snow’s violent flurry. If only he could take her in his arms to keep her warm.

Who was to say he shouldn’t? After all, it was his mission to protect her. He pushed himself through the ice and snow. He’d keep her warm. She could beat the hell out of him after the frost and ice dissipated.

He reached out and grabbed Serah. Cradling her tight to his body, he crouched over her, his back taking the wind instead of hers. Oddly enough, she didn’t resist. She relaxed in his embrace and burrowed closer. It took every fiber of restraint to stop his fingers from tangling his fingers through her sable curls. Damn, how he wanted to.

The winds dissipated. Ice and snow evaporated into a mist around them. Serah sighed softly against his chest, her hands gripping the collar of his shirt. Was she ever going to let go? Hopefully not any time soon.

“So, umm, it’s safe now, you know?”

Lucy’s words hit him in the face like a bucket full of icy water. Serah jumped back and let go of his shirt. Brushing snow from her hair, she shook her head. “Even a single Peragrans is bad. Lucy, you lied. How do you handle all that snow?”

“You get used to it.” She tapped her foot on the ground. “Everything evaporates in a matter of minutes.”

Matthias reached for Serah’s hand. “I’m sorry. You looked cold. I’m here for your protection, including a snowstorm in your office.”

“I appreciate it. Really, I do. Thanks, Matthias.” Shivering, she brushed a curl from her cheek. “God, that was cold.”

“As Lucy said, you’ll get used to it.”

“God, I hope so. And I pray you don’t have to do that very much while you’re here.”

At least they were making conversation. It was a start. And a nice way to at least try and break the ice again.

“If I need to—as you call it—poof. I’ll make sure to do it privately.”

Lucy smiled. “What a gentleman.”

“I do try.”

Serah smirked. “You still need a little more work, but I do see promise.”

Well, it was something of a compliment. He’d take it. “Thank you, I think.”

“You’re welcome.” Serah leaned against the desk and drummed her fingers on its glossy surface. “So did you want to look up furniture while I finish up the tiramisu with Daniel?”

“I can’t protect you from here.”

“I know, but I’d prefer to discuss this with Daniel first.”

He clenched his jaw. It wasn’t safe. She’d be vulnerable. “I need to protect you. What if he tries something?”

“Lucy’s here, silly. Trust me, she’s good. She’s saved my ass several times already.”

“How good.”

Lucy blew out a mirthful snort. “This good.”

With that, she jumped in the air. In a matter of a second, she flipped backward. Balancing on her fingertips, she leapt back up on her feet. To punctuate her threat, she kicked out her leg, her tennis shoe two centimeters from his nose.

Both eyebrows arched up. He’d heard she had excellent martial arts skills. He just didn’t know how good. “Amazing.”

Serah grinned. “Tell me about it. Lucy could kick Jean-Claude Van Damme’s ass.”

Lucy shrugged. “I don’t like to brag, but it’d be a decent fight.”

Modesty was not something he’d expect from a succubus. Then again she was part-human. Her soul was still intact. His, however, was long gone.

Serah’s voice broke his thoughts. “Well?”

“Well what?”

“Want to look at furniture for a bit?”

“Why would I want to do that?” Matthias asked.

“Well, if you’re going to be here for a while, you should be comfortable, at least.” Serah offered him a friendly smile. A genuine smile, not fake. His heart rose. “I was planning on redecorating soon anyway.”

“I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

Serah shook her head. “No inconvenience at all. Look, I know we don’t see eye to eye on some things, but I can see you have good intentions, whatever they may be.”

“Well. I just…”

“It’s no bother, really.”

“I mean—ahh…” Matthias froze. What was he doing? He had to remain strong, in control. Bumbling like a buffoon didn’t help him any. Did she truly care about his comfort or was she just trying to keep the peace?

Serah crossed her arms, her lips started to curve downward. Oh God, he hated when she frowned.

“Is there any particular style that interests you?”

“Not really.” She picked up some magazines from the desk and thumbed through them. “Here are some catalogs I got in the mail. You can try searching online too.”

“Sounds good.”

“One thing.” She waved her finger at him.

“What?”

“Stay away from IKEA.”

Lucy and Serah both snickered. “I don’t think they’re built to handle demons of your size.”

“Cheaper isn’t necessarily better,” Serah added. “But they do make some nice stuff—for normal people.”