Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(64)

Lucy tilted her head, a lopsided smirk curving her lips. “That’s how it always starts.”

“A relationship with a human is inappropriate. I don’t want to risk the Fore-Demons’ displeasure.”

Lucy snickered. “You don’t want to know what I think of the Fore-Demons. As for Serah, I don’t blame you for caring for her. She has this personality that just captures you instantly.” She smiled. There was no masking the admiration Lucy had for her friend.

All camaraderie aside, he did have a mission to fulfill. Relationships, physical and emotional, only made matters worse. He couldn’t get attached more than he already had. He couldn’t have Serah’s friend putting these insane thoughts in his head.

He needed to keep his distance. And as a bodyguard that was impossible. And it didn’t help matters that Lucy sensed his obsession. Damn succubi. They were too damn smart where lust was concerned.

“The Fore-Demons do what they do for good reason. Don’t forget that.”

Lucy nodded. “Very true. As for inappropriate relationships, the Fore-Demons had no qualms about Rafe and me.”

“Unfortunately, Princess Lucia, you don’t count.”

She huffed. “Trust me, I’m a princess in name only.” She leaned over the desk, her greenish-gold eyes glittering. “And no matter how hard you try to deny it, I know you have more than just a professional interest in my friend.” Lucy drew her eyebrows together. “I also can tell you’re hiding something. I’m not one for secrets, and neither is Serah.”

“Is it a crime that I find her somewhat attractive?” Somewhat? Matthias reigned in the intense desire to snort in laughter. More like “utterly.” No… not even utterly. No amount of words could describe how beautiful she was. He drew his mouth straight and returned her glare with another stony one of his own. “And as far as I recall, it also isn’t a crime that I keep my private life to myself.”

Lucy leaned back and threw her hands up in defeat. “You’re right. It isn’t.” She blew out a long breath. “I just want to make sure my friend is safe.”

“You might not trust me, Lucy, but I swear that I will do everything in my power to protect Serah.”

“I don’t doubt that you have good intentions, Matthias.” Lucy steepled her fingers. “But I’m worried that whatever it is you’re hiding from will put Serah in danger.”

“What I have in my personal life will not affect this mission.”

Lucy cracked her knuckles, her glare intensifying. “Let’s hope it doesn’t.”

Lucy’s threat, although friendly, was very serious. He was in worse trouble than he thought.





Chapter 26


If Daniel was an Infernati minion, he did an excellent job of hiding it. Most of the minions she’d seen and dealt with since her problems started were not the best at hiding their natures. They stuck out like sore thumbs.

Yet, she still remained cautious. Cautiously optimistic, she guessed.

“Hey, where’s the alcohol?”

“Didn’t you read any of that paperwork you printed?”

A sheepish smile spread across Daniel’s lips. “I didn’t get a chance to.”

“Well, true Italian tiramisu doesn’t have any liquor or wine in it.”

“What’s the fun in that?”

“I was just seeing if you were on your toes. Most the tiramisu recipes I’ve gleaned during my training either call for Italian brandy or Marsala wine.” She traced her fingertip over the glossy surface of the liquor cabinet and opened it. “I prefer to preserve the coffee flavor, so I use this.” She reached in and pulled out a bottle of Kahlúa. Tracing her fingertips over the smooth, brown glass, she grinned. “It’s not Italian, but it tastes damn good.”

“I don’t care much for brandy anyway.”

“Good.” Serah reached for the measuring cup and cracked open the bottle.

She measured the liqueur to the bowl of sugar and espresso and passed Daniel the bowl. “Can you stir?”

“Can I?” Daniel grabbed the wooden spoon from the counter. “I think so.”

Smiling he stuck the spoon in the bowl and mixed everything together. “How long do I stir?”

“The sugar needs to dissolve.” She headed to the refrigerator and gripped the handle, the stainless steel cool against her skin. “I’ll take care of the eggs, okay?”

“Just don’t get it on your face.” Daniel flashed a toothy grin. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”

She pulled out four eggs and placed them in the Pyrex bowl sitting next to the fridge. Daniel couldn’t possibly be bad. Even Infernati and their minions weren’t the joking types. But still, she wouldn’t let her guard down. Not until Matthias and the others gave her the all-clear.

“Ha ha.” She removed the eggs from the bowl and pulled open a drawer. She grabbed an egg separator. She didn’t want any accidents.

“Ahh, you’re cheating.”

“Better safe than sorry. The person who invented the egg separator has my undying gratitude.”

“To each her own.” Daniel kept busy stirring the liquid mixture, still smiling that wide smile. Maybe he did stand out in a crowd. No one, not even a celebrity smiled that much, even one as attractive as Daniel Blackburn.