Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(67)

Matthias nodded. He’d eaten it while on a mission in Italy during World War II, guarding one of the Infernati’s most infamous minions. “I haven’t had it in a while, but it was tasty. I ate it when… never mind.”

Serah blew out a frustrated breath.

Just because he wasn’t that forthcoming with his personal stories of woe didn’t mean he couldn’t do his job. He gritted his teeth.

“It’s still lasagna, just made a little differently.”

“If you say so.”

“I know so.” She raised her chin defiantly. Bloody hell, he hated when she did that. It drove him mad.

The phone clicked back over. Bloody hell twice over. Leave it to Rafael to cool his lust. “Still there, Ambrose?”

“One moment.” He covered the receiver. “Deleon picked back up.”

“I suppose you want some privacy so you can continue your manly talk of battle plans and strategies?”

“Something like that.”

“Fine. I’ll be in the kitchen.” With that she spun around and marched out the door.

Matthias winced. It was for the best. The less she knew about him the better. He took a deep breath and went back to the phone. “Serah just told me Daniel left to run a few errands. Are the phantoms ready?”

“As ready as they can be.” Rafael chuckled. “Rupert and Nigel almost turned me down, until I told them who they would be helping.”

“Oh?”

“It appears Serah has quite the fan club at the soup kitchen.”

Matthias arched an eyebrow. “Umm, should I ask?”

“Apparently no one makes soup quite like her.”

Matthias shook his head, a smile curving his lips. That didn’t surprise him in the least. If she cooked as good as she looked, he was done for. He’d get the chance to sample her skills in a bit. At least he could taste one thing Serah offered without being strung up by his fingernails. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t tried her cooking yet.”

“Too bad.”

“You don’t need nourishment to survive though.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m going to turn down a home-cooked meal. Especially one cooked by Serah SanGermano.”

“Why not eat your fiancée’s food.”

“I’m not quite certain it is safe for demon consumption.”

Matthias cringed. “Lucy lets you talk this way about her domestic skills?”

“She’s the one who said it, not me.” Rafael cleared his throat. “But back to business. I’m going to discuss our plans with our two British phantoms. I’ll call back in an hour.”

“Sounds good. Be safe.” With that, he ended the call.

He exhaled long and hard. No. Those two had it all. An open and honest relationship. He’d never have that with Serah. That sort of honesty would only send her further away. Right now, that was the last thing he wanted.





Chapter 27


What was the deal with that man? He had to be the biggest ass she’d ever dealt with. Well, not far from it. But part of him intrigued her. To the point of distraction. Not a good thing where heat and flame were involved.

She cranked off the water and heaved the stock pot from the sink. Lugging the heavy pan to the stove top, she grumbled beneath her breath.

“Let me help you with that.”

And there went her concentration. His spicy, woodsy scent wafted through the air and right up her nose. She inhaled deeply. God, she loved that scent.

Stupid man!

“I’ve got it,” she said. Water sloshed and splashed, hitting her in the face.

He came to stand behind her. “I insist,” he said, his breath inches from her ear.

She shivered. Her body melted. Her hands shook. More water sloshed over the side and splashed onto the floor. He needed to stop whatever it was he was doing… before she did something she would regret.

“I don’t know what you’re doing, Matthias.” The pot slipped in her hands.

“Just let me help you,” he whispered.

Serah’s breath caught. Her pulse raced. Her body, of its own volition, pressed back against him. As her body melded into his, she gasped. He was just as turned-on.

“I… I banned you from the kitchen,” she breathed out, her hands trembling. The water continued to slosh over the side.

“Did you?” He snaked his arm around her and pulled her closer, grinding his hardness against her backside. Heat pounded its way through her body, from her head right down to the tips of her toes. Electricity zinged across her skin. What on earth was he trying to do?

“I’m going to drop the pot.”

“Are you?” Not a man of many words, was he? And her words were fleeting as well. More energy roared through her body. Her fingers tingled.

This sort of energy wasn’t safe. It was volatile. It would burn her to a crisp if it continued. But her body made up its own mind. She leaned her neck back, her head resting on his chest. “What are you doing to me?”

“Nothing,” he said with a quick nip to her earlobe. It was a wonder that she still managed to grip the pot handles. “Serah, turn around and give me the pot.” He chuckled, the rumble reverberating through her body. “I do know how to at least boil a pot of water. There’s no grease involved, right?”