Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(85)

“Well, I figured I could use the necklace to do other things.”

“If you are looking of ways to increase your productivity, I’d look elsewhere, hon,” Lucy said with a chuckle. “Our powers are not to be overused.” She turned to Rafe. “I assume the same thing goes for Pure-Bloods, right?”

Rafael nodded. “When people misuse their power, bad things happen. I’ve seen good demons—and humans—go bad.”

Matthias couldn’t agree more. He’d seen his fair share of power-hunger on both sides, Infernati and Paladin alike.

“How well you people know me. I was just going to try and harness some of that cleaning mojo Kalli likes to sling around.”

“Well, that would make Kalli’s life a little easier.” Lucy smirked. “You know how she hates getting called at all hours of the day and night because some imp invaded your dinner party.” She snorted. “Let’s not forget that one wedding. That poor cake never stood a chance. I never knew an imp could throw that far.”

Serah crossed her arms. “All these demons hate me just for being born. How fun is that?”

“It sucks, I imagine.” Lucy certainly didn’t sugar coat things, which oddly enough added to her charm.

“Fine, so you’ll let me try it out then?”

“Sure, and if it doesn’t work, it’s nothing that a professional can’t handle.” Lucy pulled out her cell phone. “I’ve got Kalli ready on speed-dial.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Serah said with a frown.

He hated that frown. It made him shiver. He wished she could never frown again. He reached out and took her hand in his. “I know you don’t particularly care for me right now, but I know you can do it.”

“Well, at least one person trusts me.” She leaned in and whispered, “Thanks.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. What was that for? His whole body sizzled. Sparks flew through his veins. Bloody hell.

“Here goes nothing.” She closed her eyes and stood tall. She threw her hands up in the air, and her head flew back. With that, a large burst of light flew from the necklace, bathing the entire kitchen with warmth. The shimmers of light trickled away to reveal a brilliantly clean kitchen. The counters and floor sparkled. Every utensil and pot gleamed bright. It was so clean that Matthias could eat off the floor if need be. She could definitely give one of the Paladin’s best cleaners a run for their money.

“Is it safe to open my eyes now?”

Lucy and Rafael stood there, mouths agape—just as amazed as he was.

“Well?”

Lucy finally found her voice. “It’s safe. Really safe.”

Serah inched her eyes open. “Wow!” she gasped. “I did that?” She covered her mouth, shock still evident in her gaze.

Matthias nodded. She was indeed special. He would do everything in his power to keep her safe. He owed it to her. He owed her his life. She helped him in so many ways.

“You are an amazing woman, Serah SanGermano.”

“If you think I’m amazing, you should have met my Nonni.” She smiled, her hand drifting across the locket again. “She wanted to protect me.”

“We all make mistakes, Serah.” And he was living proof of that. He’d made the biggest mistake when he accepted that mission. He wished he could take it back—every bit of it. But what was done was done. He’d live with it. Then again, what other choice did he have?

“You did what you thought you had to do to save your family. My Nonni did the same thing.”

Matthias nodded. “I wish we could have met under different circumstances, Serah. Believe that.”

“I do.”

“Good.”

Lucy cleared her throat. “We’re still here, you know. Should we get back to business?

“A few of the phantoms are hovering around the hotel to check for anyone or anything that seems out of place. So far, nothing. Either this guy’s record is extremely clean, or he is working for a demon who is.”

“I’m betting on the last one,” Matthias added.

Rafael’s expression grew pensive. “Oh?”

“He mentioned my name to the person he was talking to on the phone.” He hadn’t thought much of it at the time, but now that he did, it made perfect sense.

“So it could be a demon who knows you?” Serah asked.

Rafael smirked. “There isn’t a demon—Infernati or Paladin—who hasn’t heard of Matthias Ambrose. As much as I hate to admit this, you’re a legend.”

“I wish I had a legend worth talking about. Not one because I fought and killed a lot of demons.” Some legend that was.

“I read your record before you were assigned. The Paladins you killed… they straddled the line of right and wrong. They all deserved the fate you dealt them.”

“If you say so.” Matthias blew out a deep breath of air. Every time he took a mission, he worried that it would take him over the edge. He almost had with Serah. His mind wandered to the sex, her body against his, her fingers digging into his shoulders. Never mind. He already had stepped way over the edge.

Lucy took a glass from a cupboard and headed toward the refrigerator. She pulled out a bottle of soda and unscrewed the cap.

“So how are we supposed to proceed with Daniel?” She poured the brown, fizzy cola into the glass and took a sip.