Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(96)

“?Dios Mio, Rafe! What are you doing here?”

Rafe’s mouth gaped open. “I could ask you the same.”

“You two know each other?” Matthias whispered.

“Gerardo.”

“Lucy’s guardian angel? I thought earthbound angels couldn’t do blessings.”

“They promoted me.”

“This quickly? Weren’t you at Lucy’s shop earlier?” Rafe asked.

“Guess so. And a good thing too. My first blessing is something for Serah?” He jumped up and down with giddy delight. “?Muy bueno!” He glanced at the bottle in Matthias’s hand. “Is that holy water? Isn’t that already blessed?”

“Colloidal silver, actually.”

“Are you going to try to poison demons? You aren’t supposed to use the weapons in cold blood, you know.”

Of course they knew that. But Rafe gave kudos to Gerardo for keeping their best interests in mind. “No, we aren’t going to vanquish them with it.”

“What will it do?” the Latino angel asked.

“It will turn them blue when they ingest it. We plan on putting some in the tiramisu that Serah will serve to the guests on the show.”

“Wow! What a great idea. Serah always thinks on her toes.”

“Daniel’s.”

“The guy working for Salome?”

“Daniel’s had a change of heart. He’s helping us.”

Gerardo pursed his lips. “I’ll bless these, but they won’t work if the person using them doesn’t believe in the Paladins.”

“I understand. We haven’t any other options. Please help us?” Matthias asked.

Gerardo smiled, and the bright blue feathers on the shoulders of his shirt fluttered as he sashayed up to them. “You don’t know me, so I’ll let it slide this time. You never have to ask me for help. I’m always willing to help my friends.”

Matthias nodded. “I’ve heard good things about you.”

“Serah’s a sweetheart. She deserves to be happy.” Gerardo’s brown eyes sparkled mysteriously. “I can see it in your eyes, Matthias. You’d do anything to make that happen, right?”

With a soft gulp, Matthias nodded. “I would.”

“Good. Now stand back. I need some space to work my mojo.”

Matthias and Rafe stepped back. Gerardo knelt before the box of bottles and scratched the dark goatee grazing his chin. “?Dios! What was that word?”

Matthias cringed. Gerardo was likable, but he was new. Would the angel get the words right? He couldn’t afford for the blessing not to take.

“Is everything okay, Gerardo?” Astra asked, her voice laced with worry. Her barbed wings flicked up and down.

“I’m fine.” Gerardo reached into the pocket of his aquamarine, pleather skinny jeans and pulled out a brown, leather-bound book. “When in doubt, read it out.”

He thumbed through a few pages and tapped his finger. “Ah, here we are.”

Wings spread wide, Gerardo cleared his throat. “By the power of all that his holy, I Gerardo, of the fifth order of Cherubs do humbly ask for your blessing on these weapons…” He counted the bottles. “Twelve bottles of colloidal silver for the Paladins Rafael Deleon and Matthias Ambrose.” With that, he drew his hand across the box. “This I ask.”

A warm breeze swept through the room, circling them. Just as quickly as it came, it evaporated. Was that all there was? He’d expected more—holy water, incense, and burning palms.

Fifth Order of Cherubs? He’d been promoted that quickly? Most angels that he knew of started out lower, around the twelfth order or so. To be promoted that much in a matter of a day meant he was one powerful angel. He had to admit, he didn’t look anything like what he imagined a cherub would look like.

“All blessed!” Gerardo said with a grin.

“That’s it?” Matthias asked, wonderment evident in his tone.

Gerardo nodded. “Beginner’s luck, I guess.”

“Don’t let Gerardo fool you. He’s an excellent angel. His disguise as a human fooled three Paladins.”

“Impressive.”

Gerardo’s cheeks reddened. Must be the cherub in him. “Rafe, you flatter me. And here I thought you didn’t like me when we first met.”

“Water under the bridge, friend.” Rafe reached down and grabbed the box. “We need to head back. Don’t be a stranger. You know how much Lucy cares about you.”

“?Si! I will never abandon our friendship. Lucy will understand. She’s good like that. Frankie I worry about. He won’t have anyone to argue with.” Gerardo shook his head. “I’m sure Kalli can fill in.”

“She’s doing a smashing job so far.” Rafe smiled. “She’s got some great ideas to help Lucy with the shop too.”

“?Bueno! I knew she would.” Gerardo waved his hand and wing. “But don’t let me keep you. You have some mean and nasty Infernati to take care of.” He turned to Matthias. “Serah is lucky to have such a dedicated Paladin watching over her. Keep her happy. A pleasure to meet you, Matthias.” With that, Gerardo whipped his wings around his body and vanished into the mists.

Keep her happy? What did the effeminate angel mean by that? He didn’t think he’d ever get used to all this cryptic stuff. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try.