Demons Prefer Blondes (Demons Unleashed #1)(110)
Reaching out through the tornadic wind, she took Rafe’s hand in hers. His grip, strong and sure, sent waves of determination coursing through her. Hands still clasped, they stood together as the chest sucked the remaining Infernati back to whence they came.
“Please!” a haunting voice whined. Fingers, thin and long, clawed at her legs, latching on. “Don’t send us back.” The demoness’s claws dug into her jean-clad legs, her icy grip weakening with each cyclonic gust.
It was a test. No matter how sweet and innocent the woman sounded, she’d been put in the Arca Inferorum for a reason. And it wasn’t because she won the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite the evil that she eradicated, Lucy still felt a little guilty. She closed her eyes, her heart constricting in her chest. She pursed her lips together and bit back the tears. A trickle traced down her cheek and over her lip, the odor of iron wafting to her nose. Blood. These weren’t her tears.
“I’m sorry. It’s the only way.” Lucy shook her leg and the demoness’s claws loosened. The blood tears faded and her sorrow lifted, only to be replaced with anger and rage. Bloody Infernati. With a swift kick, she sent the demoness flying backward, her screech fading into the violent spin of the wind. The cyclone fizzled and the glowing energy faded away.
She took a deep breath and slammed the lid of the chest down, the loud snap of the lock reverberating against the buildings. Reclaiming Rafe’s hand, she let him draw her close and envelop her in his warmth. There was no other place she wanted to be. Maybe one other place… her bedroom.
With a quick review of the area, she saw her friends, all together, smiles and cheers bursting from their lips. Squeaky’s chimp form jumped down with enthusiasm as he clapped and hollered. Kalli offered a sly smile yet remained strangely aloof. Frankie and Gerardo hugged and high-fived each other like they’d just watched their favorite football team win the Super Bowl. Weird. But right now, she didn’t care. They just saved the world.
“You did it,” Rafe’s breath teased along her ear, sending delightful shivers racing through her body.
She snuggled closer. “No, we did it.”
“Indeed.” He wrapped his arm tighter around her. She never wanted him to let go. Relief washed over her as his heart thrummed in her ear. She smiled. Rafe couldn’t call himself a failure anymore. He’d helped rid the world of a legion of demons. His mission was a success.
Lucy turned to him, longing to say those words that had tickled her tongue for so long. “I love you, Rafe. Ever since the day you walked into my shop. I’ve never felt so strongly for anyone. It’s fiercely hot yet warm and tender.” Great. She was on the verge of turning into a Shakespearean sonnet. “I know this sounds cliché, but it’s magical.”
Rafe chuckled, deep and throaty. “It’s not magic, it’s love, and it’s how I felt when I first met you.”
He pulled her close and brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “I would do anything for you. I can’t say it enough, I love you.”
Lucy wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his, warmth and love filling her every pore. “Magical indeed.”
Rafe traced a finger across her lips. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Lucy placed tender kisses along his fingertips. Neither would she.
Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank the many people who have read bits and pieces of this manuscript, either for feedback or critique. Especially Tanya, Peggy, Kim, Susan, and Juli. HUGE thanks to Bobbi Smith and Judi McCoy. If it weren’t for Bobbi’s awesome writing workshop and Judi’s awesome Post-it notes plotting workshop at the 2008 Romantic Times Convention, this book wouldn’t exist. Also thanks to Judi Fennell, CJ Redwine, and Kerri Nelson for assisting me with perfecting the dreaded query letter. You all rock!
About the Author
Sidney Ayers loves infusing her stories with humor. What would the world be without a little bit of laughter? She writes in a wide variety of genres, ranging from historical to paranormal to contemporary. A native of Michigan, Sidney still lives in the same town she grew up in. No matter how hard she tries, she just can’t seem to get away. Michigan is in her blood. Scary thought, huh?