Demons Prefer Blondes (Demons Unleashed #1)(28)
Lucy wagged a finger at Squeaky. “And no monkey business. Gerardo and Frankie aren’t to know a thing. Got it?”
“Yes,” Squeaky said with a little mope.
Serah grabbed his hand. “Don’t worry. I don’t bite, unless you piss me off.”
He squeaked with a visible gulp as Serah led it down the back hallway.
“Is this some sort of mockery?” Rafe paced the expanse of the shop. “A chimpanzee? What are the Fore-Demons up to?”
Kalli plopped down into a dryer seat and flipped open a magazine. Wrinkling her nose, she set it back down. “You know Squeaky was chosen long before he took on the body of a chimp.”
“Even his name leaves something to be desired.” Rafe raised his chin in an arrogant display. “I’m insulted.”
Talk about proud. Poor Squeaky to get saddled with him. “I think it’s a cute name.” She had only just met the little guy, but even with his high-pitched voice, she liked the chimp.
Kalli nodded. “It’s a lot easier to say than Quetzalcoatl, don’t you think?”
An Aztec god? No way. “You’re shittin’ me.”
Rafe’s eyes widened in equal surprise. “Preposterous.”
“I shit you not.” Kalli extended her legs and crossed them at the ankles. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to judge a book by its cover?”
Rafe pursed his lips and scratched the growth of hair on his chin. “Why is a powerful demon-god acting as a lowly imp?”
Kalli smiled. “That, my friend, is a question for your familiar.”
“Always a well of information, aren’t you?” Rafe rolled his eyes.
Kalli ignored Rafe and turned to Lucy. “Where’d you find this guy?”
Lucy shrugged. Rafe might’ve had the social skills of a toad, but he still had a gentle side. She caught a glimpse of it earlier. “Discount Demon Mart.”
Kalli threw her long multi-colored dreads over her shoulder. “A little rough around the edges, but he means well.” She turned to Rafe. “So what else is on your mind? You’ve been sporting that scowl long before Squeaky arrived.”
“He’s mad because I forced him to sit in a cramped car seat.” It was more than that. He’d been acting like an ass since that sizzling and oh-so-delicious kiss. She licked her lips, wishing they were his instead. She should’ve smacked Serah for interrupting their tongue-wrestling match. Now she’d never experience such ecstasy again.
The demoness arched a brow. “Your succubus is in need.”
“That’s why I need your help, Kalli.” Rafe crossed his arms and took a seat in one of the seats. “Look outside.”
Scads of men waited patiently—and some not so patiently—outside the windows and doors for the salon to open. From the looks of it they weren’t all here for haircuts.
Her eyes widened. “Are you sure she’s only half succubus?” Raking a hand through her rough locks, she shook her head. “We need to contact Lilu. She may be bred of one of his higher court. What of her mother?”
Oh! There was no way she would introduce these demons to her mom. She’d have her committed in a heartbeat. Heck, she was ready to commit herself. If it weren’t the fact that she and Serah were seeing the same things, she would’ve already done it. Delusions of grandeur, indeed.
“You don’t need to meet my mom. She’s a devout Catholic. Goes to church every Sunday. Wouldn’t she spontaneously combust upon entry?”
Rafe scowled, but Kalli broke out into giggles.
“I take that as a no?”
“Humans and their silly superstitions.” Kalli motioned Lucy to sit next to her. “The Infernati, yes, but demons such as us are blessed by angels. If anything, it would strengthen us.”
A supposedly evil being had an angel’s blessing? It was surreal. A trip to make a hippie jealous—if it really was a trip.
“Sorry, I’m not into that religious stuff.”
Kalli grasped Lucy’s hand, her amethyst eyes flashing with intensity. “That’s too bad.”
“No, not at all. I call it not getting my hopes up.” That way, when she faded into nothingness, she wouldn’t be disappointed. It had worked for the past fifteen years—that’s when she’d grown a backbone.
“Don’t let him hear you.” Kalli smiled.
“Rafe? I could care less what he thinks.”
Kalli rolled her eyes. “Me neither, but I wasn’t referring to that him, although he’s arrogant enough.”
Rafe glared from across the waiting area. “We have important things to discuss. Like helping Lucy control her powers. Don’t you see the eager crowd gathering outside?”
Lucy and Kalli shot their gazes back toward the large window. Men pushed and pounded against each other. Noses pressed against glass. Some waved their hands like little kids and even more blew kisses. One guy brushed the back of his hand across his forehead and fainted, slumping against the man ahead of him. Yay! I’m a rock star!
Kalli and Lucy groaned. Thank goodness the shop didn’t open for another hour. From the look of it outside, it would take longer than an hour to get things under control. Just her luck!
“Perhaps you should call in sick today,” Kalli suggested. She twirled a purple dread in her finger. “I can help your guys. I have experience with hair.”