Demons Prefer Blondes (Demons Unleashed #1)(34)

“Don’t tell me you forgot!”

Lucy cleared her throat. “Not exactly, but we’re busy tonight. Holidays and all.”

Her mom huffed. “You have four employees. Surely you can take off early.”

“I’m not an employee,” Rafe stated firmly. “I’m a customer.”

Thank you Rafe!

“I’ve come to get my hair cut.” He scrubbed his silky locks. “It’s getting too long.”

Never mind. She took back that thank-you. No way in whatever they called the underworld would she cut those gorgeous locks. “Gerardo, take care of Mom.” She flashed Kalli an apologetic smile. Sorry, Kalli. She preferred to keep her mother’s head intact—for now. She turned to Rafe and flashed him a smile. “To the shampoo bowl, sir.”

“Lucia!” her mom demanded. “I want you to do it.”

What the hell? Why all of a sudden did she want her to do her hair? She’d never shown an interest in her job in the past five years. Lucy wasn’t ready to hear her fuss when she wasn’t satisfied. “Sorry, Mr. Deleon has an appointment. Gerardo is one of the best stylists in the River City region. You’re in excellent hands.”

“I need you.”

She leaned into Rafe. “Now would be a good time to do your rapture thing.”

Kalli arched a brow and joined the little powwow. “It’s not working.”

Rafe squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his fists. “Bloody hell. Your mother has a demon’s protection. And since I can’t break through the barrier, it’s a strong demon.”

“Maybe that’s why the thing didn’t work on me the other day.”

Rafe shook his head. “If that was the case, you wouldn’t have been able to open the chest.”

“Oh.” Leave it to Rafe to deflate her hopes of getting out of this succubus thing. The idea of screwing the life out of a guy wasn’t how she planned on spending the rest of her days.

“Lucia, please, I’m begging you.” Her mom’s pleading voice, although five years too late, tugged at her heart. Whatever inspired her was big, and she wouldn’t stop until Lucy agreed.

“Fine,” Lucy said with an exasperated sigh. Not because she had to bond with her mom, but because she was losing the chance to run her hands through Rafe’s water-soaked hair. Ah, hell, it was probably a good thing. Going orgasmic in front of her mom wasn’t something she wanted. She turned to the walking art display. “Kalli, please give Rafe a trim.” Emphasis on the word trim.

Gerardo sighed. “I wanted to cut his hair.”

“What can we do?” Frankie asked, coming to stand next to his partner in crime.

“Clean the foot spa.” Lucy replied with a wink. “Just kidding.” With Kalli’s fine detail, there wasn’t any need. “Watch the phones.”

“Aye, aye, captain.” Gerardo replied with a salute. Gerardo marched to the reception desk and stood poised and confident, Frankie following with equally confident strides.

Kalli grinned and tossed the same rag she was reading earlier onto the table. “Interesting title, crappy literature. A haircut would be a welcome change. Like I care about Jessica Simpson’s new rack.”

“Inquiring minds want to know,” Frankie said, his hands defensively on his hips.

“Wrong tabloid, Frank,” Serah replied. She let out an exhausted sigh. “I suppose I’m on chimp duty?”

“Nope.” Squeaky popped out from underneath the desk. “I’m on Rafe duty. You’re dismissed. Arrivederci.”

Her mom gasped, eyes wide with amazement. “Is that a chimpanzee?”

“No, it’s a kid dressed as a chimp,” Lucy quipped. Wow! Mom knew her primates!

Lucy snuck a glance at Squeaky who was equally impressed.

Her mom nodded. “Ahh… That explains the talking. I thought I’d have to call my therapist there for a second.” She smiled at Squeaky. “Great costume.”

“Umm…” Was there something her mother wasn’t telling her? “Yeah, well…” she turned to glance at Rafe, whose eyes had narrowed into silver slits.

“This is impossible. I need to talk to the council.”

Kalli nodded. “Maybe it’s the solstice?”

Not this again. Eclipses, solstices. What’s next? Halley’s Comet? “Don’t ask me. I failed geography and astronomy.” She contemplated a smartass comment, like she mistook it for astrology, but, taking in their dire expressions, refrained.

“No.” Rafe shook his head. “I don’t think so. This is strange. Two mortals who can communicate with lower imps?”

Kalli shrugged. “It’s obvious her mother had a connection with a strong Sexubi.” She turned to Serah who sat on the sofa, scratching Squeaky’s head. Lucky—or unlucky—for Serah, Squeaky warmed up to her and murmured contentedly.

“Hello, Lucia dear. Hair?” Her mom tapped her toe.

“Yes, Mom, be right there.” It amazed her how calm she remained. Perhaps it was her mother’s new enthusiasm. This situation, despite the bizarreness, was real. Direness clouded Rafe’s expression. “Don’t feel obligated to stay here and protect me. I’ve got Kalli and my new tools at my defense.”