Demons Prefer Blondes (Demons Unleashed #1)(37)

Squeaky rolled his eyes as he pulled himself from Serah’s arms. “Someone needs a lesson in politeness.”

“Or humility,” Kalli said, sweeping up ashes that were once his hair. Thank goodness Lucy’s mother was too busy enjoying her daughter’s spa treatment to notice.

Rafael stood tall and flexed his arms. “Whatever. There’s too much at stake to be humble.” However, the more time he spent around Lucy, the more humble he became. And it scared the demon out of him—if that was possible.

“Such a party pooper,” Serah sighed out. With a quick pat she prodded the reluctant imp his way. “Go, Squeaky. You’re our only hope.”

Everyone—except him—broke out into laughter. What was wrong with them? Didn’t they realize the urgency of the situation?

“I’ve yet to understand this humor, but now isn’t the time.” Rafael grabbed the imp’s arm and led him to the door. “We’ll be back soon.”

Lucy’s eyes sparked as she set down the brush she’d been using to color her mother’s hair. “Is that a threat or a promise?”

“It’s whatever you want it to be.”

He pushed open the door, the jangling of bells vibrating in his ear. With a quick yank, he pulled Squeaky out the door and walked out into the cold blowing snow. Rafael willed the mists to envelop them and carry them through the portals of Limbo back to the chest.





Chapter 10


The door slammed shut. What was his deal? She needed to get Rafe out of her system fast. She hadn’t been so turned on by a guy in… forever. Even as she stood over her mom and concentrated—scratch that—tried to concentrate on dying her hair, desire rippled its way through her body. She yearned and burned for him to touch her. Not good! Especially when her mother was sitting right in front of her.

“You’re our only hope?” Gerardo rolled his eyes. “Where are your Princess braids?”

Serah twirled a bouncy brunette curl in her finger. “I left them at home. Halloween was two months ago.” She blew out an exasperated breath. “And besides, Princess Leia wore buns in that movie.”

“Oh that’s right.” Gerardo grinned. “I still think she looked the best in that metal bikini. I might be gay, but I still appreciate the feminine form from time to time.”

That’s for certain. After all, hadn’t he and Frankie nearly gone at it with drawn claws for her in the catfight of the century? Where was that camera when they really needed it? She turned her attention back to her mother. She couldn’t believe how encouraging she’d become about her salon. It was like the flame of support had just been lit under her ass. Lucy had yearned for this for so long. Now that she had it, she was completely weirded out.

“Time to tune in to Timbuktu,” she said as she led her to the dryer area. Maybe making lame jokes would change her recent interest in her profession. Hah! This was her mother. Some people—cough—Rafe—thought she was a determined person. Well, they hadn’t met her mother.

It didn’t work. “I’m sorry I wasn’t so supportive, Lucy.”

Whoa! She called her Lucy. This was a leaf she didn’t want to turn. Maybe some other day, but not the day after she found out she was born to suck the life out of unsuspecting men.

“Thanks, Mom,” she said, frustration lacing her voice. Did this woman know when to stop?

Nope. She didn’t.

“I thought you’d be better off doing what your father loved.” She nibbled her lip. “But now I know. You should do what you love.” She traced her fingers over Lucy’s brand-new sterling silver dryer. “In a way it’s like surgery. You do have to cut things, after all.”

“Less blood, too,” Lucy added lamely. Awkward was the understatement of the century. What in the hell was going on?

Serah, attentive friend that she was, stepped in to help with her budding apprehension. “How’s the museum, Mrs. Gregory?”

Mom smiled and provided them with a long dissertation of all the renovations they planned for the Connolly Park Historical Museum. Not that there was much history to be found in the quaint little town, but the women of the historical society were dedicated to preserving Connolly Park’s not-so-vivid beginnings.

“Sounds fascinating,” Lucy mumbled. “I can’t wait to see that Red Brick of A-Line Road exhibit.” Lucy stifled her yawn.

Her mom huffed. “I absolutely hated that idea, but Mrs. Carlson insisted. I’d rather watch paint dry.” Her eyes brightened. “Mine will be much more interesting.”

Probably not by much, if she knew her Mom. “What’s yours?”

“Connolly Park’s bootlegging history.”

Wow! Her mom was becoming creative. The apocalypse must be near. Shock left Lucy speechless. Boggled, baffled, and bewildered. “Did we really have issues with Prohibition?” After all, it was Connolly Park, not Chicago.

“Capone did have a summer home on Lake Michigan,” Serah said with a grin. “At least that’s what I heard.”

Lucy laughed. “I’m sure he had a home for every season, if not more.”

“Makes me wish I lived back then. Good times. Flapper dresses, speakeasies, and gangsters.” Serah’s eyes twinkled in excitement.