Demons Prefer Blondes (Demons Unleashed #1)(64)

Her body, despite the freezing cold, melted into him. Her head lolled back on his massive shoulder. “Thank you,” she said in a breathy whisper. Allowing Rafe to loosen his hold, she pulled herself around to face him. She glanced up, absolutely amazed at his strong jaw, and the dark hair beneath his tight-fitting hat whipping as snow and ice blew. But most mesmerizing were those two silver eyes, sparking and churning with desire. She reached up, tracing a tender finger down his cheek. She was completely and utterly entranced. Not good when a bunch of storm demons were on the prowl.

Rafe’s gaze grew stony as he hauled her into his chest.

“What was that all about?”

The sinister chuckle sent her blood curdling. “Don’t let me stop your torrid embrace.” The voice, although haunting, sent shivers through her body.

Wrenching herself from Rafe’s arms, she spun around. Red curls swirled around a porcelain face, full red lips pouting. Her ruby red eyes flickered menacingly. Red eyes? Photoshop obviously wouldn’t help her photo. Not that Gerardo would want to take her picture anyway.

She clucked her forked tongue, sounding like a cross between Hannibal Lecter and Kaa from Disney’s Jungle Book. “I’m not happy with you, Rafe.”

She needed no introduction—the snake lady herself. “Lamia?” she asked in a hushed whisper.

Rafe offered a silent nod. “Leave her out of this, Lamia.”

“Another woman for you to fail?” A shrill cackle erupted from her mouth, her eyes boring into Lucy. “Did he tell you he sent his sister to her death?”

Her body stiffened and she raised her chin. Don’t show her weakness. “No, but we discussed how we would send you to yours.”

“Oh my! A smart one, just like your father.” Lamia’s forked tongue darted in and out of her mouth. “That trait will get you killed, Lucia.”

Rafe gripped Lucy’s arm, his fingers like a giant vice. “Don’t let her get under your skin.” Spoken like someone with experience.

“I never let anyone get under my skin.” Not even Mrs. Carlson. She moved her hand to the inside of her jacket, where she stored the silver blade her dad gave her on the way out. Not moving one flutter, she rejoiced. Maybe she was stealthy after all. Gripping the hilt with newly discovered superhuman strength, she yanked the blade from its sheath.

“Don’t,” Rafe urged.

Yeah right. She wouldn’t give into this bloodsucking bitch. No matter how hard Rafe tried to stop her, she wouldn’t back down.

“Lucia, darling. Aren’t you a little worried?” She slithered toward them, her green scaly tail swaying back and forth.

Who does she think she is? Lucy tightened the grip on her dagger. “Why should I be?”

“Your would-be protector.” She ran long slender fingers through the corkscrew curls, a wry smile curving her lips. Two pointy fangs pressed into her lower lip.

“Protector?” she asked, feigning insult. She yanked Rafe’s arms from her waist and pushed him away. “Do I look like I need protection?”

“Lucy,” Rafe urged with a low growl, his silver eyes warning.

“Shh,” she whispered. “I know what I’m doing.”

“We can’t risk—”

“Shut the hell up about risks for once, Rafael Deleon.” She angled her gaze back to Lamia. “He’s the one who needs protection. He’s an insufferable boor. He needs his ass kicked.”

Lamia snorted. “Doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

Rafe turned his head to Lucy and huffed, contempt rolling from him like a bad fog. “I’m full of surprises, unlike this woman. A real nag.”

Her heart clenched and her body shivered. Why in the hell did it feel like her heart had just been ripped out of her chest?

Rafe turned back to the forked-tongued bitch. “So, where’s your prized lackey? I thought for certain she’d come along.”

“Anxious to rekindle your old flame, are you?” Lamia licked her lips. “I can summon her if you like.”

“I find it hard to believe Larissa Harding, a woman who’d put a crowd to sleep, is a succubus.” Then again, it took Lucy a bit to accept the fact that she was one too.

“You better believe it,” Lamia said, lunging at her. “My best creation, and I owe it all to Rafe.” She angled her gaze to Rafe, her long tail curling up his leg.

Bitch!

She gripped the dagger tighter. She should slam it into her overly-endowed chest. And here she thought Lilith was annoying. This woman made Lilith look like an angel.

With a low grumble, Rafe yanked his leg from Lamia’s scaly grasp. “You won’t succeed this time.”

“We’ll see, my darling.” Her bright red eyes flickered with venom. “I’ve yet to fail where you’re concerned.” She clucked her tongue, the hissing grating in Lucy’s ears. “So predictable.”

“I’m not as na?ve anymore.” Rafe crossed his arms, his muscles flexing against his leather jacket.

“I have my ways.” She drew her tail back and slithered away.

Lucy had enough. This woman would go down. “Hey bitch!” She raised her chin high, hand poised high with dagger glinting. “Don’t walk away.”

“I’ve come to deliver a message. Not to fight.” She ran her fingers through her snaky curls. “No need to draw your weapon, Lucia.”