The Demon's Bargain (A Deal With a Demon #4)(24)

“Ramanu, please,” she whispers.

“It’s not just protection that it offers, is it?” She turns a gray so light, it’s nearly white. She’s terrified. It’s almost enough to make me stop, but I need to know the truth. I press onward. “How much of your family’s magic is linked to that amulet?”

“Damn you.”

It’s all the confirmation I need. What I’m not prepared for is the fear that lances through me. “Kristoff has had it for weeks.”

“Yes.”

“If your magic hasn’t started drying up already, it could do so at any time.”

Lenora slumps back against the shower wall. “Yes.”

Without the amulet boosting her magic, she’ll be significantly weaker. Not defenseless, no, but near to it. “You can’t enter the tournament.” Even if she can somehow get the amulet off Kristoff’s neck, she might not have her magic at her disposal. He could still kill her, could snuff out the life I’m coming to value so highly. “Kristoff could kill you.”

“It’s possible.” She sounds so tired. “But it’s the only way.”

“Lenora—”

She sighs. “I like you, Ramanu. I won’t pretend I don’t. But that doesn’t mean I’ll trust you with more than my body. Especially now that you know the truth about the amulet.”

One of the first things a bargainer demon is taught is when to cut and run. Not all bargains go through. Even when we do our due diligence and pick targets primed to say yes, it doesn’t always work out. Due to the quirk of my gargoyle heritage, I’ve failed less often than most.

I’m not going to get Lenora to say yes to me.

Not about any of this. Not the bargain. Not the help.

Frustration wraps a fist around my throat and squeezes. “You can’t do this alone.”

“I suppose we’ll see.” Her fear fades to a sorrowful pale blue. “We’re talking in circles, Ramanu. I understand if you’re leaving—no hard feelings—but if you’re staying, take off your clothes and get in here.”

I should leave. It’s the smart thing to do. I’ve never had my heart broken, and it seems ridiculous in the extreme that a little human witch can grind it to dust, but there’s no denying the pressure in my chest. Or the source.

I must have some of that masochistic streak Azazel claims I do, though, because I shut the bathroom door and yank off my shirt. If this is the only way she’ll let me take care of her, then so be it.

My boots and pants follow, and I step through the gap in the tiled wall to join Lenora in the shower. The steam feels good on my skin. I had barely registered the faint chill of the market, but it melts away instantly.

I touch the glass bottles carefully arranged on a shelf on the wall, the magic infused in the labels identifying them. Shampoo. Conditioner. Bodywash. Lube. The last makes me chuckle a little despite my dark mood. “This place is truly prepared for everything, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

I want to chase away the fear still lingering in her. “Play your cards right, and I’ll let you peg me.”

Shock flares, followed by a pink so intense, I clearly see her features. “If that’s an honest offer, I’m saying hell yes.”

“Then be a good little witch and let me take care of you.” I’ve never been overly interested in the pampering of humans. It always seemed like a waste of time. I ensure my contracted humans have everything they need and are protected, but indulging in the little things was never something that drew me the same way it draws some of my friends.

I’m starting to understand now.

“Tilt your head back.”

“Ramanu, you don’t have to do this.” Lenora gives a rough laugh. “In fact, I think now’s a great time to suck your cock. Or skip straight to the pegging.”

I sink my fingers into her hair and tighten my hold just enough to keep her on her feet. “If you won’t allow me to help you elsewhere, you will allow me to have my way here, little witch. You said you want a distraction, then I’ll give you one. On my terms.”

Her breathing goes a little rough. “And if I tell you to fuck off?”

“Don’t.” I’ll respect her wishes, even if it kills me to do so, but I desperately don’t want her to call my bluff.

Finally, Lenora curses. “Have it your way. I’ll play docile little doll for you, Ramanu. For now.” She tilts her head back until it’s resting against my palm. “Better?”

“Much.” I don’t care if she’s being snarky. She’s giving me what I want, what I need, and that’s enough. I hope I can give her some of what she needs in turn.

After she wets her hair, I work shampoo carefully into the length. It soothes me in a way I’m not entirely prepared for. Even better is the way the tension leaks out of Lenora’s body until she’s leaning against me, her forehead to my chest.

I guide her to rinse it, taking my time, and then repeat the process with conditioner. This time, when I rinse, I work my hand down to the base of her skull and the tight knots of tension there. She moans a little, and her hands come up to grip my sides. “Why are you trying to seduce me? I’m a sure thing.”

I snort. “Nothing about you is a sure thing, little witch.”