‘Still not letting him get you alone,’ I scribbled.
Rans shrugged, and I chose to interpret the ambiguous gesture as agreement.
“Maybe he didn’t know about the attack, but I’m still pissed off that he didn’t tell me about everything else,” I said aloud. “Dad needs better protection.”
“We’ll see what can be done,” Rans replied, taking the pen back. “For now, go freshen up. We can talk to him afterward.”
‘Tear this up and flush it,’ he wrote in the space left at the bottom of the notepad sheet.
I sighed. “Fine. But I don’t like this.”
“Really? I would never have guessed, love,” Rans returned in a dry tone. Then he bent down and kissed me. I leaned into it, wishing with all my heart that it could somehow just be us, instead of all these swirling undercurrents and looming dangers.
But the undercurrents and dangers weren’t going to disappear simply because I wanted them to, so I went to dispose of the evidence and splash water on my face. A few minutes later, I emerged—ready for round two with a demon so powerful he could draw energy from the fabric of reality itself. I might have only been a little baby succubus, two generations removed from my demonic birthright... but if I had to step in front of Rans to protect him from Nigellus, I’d do so without hesitation—and damn the consequences.
THREE
THE LIBRARY WAS decorated in the same modern, minimalist style as the rest of the house. While I could appreciate that it was objectively attractive, I basically hated it. Possibly, this was because I’d much rather be back in Rans’ Yorkshire cottage with its rustic stone walls, dark leather furniture, and sunny yellow bedspread.
Or maybe it was because I was afraid I’d leave fingerprints and smears if I touched anything, with all the polished steel and glass surrounding me.
“Okay. So, here’s the thing. I’m not leaving my father undefended,” I told Nigellus without preamble. Unfortunately, the double shot of whatever alcohol Edward had used to spike my lemonade wasn’t doing much to relax me... but at least the liquid courage seemed to have bolstered my backbone. This time, I vowed, I wouldn’t allow myself to be steamrolled or talked around in a circle by the powerful demon in front of me.
Nigellus had risen with old-world charm at our entrance, and now he gestured to a couple of sleek, ergonomic chairs near where he was sitting. Rans took one, but I waved the offer away and remained standing. Once the demon had regained his own seat, he regarded me with a gaze that saw too much.
“I’ve been considering the situation with your father, Zorah,” he said. “For now, I can send Edward to stay with him. Or at least, I can send Edward to stay with him once the two of you have been warded against magical detection.”
My brows drew together. I wasn’t sure what solution I’d expected Nigellus to offer, but it certainly hadn’t been that one. “Edward? Really?” I asked. “No offense, but while he might be a really sweet and awesome old guy, he doesn’t exactly strike me as bodyguard material.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that, Miss. I’ve picked up a few tricks over the centuries beyond mixing drinks and ironing shirts,” came a familiar voice from the doorway. “Your father is residing with the tithelings, is that correct?”
I felt my cheeks heat at my embarrassing faux pas, but I only said, “Yes, he is. But I don’t want you thrust into danger without knowing exactly what you might end up facing. Myrial thinks she can get to me through my father, and to Rans through me. I don’t know how far she’s likely to go in pursuit of that goal.”
“Not to worry,” Edward said complacently, “Swords and bullets might be of limited usefulness against demons, but there are other avenues of protection.” His attention turned to Nigellus. “Assuming that’s how you’d like to approach this, sir.”
Rather than answer, the demon cocked a questioning eyebrow at me.
Rans caught my eye. “It’s an offer I’d suggest accepting, love.”
He was right. I wasn’t likely to get any better ones today. “Okay, thanks. As long as you understand what you’ll be getting into, Edward.”
The butler smiled wryly. “I’ve a fair idea, Miss.”
Nigellus gave a single brisk nod. “Very well, then. Edward, once our guests have had a few hours to rest, you will ward them. When that’s finished, I’ll escort you through the gate and ensure that arrangements are made for you to reside with Zorah’s father until this situation can be dealt with in a more permanent fashion. You will contact me immediately if any attempts are made on his person.”
“Very good, sir,” Edward replied. “Now, if you’ve no further need of me for the next hour or two, I’ll go pack a bag and ready what I need for the warding.”
Nigellus dismissed him with a nod, and Edward puttered off. The demon’s attention returned to us, his gaze flicking from Rans to me.
“Once you are warded,” he said, “you’ll be free to leave the house without Myrial being able to pinpoint your location via the blood tie with Zorah. That being said, I would still urge you to keep a low profile until this situation is resolved.”
“And how long is that likely to be?” I asked. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like we’re surrounded by enemies on all sides.”
Nigellus regarded me coolly. “Not on all sides, surely. And as for how long this situation will last—a demon of fate I may be, but not even I can foresee the future. For now, though, perhaps you’d like to rest while Edward is preparing himself. You’ve clearly had a trying few days.” He glanced back to Rans. “Ransley, would you care to join me for a drink? There are some things we should discuss.”
Red alert sirens went off in my head.
“Another time, Nigellus,” Rans said.
At the same moment, I blurted, “I’m not tired—”
Depthless brown eyes held mine, until
