Was he telling the truth? Would he honestly risk his life to kill the man who had hurt her? Why?
Maybe it was restitution, she mused. But his actions didn’t fit with her image of him as a selfish demon who took what he wanted without consideration for who he hurt. Why would he wound her so badly in the past only to show up now as her saviour?
She turned back to face him from across the room. “I don’t understand why you would do this.”
A short laugh escaped him, filled with a world of pain Talia couldn’t understand. For a moment he didn’t move. He closed his eyes and turned away from her.
Talia shifted uneasily as she watched him. They were playing a game she didn’t know the rules to.
Everything he did was the opposite of what she expected.
Finally Devlin opened his eyes and looked back to her. She drew in a sharp breath. Gone was his wounded look, his air of vulnerability. Instead, the Devlin who sat before her was the one from her memories, the demon who ruled his world with an iron fist. He never did anything free and there was no mercy in his soul. Devlin pushed back his chair abruptly before striding over to her.
“I see you cannot believe I’d help you merely because you asked. So let’s try a different path. Make a deal with me,” he demanded, his tone hard.
Her body shook. “Even a child knows not to make deals with demons.”
“But you are no longer a child,” he replied, his gaze moving heatedly over her body. “Offer me a deal to win your vengeance.”
“What could I possibly offer you to make you risk your life?” she asked, honestly bewildered. She had nothing to tempt him with even if she was stupid enough to make a deal.
“Use your imagination,” he murmured, his eyes burning with unfulfilled need.
She sucked in a sharp breath. He wanted her to bargain with her body? She told herself she was disgusted even as her traitorous heart raced at the idea of being in his bed again.
“I don’t sell myself,” she snapped angrily.
“Think of it in a different way,” he replied, showing no mercy. “You need my strength. I need your passion. A mutually beneficial arrangement, is it not?” He took a step forwards, forcing her to back up until her body hit the wall behind her.
19
“Is it such a repulsive idea?” he asked her softly, his breath fanning her face. “You know you would enjoy it as much as I. This is the only deal I’ll offer you, Talia. I shall kill your monster and in return you will be mine for one night. After that you may leave my world forever. I will never seek you out again.”
“You’ll release me?” she whispered. “No more henchmen demanding I return?”
“You’ll be truly free,” he agreed.
For a price.
She looked up into the green eyes she’d seen only in dreams for six long years. Even hating him as she did, his nearness stirred up all sorts of unwanted desires. She owed it to herself to at least be honest. It would be no hardship agreeing to be his for one last night. In fact, she probably would have made a deal just to have him in her bed again.
One night. All she would ever have from him was one more night. Was she strong enough to take what he offered? If she did, she would have to be very careful to leave her emotions at the door. She’d learned the hard way nothing but pain came from loving this demon. It was a mistake she would never make again.
But if it was only sex… She admitted her body still craved his touch, even after six years.
“Okay,” she whispered before she could talk herself out of it. “I will accept your deal. Kill the demon who murdered my family and I will give you one night.”
There was no triumph in his eyes as she’d expected. If anything he looked even more miserable.
“Deal,” he agreed in an emotionless voice. “Seal it.”
Already she felt his magic staining the air around them, waiting for the deal to be completed. To seal a deal with a demon there needed to be an exchange of body fluids. The most traditional way was mingling a few drops of blood. Of course, there were other ways.
“How?” she questioned, feeling her body tingle with anticipation.
“Given the nature of our bargain, I think you know,” he replied.
Sealed with a kiss.
She wet her lips nervously. If she couldn’t even kiss him, how was she going to sleep with him? Grow up, Talia, she commanded herself. Get it over with.
Her hands shook as she raised them to cup his face. His body was cooler than hers, a fact she’d forgotten. Against her will her traitorous fingers trailed over his smooth skin, marvelling at his presence before her once more.
His hands rose to settle on her hips and she felt his touch burn through her jeans. No matter what happened in her life, she knew she would never react to another man the way she did to this one.
Rising on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips to his. Her touch was hesitant even though she wished to be bold. Part of her couldn’t believe he truly wanted her, even given the evidence to the contrary.
20
But her worries were groundless. Devlin tightened his hold on her, pulling her closer as he took control. He kissed her desperately, as if he were as starved for her touch as she was for his. His tongue traced her lips and she parted them obligingly. He invaded her mouth, consuming her, claiming her. She felt the magic around them shift and change. The deal was being sealed. And if she remembered correctly the last part of the process would be rather painful.
She gasped as unseen fire licked along her skin. Devlin swallowed her cry as the magic settled onto their flesh, burning into them with invisible chains. The terms of their deal sealed themselves into her skin, only to be erased when their bargain was completed… Or if Devlin chose to release her. But she knew there was no chance of that happening.
She stumbled out of his arms, waiting for the last tingle of magic to disappear.
“God, I forgot how much that hurt,” she breathed.
“I am sorry,” Devlin replied evenly.
Moving away from him and the memory of their kiss, she tried to regain her composure. Only Devlin had the power to rattle her this badly, but she’d be damned if she let him see what effect he had on her.
“I’ll start hunting first thing tomorrow,” she said, trying to focus on the job at hand. “Can you give me any locations he’s been recently?”
“Yes, but you cannot hunt him alone.”
She snorted. “Trust me. There are no other sensers who will want to help me with this one.”
“That’s not what I meant.” He gripped her arm and turned her to him. “Saleel is more dangerous than any demon you’ve faced before, Talia. You need me with you at all times. Until our deal is completed I am not leaving your side.”
Her eyes widened in horror. “No,” she refused flatly.
“This isn’t a choice. You want this guy? Fine, but you have to deal with the consequences. I can’t claim my night if you’re dead.”
She flinched and told herself it was because she didn’t like being cornered, not because of the reminder that all he wanted was her body when she had once been ready to give him her heart.
“You can’t be with me all the time. You have a very busy life.”
“Not for the next few days I don’t,” he replied. “I will be here day and night, Talia, until Saleel is dead.”
“And if I don’t like it?”
“Too bad. You’ve had six years of freedom. You owe me at least a few days of obedience.”
She jerked her arm from his grasp. “I owe you nothing. I was in your debt once but as far as I’m concerned my bill has been paid in full.” With her innocence.
He didn’t challenge her words but merely repeated, “I am not leaving.”
21
Talia grit her teeth, already sensing defeat. She didn’t want him around, but it was true she wouldn’t be safe once she started tracking Saleel. No matter how much she hated him, she had to admit Devlin wasn’t wrong about the danger t
he demon posed.
“You’re sleeping on the sofa,” she said with ill grace.
He bowed in acquiescence.
She growled at him as she stalked to the hall closet and grabbed a sheet and blanket. Throwing them at him, she gave him a final glare before she strode to her bedroom. Talia couldn’t help slamming the door behind her.
22
Chapter Four
It took her a few minutes to remember who was in her home when she woke the next morning. When she did, she buried her head in the pillow with a groan. Devlin was here. And as the nail in her coffin, she’d promised to sleep with him. She shivered at the thought, but not in fear. It was an impossible situation.
How was she supposed to work with him, live with him and keep her heart safe?
Sounds came from the kitchen, letting her know her troublesome guest was up. With a sigh, she rolled from the bed and walked groggily to her dresser. Time to start the day and see what new heartache it would bring.
When she entered the kitchen she saw the table set with scrambled eggs and French toast. Devlin had cooked for her? Devlin didn’t cook. He hired people for that.
“Did you make this?” she asked in shock.
Devlin glanced at her from the stove, spatula in hand. “You forget to eat breakfast when you’re working.”
How did he know she forgot to eat? But she was much too proud to ask. “Still, you made this? As in, cracked eggs like a human? You can conjure food with your magic.”
“You don’t like me using magic for small things,” he replied with his back to her. “You’ve told me a million times.”
Why do you remember that?
She longed to ask. Instead she slid into her chair and reached for the eggs.
As she ate she felt Devlin’s gaze burning into her. He watched her like a hunter, and for the first time in many years she felt vulnerable. Dominant, arrogant, demon lord Devlin she could handle. Breakfast-making, wounded, sexy Devlin was another problem entirely.
“I want to get started right away,” she told him, wiping her mouth on a napkin and deliberately refusing to thank him for the delicious meal. “Tell me the last place Saleel was.”
“According to my sources he likes to spend his nights at a club called the Shadow Walk.”
“Never heard of it.”
“It’s a demon club, Talia. They don’t take too kindly to sensers going there.”
“Oh.” Talia mulled over the new information. “Well, we’ll just have to be fast. You sneak me in, I try and get a sense of Saleel and we get out.”
Devlin looked amused. “Every demon will know what you are. I could tell when you were an untrained child. In the past years your power has only grown.”
“Fine, mister hot shot,” she snapped. “You come up with a plan.”
“Sensers are not welcome in demon clubs,” Devlin replied, “but allowances are made for demons powerful enough to make trouble. The owners will take offense to you waltzing into their bar. They will look the other way if I bring my lover in for a drink.”
Talia blushed, inwardly cringing. “Okay,” she said, trying to brush away her discomfort. “We can make that work for us. I’ll pretend to be your lover in the bar while we search for Saleel.”
“You have to be convincing,” Devlin said with humour in his eyes.
“Pretend to want you? I think I’m a good enough actress to pull it off,” she replied sweetly.
He narrowed his eyes.
“Shall we go now?”
Devlin glanced at the clock. “I don’t know about you, but ten o’clock is a little early for me to start drinking.”
She rolled her eyes. “The faster we get there the better I can sense his trail. You know time is a factor here.”
“What clubs do you know that are open at ten in the morning?”
She paused. “When do they open?”
“Early evening at the least,” Devlin replied. He leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile. “How will we pass the time?”
“I’m not spending the day with you,” Talia snapped. Rising, she grabbed her dishes and tossed them into the sink. When she stalked into the living room Devlin was hot on her heels.
“Why not? After all it’s been six years,” he said lightly. “We have lots to catch up on.”
“Really? How’s Merilyn?” Talia froze and bit her tongue. Merilyn had been his primary mistress when she’d lived at his mansion. Had Talia truly asked about her rival out loud? Embarrassment reddened her cheeks. Trying to salvage the situation, she said casually, “Never mind. I don’t care. Tell me how you found out about Saleel.”
Devlin was silent for a long moment but she refused to turn back to him.
“I don’t know how Merilyn is. I haven’t seen her in six years.”
Talia twitched in surprise.
“I haven’t taken any lovers in six years,” Devlin finished softly.
Closing her eyes, she wished she could believe his words. But unfortunately for her, she knew lies when she heard them. Devlin was an innately sexual being. Most demons were. There was no way he could survive for six years without sex.
“You know I won’t believe you,” she said over her shoulder. “Why even bother with the lies?”
24
Again he laughed, but she heard the pain and self-mockery in the sound.
“Of course,” he said tightly. “Sit, Talia, and I will tell you of Saleel.”
Slowly, she sat across the room from him.
“I have been looking for Saleel since I first took you in,” Devlin said. “I never heard any word about his whereabouts. Truly, I thought he was long dead until he resurfaced two nights ago.”
“Has he killed anyone?”
“Not yet. My guess is he’s come back for a reason.” Devlin raised his stunning eyes to hers. “He means to finish what he started.”
Talia felt as if the blood in her veins had turned to ice. “He wants to kill me.”
“Yes,” Devlin agreed quietly.
The demon of her childhood was stalking her, bent on finishing her off once and for all. Talia swallowed hard. “Good thing I have you around,” she said, trying to appear unaffected.
His eyes widen in surprise at her cavalier pronouncement.
“We simply catch him before he gets to me. Right?”
Devlin nodded sharply.
“Good.” She stood. “I have some research to do on another case. Call me when it’s time to go to the club.”
She left the room before he had a chance to call her back.
In her room, Talia leaned heavily against the door. She’d had demons gunning for her before. It wasn’t anything new. But this wasn’t any ordinary demon. When she closed her eyes she still heard the screams of her parents. Her childhood had been ripped away from her and tainted with evil. Saleel had a lot to answer for.
She sank to the ground, touching the rose on her neck out of habit. The familiar gesture calmed her slightly. She wasn’t the same terrified child Saleel had come up against before. This time she was a woman trained to destroy demons. Plus she had Devlin in her corner. She may not truly understand why he was helping her, but she knew enough about Devlin to know he was a demon of his word. If he promised to keep her safe, he would.
For a price, her mind added.
Yes, for a price. He never did anything for free. Demons looked out for their own interests first. She knew that well enough. But if one night with an old lover freed her of the fear she lived with, she considered it a good bargain.
Pushing herself to her feet, Talia decided to make use of her time. She opened her weapons closet and pulled out a few daggers. A rusty senser was as good as dead. Might as well get some practise hours in while she waited for the sun to set.
25
When Devlin knocked on the door, she was ready. Talia sat on her bed, staring at the dark city beyond her window.
“It’s almost time,” Devlin said as he stepped into her room.
“
I’m ready.” She’d dressed in her customary black but chosen a daringly low-cut shirt to dress up her outfit. The long sleeves covered the daggers hidden in wrist sheaths, and with her short hair and low neckline the black rose on her throat stood out like a beacon. Her tight black jeans disappeared into knee-high boots, each equipped with a thin blade hidden in the lining. She looked dangerous. She looked like a demon’s lover.
Devlin had dressed for the occasion as well. Gone were his habitual suits. In their place he wore a black silk T-shirt that reminded her painfully of the one he’d worn the night she’d slept with him. Black breeches encased his legs, laced up the sides all the way from hip to hem. He looked scrumptiously sexy and a part of her hated him for it.
“You know the plan?” he asked, sitting next to her on the bed.
“As soon as we get to the club I need to pretend I’m infatuated with you,” she recited. “You’ll cover me while I search for any sign of Saleel.”
“Do remember to be careful,” he told her seriously. “This club will not be happy with your presence.
I’d rather not have to fight every demon there to get you out again.”
“I’ll be a good girl,” she taunted.
Devlin snorted. “You have no idea how to be a good girl.”
She had years ago. But he was right—the innocent Talia had died her last night in the mansion. The woman who’d walked out of his house had been a different person entirely. Now being good was the last thing she wanted.
“Good girls don’t kill demons,” she agreed with a cold smile, “and I love my job.”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Why did you pick that particular line of work?”
She shrugged casually. “Needed to pay the bills.”
Deals With Demons Page 3
