“I know.” She hadn’t told Jaeryth about her history, but if he was going to stay, he’d find out soon anyway. “You have something for me to fill, right?”
Tex glanced at Jaeryth, and his jaw clenched. “Maybe we should go inside. Alone.”
“No, it’s fine.” She held out a hand.
He hesitated, and then produced a small, lidded clear plastic jar with a baggie tucked inside. She’d done this a hundred times during rehab. It still stung that she had to do it now, but it was a small price to pay if it meant she’d get to keep singing. She would’ve paid a lot more.
“Thanks. Be right back.” She took the jar and turned to Jaeryth, who hadn’t bothered to stop glaring. “I’ll get that tea ready too,” she said. “Hang tight, okay?”
“Of course.”
She almost told them to play nice, but an admonishment would probably make things worse. Instead, she headed for the house, intending to take the fastest piss of her life. She’d just have to hope the two of them didn’t kill each other before she finished.
* * * * *
After the disastrous morning with the Tempter, not to mention being forced to wear the ridiculous shirt, Jaeryth had decided this day couldn’t get any worse. But the damned angel had proven him wrong by turning up and interrupting his plans. Again.
“So…Jaeryth.” Tex folded his arms. “What did you say your last name was?”
“I did not say.” He refused to let the woman-stealing bastard intimidate him, even if it did seem he suspected something was not right. He could prove nothing.
“How do you know Logan?”
“We’ve only just met.” He was tempted to tell the angel the truth, just to see how he’d react. He doubted that Logan would believe he’d been a demon, even if her good friend Tex told her. But Logan had asked him to use this ridiculously thin story, and he would not risk breaking her trust. He couldn’t accomplish his mission without it.
Tex smiled suddenly. “I think we got off on the wrong foot,” he said. “Logan seems pretty upset, and I don’t think either of us want that. So let’s start over.” He held a hand out.
This change of heart felt about as sincere as Lucifer’s promises. Still, it would harm nothing to offer a token handshake. Angels were held to the same restrictions as demons when it came to dealing with humans. Concealing his suspicions, Jaeryth grasped the extended hand.
Immediately, his perception shifted without any effort on his part. Tex stood before him in true form, terrifying as only a full angel could be—clad in tattered wraps of linen like a winding-shroud, with great crimson-feathered wings and a shaggy black mane streaked with gold. His eyes blazed silver, and a red smile gaped his mouth.
Beyond the threatening form of Tex, the landscape also revealed its truth. The light of Citadel bathed Logan’s house, transforming shabbiness into beauty that spread beyond the confines of the structure. Its golden glow bathed his own skin, and the concrete on which he stood sparkled like glass.
The angel was watching him closely, seeking some reaction. He offered a frosty smile and pumped the hand that gripped his. “I’m pleased to meet you, Tex,” he said.
Tex released him, and the mortal plane reappeared around them. His smile grew brittle. “Any friend of Logan’s,” he said.
“Agreed.”
Silence descended and stretched to an awkward length. Finally, Tex relaxed visibly and cast a smug look. “Well, I hope you’re not planning to stay long, neighbor,” he said. “Logan has plans with me tonight.”
Fury flashed hot through him at the blatant implication, but he calmed as he realized that Tex was simply twisting the truth. “Yes, I know,” he said. “You are in her band, and there’s a show. I’d planned on attending.”
He nearly laughed at the angel’s indignant expression.
“That’s great,” Tex said through clenched teeth. He relaxed with obvious effort. “So, you live around here,” he said. “Close by?”
“Across the street.”
“Yeah?” Tex smirked. “What’s your house number?”
Damned persistent bastard. “I don’t think that’s any of your business,” he said.
“You want to know what I think?”
“Not particularly.”
“I think you’re lying. In fact, I know you are. I just can’t figure out why—but I will.”
The front door of the house opened and Logan emerged carrying two glasses and a clear bag containing the jar Tex had handed her, now filled with yellow liquid. Urine, he realized. She placed the glasses on the porch rail, descended the steps and approached them to hand the bag to Tex. “Here you go, counselor,” she said. “Don’t drink it all at once.”
“I’ll try to restrain myself.” Tex, all smiles and warmth now, hugged Logan and kissed her cheek.
It was all Jaeryth could do not to strike the smug bastard.
“Hey, Logan.” Tex kept an arm around her shoulders, but his taunting gaze fell on Jaeryth, daring him to say something. “Do you mind if Blue picks you up tonight? I’ve got a little running around to take care of, and I’m going to be cutting it close.”
“Sure, if she doesn’t mind.”
“I already asked her. She’s cool.” He squeezed again, a friendly gesture. “All right. I’ll see you tonight.” Releasing her, he turned to Jaeryth and extended a hand. “Take it easy, friend.”
Clenching his jaw hard enough to hurt, Jaeryth took it. There were no unearthly visions this time. He didn’t need them—Tex had already made his point clear.
“Later.” Tex grinned broadly, waved to Logan and strode toward his car, whistling.
And Jaeryth decided that, human or not, he was going to do something about that blasted angel.
Chapter 14
Logan held her breath until Tex pulled from the driveway and drove out of sight. Then she let out an explosive sigh. “I am so sorry about that,” she said. “Tex is a little over-protective sometimes. I hope he didn’t say anything too horrible to you.”
The same dark expression he’d shown when the jogger bumped into her infused his face for a moment, telling her that Tex had been nastier than necessary despite Jaeryth’s actual response. “Not particularly,” he said, though his voice tightened around the words. “Your friend is concerned for you, and therefore suspicious of me. If this weren’t so, he would not be much of a friend.”
“I guess. But he doesn’t have to be a complete asshole about it.” She gave a tentative smile.
It faltered when she met his eyes, and actually felt the intensity in them.
“Um. It really is hot out here,” she said, turning away before she could melt at his feet. “Let’s bring the drinks inside. We should probably catch a nap, since it’s going to be a pretty long night.”
“Yes,” he said from behind her—far too close for comfort. “Inside is good.”
She swallowed and headed for the porch, deliberately not looking back as she grabbed the iced tea glasses and went through the door. If she caught sight of that smoldering gaze again, she was going to do something really stupid. Like take him up on the promise of his stare and succumb to sheer lust.
God, how did he do this to her? Just the sight of him sparked a heat deep in her core that she hadn’t felt in years, and never so strong as this in her life. She just had to remind herself that pure physical attraction wasn’t enough.
But the way he looked at her was more than physical. The fire in his eyes went straight to her soul.
An involuntary shiver went through her as she set the glasses on the coffee table. She heard Jaeryth shut the door, and finally dared to look at him. The longing expression hadn’t changed—if anything, it had intensified.
And now they were alone.
“Jaeryth.” It wasn’t easy to speak when her throat suddenly felt lined with cotton. He was coming toward her, his intentions clear as glass. “Maybe we should…talk about this.”
“Talking is not what I have in mind.” His voice was a rough purr.
Then his hands were on her waist, his mouth lowering to her.
She’d insist on talking. It was a lot safer than this. She managed to open her mouth, but no words came out—only a quick breath just before his lips pressed against hers.
It was a hungry kiss, infused with dizzying heat. She told herself she only threw her arms around him to keep from falling. Not because she wanted to feel his body pressed against her. She was definitely going to stop this in a minute. Maybe two.
He ran his tongue across the seam of her lips, and they parted for him without her conscious effort. The kiss deepened. He moaned, and the sound echoed in her head, filling her with delicious tremors.
“Logan,” he murmured, easing back a fraction. “You are sweeter than sin.”
Now would be the time to stop this. The idea barely surfaced before it drowned in a haze of bliss as his hands slipped beneath her shirt, and his fingers lightly skimmed her ribs just below her bra.
“Oh, God,” she managed. “Jaeryth…”
“I need to touch you.” His voice emerged low and ragged, and she felt the evidence of his lust pressing against her. One hand slid higher and cupped her breast. Her heart raced so fast, she wasn’t sure she could breathe. And then his thumb brushed her nipple—and her entire body burned in response.
The feeling was intense enough to scare her tongue loose.
“No,” she gasped, pulling away with real effort. “Jaeryth, I can’t. I’m sorry.”
His brow furrowed. “Do you not want me?”
God, yes. It wasn’t easy to keep that thought to herself. “I hardly know you,” she said. “We can’t jump straight from just meeting each other to…being intimate.”
“Why not?”
That was a good question—and she didn’t really have an answer. She did want him. In a normal world, maybe that would be enough. But in a world where she was still struggling with addiction and sharing hallucinations with a man she’d known for less than a day, throwing sex into the mix felt like way too much. “Because I’m not ready,” she finally said. “I just can’t right now.”
He gave her an intense look, and her heart stuttered. She wasn’t sure she could resist if he tried again—and if he broke her resolve, she’d end up hating him for it. She didn’t want that to happen.
At last, he sighed and took a half-step back. “You mentioned a nap,” he said. “Perhaps I could use one after all.”
She smiled a little. “The couch is all yours,” she said, grabbing the tea glasses. “I’ll just stick these in the fridge for later.” She felt less relieved than she should. Her body was still trying to override the protests of her mind, and if she stayed in the same room with him much longer, her body might win.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll wake you up in time for the show.” With another slight smile, she headed for the kitchen before she could change her mind.
Being around Jaeryth might be hazardous to her heart.
* * * * *
Jaeryth closed his eyes, though he was nowhere near asleep. Sheer frustration had driven his earlier exhaustion away. He waited until he heard Logan head down the hallway toward her bedroom, and then let out a pent breath.
Why had he stopped himself? Was he not a demon, built for tempting humans into all manner of wickedness—and especially this one, whose corruption was the key to avoiding eternal agony? He’d felt her readiness, her body making a lie of her spoken protests. It would have been easy to press on.
But he had not. Because she’d asked him to stop.
He wanted to believe he’d obeyed her request in the interests of generally furthering his mission. It was logical to remain in her good graces—and reasonable that he’d want her with such intensity. Demons were not immune to lust. But a suspicion had formed in his mind, one he could not shake, and it worried him.
He couldn’t bear to hurt her.
In the end, he would. He’d no choice in the matter, except to burn in Tartarus forever. Regardless of the manner in which he resolved his task, she would be hurt by the result. And how it galled him to care.
As he lay on the too-short couch, he pictured Logan as she’d been just moments before, her eyes reflecting his own desire. He recalled the taste of her and the silky heat of her mouth, the feeling of her skin beneath his fingers. Separating from her, refraining from exploring every inch of her, had been physically painful.
With her face affixed in his mind, Jaeryth drifted into troubled sleep.
Chapter 15
After Jaeryth passed out, Logan went about doing mostly normal things, and even managed to grab a quick nap herself. She was determined to stay calm and resolute about what happened earlier, so things wouldn’t get too awkward.
But the upcoming show was another matter. By the time Blue pulled her car into the driveway around eight that night, her nerves sizzled like hot oil. She felt worse than she had before the first time. Maybe because of Nick the Neighborhood Jogger and his YouTube video.
Or maybe it was Jaeryth. He hadn’t made her first show, since he’d apparently been busy getting the shit kicked out of him. Besides, even if he had, she never would’ve seen him in the crowd. But this time she’d know he was there.
Why one person’s opinion of her singing should matter so much, she had no idea. But her trembling hands and the film of cold sweat on her back said that it did. It mattered a lot.
Blue got out of the car before they reached it, leaving the engine running. She barely glanced over. “Just gotta shove a few things aside,” she said. “I remembered you texted me about an extra, but I totally forgot to check the—” She did a double-take in the middle of opening the back door and pinned her gaze on Jaeryth. “Holy hell. You’re some extra.”
She couldn’t help smiling. At least Blue would give him a better reception than Tex. “I guess I should introduce you two,” she said.
“You’d better.”
She glanced at Jaeryth, who looked more than a little wary. He probably expected Blue to give him the third degree, like Tex no doubt had. “It’s okay,” she told him. “Blue’s cool.”
His crooked smile made her stomach flutter.
“All right.” She drew in a quick breath and hoped she didn’t look as flustered as she felt. “So, this is Blue, the kick-ass bass player. Blue, meet Jaeryth.”
“Great name.” Blue held out a hand.
Jaeryth hesitated for half a second, and then took it. “You as well,” he said. “Blue.”
“Wow.” Grinning, she mock-shivered and stepped back. “Can you sing with that voice?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“Pity.” She headed back for the car. “Nice to meet you and we’ve gotta go. Gimme just a second.” She opened the back door and shoved a bunch of loose papers and electrical cords across the seat. “Hope you don’t mind riding coach, Jaeryth.”
“I don’t believe I do.”
Blue blinked at him, and then shrugged. “Okay, then. Hop in.”
Jaeryth cast a dubious look at the car. But he moved toward it and climbed inside gingerly, rustling papers as he went. When he situated himself on the seat, he had to shift his legs over into the other foot well so he’d fit. “It seems a bit cramped,” he said.
“Guess I’m moving my seat up.” Blue flashed a smile, closed him in and turned to Logan. “Damn, woman,” she half-whispered. “Where’d you find him?”
“He’s my neighbor.” The lie came easier this time, and with less babbling.
“I’m moving down here with you. I want one of those.”
The teasing tone said she didn’t have to worry about Blue making a move on him. She was grateful for that. Not that she was involved with Jaeryth or anything, but him hooking up with someone would complicate an already insane situation.
While Blue pulled the driver’s seat forward, Logan walked around and climbed in the passenger side, then looked back at Jaeryth. “You all right?” she said.
“Fine.” He shifted positio
n a bit and pressed back against the seat. “Is this place far?”
“Honestly? I have no idea.”
“It’s not far.” Blue closed her door and buckled in. “The Pelican’s a nice little local place. We play it once or twice a month. We’ll be there twenty minutes, tops.”
Jaeryth smirked. “Good.”
Logan faced forward and waited until they got moving, and then lit a cigarette and lowered the window halfway. “So,” she said to Blue. “How little is this place?”
Blue smirked and shook her head. “You’re still nervous?”
“Uh…yeah. I am.”
“Don’t be.” She reached for the pack of smokes in the cup holder and fired one up. “It’s little,” she said. “Something like five hundred capacity, max. And there’s never been that many there.”
“Sounds cozy.”
“You’ll have fun. Trust me.”
Logan nodded and spent a minute staring out the window. “Hey,” she said eventually. “Did you know we’re on YouTube?”
Blue laughed. “Course we are. It’s what you have to do these days. We’ve got a kid that tapes the shows, chops them up and uploads them for us every time.” She let out a snort. “It’s supposed to help us get discovered or something.”
“Maybe it will.” Logan told her about Nick.
“Freaky,” Blue said when she finished. “So this guy’s coming tonight too?”
“He said he was.”
“Well, there’s gonna be like three dozen people plus one, then.”
“I can handle that.”
The drive seemed to take a lot less than twenty minutes. They hit downtown Pottstown fairly soon, and Blue slowed to navigate the turns. Cars lined both sides of nearly every street they drove down. A normal sight in Philly, but Logan hadn’t expected it here. “I didn’t know Pottstown had such a hot night life,” she said. “It is Sunday, right?”
“Last I checked.” Blue frowned through the windshield. “This is weird. Must be something going on around here.”
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