Page 16

“I don’t think so.”

“Oh yeah, why’s that?” I ask, quickening my steps when I see the main road ahead. Shit, where’s the other alley? I’m sure I went straight here.

Nix appears out of nothing in front of me. “Because you would have tried already.”

“Well don’t flatter yourself. It’s only because I want to know what the magic is between us.” I move around him and step one foot on the road.

“Look out!” I’m yanked back just as a car goes flying past us.

My chest heaves as I suck in cool air mixed with cinnamon and the smoky embers of a campfire. Glowing, golden ropes circle Nix and me from the contact as the warmth of his chest presses against my back.

“Wow, are you always this prone to danger?” He chuckles.

I shrug out of his hold, straightening my T-shirt as I turn to glare at him, and now I’m remembering I’m still wearing my pajamas, sans bra.

He leans forward and cups his ear with a grin.

I fold my arms over my chest, avoiding his gaze. “Thank you.”

“Looks like you need to keep me around, witch.”

“Or maybe you’re the reason I keep getting in trouble, and I should just stay away from you.” I check both ways before I cross the street this time.

He appears before me again, blocking my escape down another alley.

“Ugh, can you stop following me, stalker?”

“Sure. Quick question, though.”

I sigh. “Yes?”

“Do you know where you’re going?”

I absolutely do not, but I won’t give him the satisfaction. The next time I think it’s a good idea to flee the safety of my room to help an innocent, I should really bring my damn phone.

“Of course I do, but I’m not going to lead a demon straight back to my place.”

“Good thinking. These streets can be dangerous at night.” He smiles as he pushes past me, heading back in the direction we came. “Well, see you later.”

I look up and down the street, still not one hundred percent certain which direction I came from.

“Wait.” I groan, dropping my head back. “Do you know where Akonyte Kitchen is?”

It’s truly unsettling how normal he looks. No one outside the supernatural world would guess he’s a demon. I wouldn’t believe it myself if I hadn’t seen him use his powers.

“What’s in it for me?” He smirks. Dark hair falls over his amber eyes as he tilts his head. The deep brown ring around each iris makes his golden gaze hypnotizing as it peeks through the strands. I wonder what kind of demon he is. One that incites greed, sparks jealousy, or stirs lust. Maybe that’s why Sloane’s potion feels as though it’s had zero effect on my physical attraction to him.

I pull a potion from my belt and hold the glowing purple vial up for him to see. “Not killing you?” I smile.

“Not even if I promise to get you there safely?”

I shake the small bottle in my hand.

He chuckles and holds both hands up. “Not really much of an incentive for me.”

“Ugh, forget it.” I tuck the potion away and start marching down the alley. I should’ve stuck to the main street a little longer.

“Where’s your friend?” Nix keeps a few steps behind me. My hand reaches for the handle of the dagger at my side, just in case.