Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

I marched into the Devil’s Playground like a woman on a mission—because I was. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of Kane. He stood alone behind the counter, hunched over a spreadsheet. The ends of his dark blonde hair curled around the collar of his shirt, which was unbuttoned far enough to offer a tantalizing glimpse of his broad chest. Even mundane tasks couldn’t dampen his sex appeal.

He glanced up as I approached. “Those heavy footsteps made me think you were Josephine.”

Ignoring the swell of desire, I slapped my hands on the counter and forced my focus away from his bare skin. “I have a few things to say, but I’d like to start with the most important.”

Kane straightened. “Is it that bad? You look a bit flushed.”

No surprise. Ever since our sexcapades, my body seemed to burn with the intensity of a thousand stars whenever he was near. Any stronger and I’d start to worry about internal combustion.

“It isn’t bad. Just awkward.” Apologies didn’t come naturally to me, especially when the recipient was someone I cared about deeply. “I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier and then hanging up. It wasn’t my finest moment.”

His whisky-colored eyes softened. “It was my fault for riding you too hard. It was unfair, especially after asking you to help Alessandro.”

Aaaand my mind went straight to the gutter. “Never apologize for riding me too hard.”

His eyes glinted with mischief. “Careful, Miss Clay. The room is very empty right now.” He ran a hand along the countertop. “And the counter is very clean.”

Gods, that was more tempting than I would’ve expected. Then again, Kane could make the kitchen sink look appealing.

Stay on task, Lorelei . “Why is the lounge empty right now?”

“We have a delayed opening this evening.”

“Anything I need to know?”

“Alessandro called out and it took time to find a suitable substitute.”

“Where’s Dantalion?”

“He’s in the city picking up a crate of bottles from a supplier,” Kane said.

“Your supplier doesn’t deliver?”

“Not this particular brand, no. It gets the white glove treatment.”

“What is it?”

Kane slid aside the spreadsheet. “I’m sure you’re not here to talk business.”

“Not bar business, no. I had an interesting encounter at my house.”

His eyebrows drew together. “Not The Corporation.”

“Not this time. Tonight’s guest appearance was the Erinyes in their flying devil dog forms. ”

His body stiffened. “Furies in Fairhaven? Were they looking for you?”

“I think so.” I told him about my agreement with West to tell the police about the supernatural world.

“It’s risky,” Kane said. “Chief Garcia is a good cop, but she’s very grounded in human reality. You may lose credibility with her.”

“That’s been my concern, too, but Leo said she trusts me.”

“That doesn’t mean she will after your talk.”

“What about West’s involvement? She has a longer history with him. Do you think she’ll turn on him?”

He contemplated the question. “She is fairly close with Davies. That’s probably the biggest point in your favor.”

“Do you want to be involved?”

“Strategically, I think it’s best if it’s only the two of you. That way if the chief reacts poorly, we still have me as an intermediary.”

“Smart.”

His smile was electric. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

I folded my arms across my chest. “I’m not getting on that counter.”

“That’s not what I meant. Josephine has identified the guests that went home with Alessandro.”

“Oh. Right.”

“They’re regulars. Carrie and Del Riggio. Husband and wife.”

“Better than siblings. If they’re regulars, would you rather have Josie talk to them?”

“It’s because they’re regulars that I think it’s best if you speak to them as a neutral third party. I don’t want to risk alienating good customers.”

Fair enough. “Species?”

“Unclear, but Josie said whenever they come in, they reek of magic. ”

“Are they local?”

“No, but they live right across the river.”

“New York?”

“New Jersey.”

I shuddered. “This is cruel and unusual punishment. Is this because of our tiff? Are your prince of hell tendencies rising to the surface?”

He grinned. “Take Gun or Cam with you.”

“I’m not afraid. Just grossed out.”

He arched an eyebrow. “By a polyamorous relationship?”

“By New Jersey.”

Chuckling, he typed on his phone. “I’m sending you their address.”

“Where’s Josie?” The vampire could usually be found scowling at me from behind the counter.

“She saw something on the security camera before you arrived and went to investigate.”

“And she isn’t back yet? Aren’t you concerned?”

He laughed. “We’re talking about Josephine Banks.”

As if on cue, Josie stomped into the lounge, dragging someone by his very large, misshapen ear. “I found this demon lurking outside. Says he knows you.”

“Please, I beg of you. Release me.”

She threw him forward by the ear and he stumbled to the floor in a heap. “There, wish granted.”

Kane froze. “Canto?”

The demon kept his head bowed. “Your Highness, at long last.”

“What are you doing here?”

“More importantly, how did you find him?” Josie demanded.

Canto remained on the floor but shifted to his knees. “I followed the great duke. I knew he would lead me straight to you. We are so very desperate for your governance. ”

“Arise, Canto. You have no need to bow to me. I am no longer your prince.”

“You will always be my prince, sire.” Still, Canto rose to his feet and dusted off his clothes. “Your floor is rather sticky, Your Highness.”

“I’ll have someone take care of it,” Kane said. “You said you followed the great duke. When did you see Dantalion?”

“He met with me.”

Kane blinked. “You’re his informant?”

“I am one of them. I heard that he’d been spotted alone, so I tracked him down to ensure his safe passage.”

“He had an encounter with two of Lucifer’s minions,” Kane said. “Did you witness it?”

Canto nodded. “I couldn’t risk being seen, so I waited in the shadows until they dispersed and then followed Dantalion’s trail.”

“Took you long enough,” Josie said. “Your great duke has been back for ages.”

“Once I entered here through the crossroads, I stayed hidden until I knew where to find you. I spent a few days outside a place called Monk’s, thinking I might find you there.”

Kane cringed. “Monk’s? Now I’m just insulted.”

“Did the guards see you come through the crossroads?” I asked.

“Canto has chameleon abilities,” Kane explained. “He can blend in with the background.”

“What about his scent? The wolves should’ve been able to smell him.”

“Chameleons don’t have a scent,” Josie said. “Don’t they teach you anything in human school?”

“How did you find him?” I asked.

“I took him by surprise,” Josie said. “He was too busy trying to peep in the window to notice me. ”

“I only wanted to be certain His Highness was here before I entered,” Canto said. “Once I saw the name on the sign, I assumed it was the right place, but one can’t be too careful.”

“And why are you here?” Josie snarled.

“To entreat His Highness to return. Lucifer has grown weak and there is discontent. The time is ripe for another coup.”

“Lucifer is never weak,” Kane replied. “And it’s hell. Discontent is sewn into its fabric.”

“This is more than the usual grievances, sire. There are rumblings of another revolution.”

Kane arched an eyebrow. “Because the last one worked out so well?”

Canto's brow folded into multiple layers. “Why else is the great duke gathering intel if not for the two of you to launch an attack?”

“Dantalion has only been working to assure our continued safety here,” Kane said.

“Which you have now jeopardized, little demon,” Josie snapped.

Canto's shoulders slumped. “Then you don’t wish to liberate us?”

“I have no desire to return, Canto. My life is here now.”

His bulbous nose reddened. “But we need you, sire. Lucifer is out of control.”

“Lucifer has been out of control since the day he arrived in our circle. Why is this new?”

“Where’s Dantalion?” Josie asked. “He should be a party to this conversation.”

“He’s running an errand for me.”

Josie narrowed her eyes at him. “What errand?”

Kane gestured to the small demon. “I believe we have more pressing matters at the moment. ”

“I agree wholeheartedly,” Canto retorted, “which is why I implore you to rethink your answer.”

Kane shook his head. “As I said, my life is here now. What’s happening in hell is regrettable, but it’s no longer my domain. If you wish to remain here in safety, I can make arrangements for you.”

“I won’t abandon the cause,” Canto said.

Josie’s gaze flicked to Kane. “We can’t let him leave now. He knows where to find you.”

Canto waved his hands. “I would never, ever betray you, Your Highness. Not in a million lifetimes.”

“Maybe not on purpose,” Josie replied, “but you know how much Lucifer enjoys torturing information out of his subjects. If his minions catch you on reentry, they’ll want to know where you were.”

“Remember my abilities,” Canto said quickly. “I am an excellent informant because I’m impossible to catch.”

Josie folded her arms. “I caught you.”

“My guard is never down in hell; I swear to you.”

“Josephine,” Kane said in warning tone.

“I mean it, Kane. We can’t risk letting him go back with this knowledge.”

“There must be another option,” Canto said. “A memory wipe, perhaps? I’m not opposed to losing a few of those in exchange for my life.”

“I have no interest in killing you,” Kane assured him.

Canto looked ready to dissolve into a puddle of relieved tears. “You’re too kind.”

“He really is,” Josie murmured.

“I admire your courage and your dedication to the cause. If I wanted to return and fight, it would be an honor to have you by my side.”

Canto lowered his head. “You flatter me, sire.”

“But you should leave here and never return, and never mention my name again. If Lucifer believes I have an interest in ousting him, it will stir up his desire to find me.”

“To be fair, sire, the desire never left him. He only became distracted by other matters.”

“Where have you been staying?” Josie asked.

“A cave near the river. It’s quite spacious.”

“Return through the crossroads tonight and we’ll forget you were ever here,” Kane said.

“As long as you forget Kane is here,” Josie added.

Canto bowed. “If that is your command.”

Josie glared at Kane until he said, “It is.”

The demon scampered to the exit.

“Dantalion’s getting sloppy,” Josie said. “I’ll speak to him when he gets back from his mystery errand.”

“Dan didn’t know he was being followed,” I countered.

Josie turned to scowl at me. “Exactly my point.”

“I’ll speak to him,” Kane said.

Josie’s nostrils flared. “She’s making you soft, Sullivan, and it’s going to get you killed.”

“Perhaps death is preferable to a life that isn’t well lived.”

Josie made a disgruntled noise at the back of her throat. “I’ll be sure to tell that to your corpse. I feel like I don’t even know you anymore. The old you would’ve let me disembowel Canto if I’d asked.”

I cringed. “Yikes. I’m glad I didn’t know that version of you.”

Josie lifted her chin a fraction. “That version of him would’ve wiped the floor with his enemies and anyone who gave off the slightest whiff of betrayal.”

“I prefer the version who chose to build a better life in Fairhaven.”

Josie didn’t like my response. She flipped her dark ponytail over her shoulder. “Mark my words, Kane. No good deed goes unpunished. ”

“I’m willing to take my chances, Josephine, but I appreciate your concern.”

Her face turned stony as she looked at me. “Congrats, Clay. You’ve just signed his death warrant. Enjoy the sex while you still can.” She marched out of the lounge and slammed the door behind her.

I shot an accusatory look at Kane. “You told her about us?”

“That’s your takeaway from this conversation?”

“I just thought you were more of a gentleman.”

“If you must know, I didn’t tell her. She guessed.”

I observed the twitch in his cheek. “You’re worried about Canto.”

“His presence isn’t ideal.”

“Because if he can find you, then so can Lucifer?”

Kane leaned across the counter and planted a kiss on my lips. “It won’t come to that. If there’s unrest as Canto claims, Lucifer will be far too preoccupied to concern himself with my whereabouts. I’m nothing but an unpleasant memory to him.”

I didn’t push the issue, but it made me uneasy to see Kane rattled. Given his history with Lucifer, however, I understood. I’d glimpsed the nightmares with my own eyes, and I wouldn’t want him to reignite a battle he’d barely survived the last time—not just for his sake, but for mine.

I rose early the next morning to purchase Nana Pratt’s proposed supplies from Hewitt’s, as well as those needed for Ray’s library project. Afterwards I planted myself at the ancient computer that took up a generous section of my kitchen counter. Despite infrequent use, the computer hummed like an overworked air conditioning unit. I grew frustrated with the intermittent internet service and abandoned my research on runes and curses. Like Ray, I’d have to go old school and hit up the Fairhaven Public Library.

I dropped my keys in my purse and stopped to check on Ray’s progress on my way out. I found he and Claude surrounded by planks of wood.

“You look like you’re building a tiny house inside a bigger one,” I said.

“You could fit a couple normal-size houses inside yours,” Ray pointed out. “Would you mind handing me that plank?”

As I attempted to pass it to him, I felt a tickle in my armpit. I dropped the plank on the floor, narrowly missing my foot. “Sorry about that.” I stooped to pick up the plank and handed it to him.

“The ward?” Ray asked, sliding the piece of wood between two brackets.

I nodded.

He peered outside. “Hmm. There seems to be a blanket with legs running this way.”

I hurried to the front door and opened it just in time for the blanket to bolt past me straight into the house.

“Please,” the blanket said. “I need your help. It’s an emergency.”

I recognized the blanket’s voice. “Alessandro? What’s wrong?”

“I’m so sorry. Normally, I wouldn’t enter without an invitation, but the situation is dire.”

“Are you suddenly allergic to sunlight?”

“Worse. So much worse.” He ripped away the blanket, quickly followed by a Yankees cap, and let them fall to the floor. It was easy to identify the problem. His lustrous dark hair had lost a good three inches—from the front of his head.

“A receding hairline? That’s your emergency?”

His head snapped up. “You don’t understand. We don’t do receding hairlines in my family. My genes reject them, and even if they didn’t, hair doesn’t disappear like this overnight. It takes years, along with unfortunate DNA that I don’t possess.”

His misfortune was starting to seem more like a vindictive hex. “I take your point.”

His arms flailed. “How am I supposed to attract anybody in this condition? This hairline is going to be the death of me.” He started to drag his hand through his hair but quickly abandoned the gesture. “It’s like a runway forming on my head. Small planes will request access for emergency landings.”

I suppressed a laugh.

“It isn’t funny,” he wailed. “And you need to work on your poker face.”

“How can I help you, Alessandro? I’m not a hair surgeon.”

“No, but you’re a goddess. Don’t you have special powers that can make this go away?” He waved a hand at his hair.

“I thought the fact that it’s going away is the problem.”

He scowled at me. “You know what I mean. Make the problem go poof! This isn’t me. I looked in the mirror and thought there was an intruder. I could’ve hurt myself.”

“Your cracked mirror?”

“When you look like me, you have more than one strategically placed mirror.”

I had no desire to follow that statement to its natural conclusion.

An idea snapped into place. “It seems like all your bad luck has been related to your appearance.”

“Is that a theory?”

“It is now. Follow me.”

He trailed behind me into the kitchen.

“What if one of your former sexual partners is exacting revenge? ”

“Revenge for what? It isn’t like they’d leave unsatisfied. Never happens.”

“All men say that.”

Alessandro thumped his chest. “Incubus, remember? This body is designed for sex.”

“Dearie me,” Nana Pratt said. It seemed we now had an audience. I hadn’t even realized she was in the house until now.

I groped for possible reasons. “Do you disclose upfront that you’re an incubus? Maybe somebody felt used and discarded.”

“I don’t always disclose it. Depends on the partner. Some figure it out when they meet me and don’t need to be told.”

“I really hate to ask this, but can you write a list of your most recent sexual partners?”

“Kane said you already have that.”

“I have the names of the couple from the Devil’s Playground. Who else has there been in the past week?” I set a sticky note in front of him, along with a pen.

He gazed at the square yellow paper. “Got anything bigger?”

“You can use both sides.”

He glanced at me. “I’d have to write really small. You want to be able to read it, don’t you?”

“You know what? Text me the list. It’ll be easier to reference on my phone anyway.” I gave him my number.

“I won’t remember all their names, but I can describe any distinctive characteristics.”

“Only ones that would be visible to strangers, please.”

He smirked at the phone and continued typing. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Seems like this could take some time. Would you like a snack? ”

He looked up at me with interest. “What kind of snack are you offering?”

“No, no,” I said quickly. “Actual food.”

“Are you sure? Because you’re very attractive, and I do great over-the-counter work. I’m kind of known for it, in fact.”

His expression was far too angelic considering his proposal.

“I appreciate the offer, but no thank you.”

“It’s because of the hairline, isn’t it?” He groaned in frustration. “I’m doomed.”

“It’s because I’m involved with Kane, your boss, who happens to be a former prince of hell and not someone you want to upset.”

His head bobbed. “You raise an excellent point.” His gaze skated to the bowl on the island. “I like bananas.”

I separated a banana from the bunch and tossed it to him. It seemed wise to keep a little distance between us, in case he got any more creative ideas.

He ate the banana, chewing thoughtfully. “What about ghosts? Do you think I could get it on with them?”

“You’re not that desperate, Alessandro.”

“Yet,” he emphasized. “We don’t even know if this is the end of it. I could wake up tomorrow with a shrunken head.”

“Then the receding hairline will be less obvious.”

He met my gaze. “I wasn’t talking about that one.”

“Right.”

He tapped his screen. “The list is done.”

I glanced at his text message. “Hyena girl? Was she a shifter?”

“No, it was her laugh.”

“That’s all you remember about her?”

He shrugged. “That was her defining characteristic. ”

I sighed and switched to the most promising entry. “What can you tell me about Raina Balodis, aside from her name?”

“Leggy blonde. Met her at a music festival. She invited me into the portable toilet with her.”

Nana Pratt gasped. “But that’s so unsanitary!”

No one could argue with the guy’s charisma. “How was that remotely comfortable?” I asked.

He shrugged. “We only did it in there once, then we went back to my place, until she shifted and ruined the vibe.”

“Werewolf?”

He shook his head. “Swan.”

“There aren’t any swan shifters.” Most likely, Raina had the ability to take multiple forms. I still needed more information to narrow down the possibilities.

Alessandro contemplated the list. “She did have a bit of a temper, but I didn’t take it personally.”

“Maybe you should have. What happened?”

He averted his gaze. “She wanted me to … connect with the swan. When I refused, she hissed and bit me.” He rubbed his arm. “It was a painful pinch. Worse than my cousin Gianna and hers leave bruises.”

“That’s it?”

“Yep. She switched back to the willowy blonde, gathered her clothes, and left in a huff. Didn’t even bother to put them on first.”

“She just stormed out of your place naked?”

He nodded. “I should probably mention the wings.”

“As in spicy chicken?”

“As in she sprouted them. I caught a glimpse of them as she slammed the door shut behind her.”

Wings. Swan. Fiery temper. “Any idea where I can find Raina?”

“No, sorry. We didn’t talk much.”

“Have you ever seen her at the club? ”

He scratched the back of his neck. “No, but when I mentioned where I work, she said she sometimes shows up for the live music nights.” He broke into a broad smile. “Those have been great for me. The energy’s electric. I’d have to make a real effort not to connect with anyone.”

“Some guys have all the luck,” Ray muttered.

“Not anymore,” Nana Pratt said. “Seems like his might’ve run out. Too much carnal sinning can have that effect.”

I typed a message to Kane, asking if he knew Raina. If she was as temperamental as she seemed, odds were good she would’ve drawn attention at the Devil’s Playground.

“Thanks for the list,” I said, accompanying him to the front door. “I’ll let you know what I find out.”

Alessandro glanced outside. “I hope I don’t pass anyone on my way home.”

I swiped his Yankees cap and blanket off the foyer floor and handed them to him. “Godspeed.”

He swaddled himself and bolted from the house. I watched him run across the bridge and prayed he didn’t trip over the end of the blanket and tumble into the moat. Poor guy needed to retain what was left of his dignity. I breathed a sigh of relief when he made it safely to his car.

“Why is he so distressed over hair loss?” Nana Pratt asked. “My husband was bald, but it didn’t make him any less handsome to me.”

“That’s different. You were married to him. Alessandro feeds off sexual energy. Without it, he dies.”

Nana Pratt reached for her nonexistent pearls. “Oh, dear. And here I thought men were exaggerating when they claimed certain appendages would fall off without use.”

I smiled. “Men are definitely exaggerating, but Alessandro is an incubus. His species can’t survive without it.”

“Well, he’s still very handsome. I’m sure there are plenty of women who like a man with a shiny head and good hygiene. Look at all those bald actors like Sean Connery.”

“Imagine you have the brightest, bluest eyes anyone has ever seen. They’re the first feature people notice and comment on. You consider them a blessing. A symbol of your worthiness. They become part of your identity, as much as your name. You even start modeling eyewear to earn a living. Then one day, you wake up and your eyes are brown.”

“There’s nothing wrong with brown eyes,” Ray said, indignant.

“Of course not, but if part of your identity, your livelihood, is that you’re the one with the most amazing blue eyes people have ever seen, you’ll feel terrified, and eventually a deep sense of loss. Alessandro’s identity is the Extremely Hot Incubus that everyone wants to consort with. Right now he’s in the terrified stage, but soon he’ll start grieving.”

“Except in your example, the blue-eyed person won’t die if their eyes turn brown. They can just find another job,” Nana Pratt pointed out.

I nodded. “Alessandro doesn’t have that luxury. He earns a living tending bar, but he needs to feed on sexual energy to actually live.”

“Tell him there’s a group of divorced women who meet at the coffee shop on Wednesday afternoons,” Ray offered.

Nana Pratt looked at him sideways. “How do you know that?”

“Renee mentioned it once. When her husband moved to San Francisco, a friend suggested she join them for support.”

“What makes you think they’d take an interest in Alessandro?” I asked.

“Do you have any idea how hard it is for women in this town to meet remotely attractive men? Your friend is still young, fit, has most of his hair, and all of his teeth. They’d flock to him like mosquitoes to a zapper. ”

“Well, except his touch wouldn’t kill them.”

Ray shrugged. “Might. Depends on their heart conditions.”

“I’ll mention the option to him.” If nothing else, it might feed his receding ego. I typed a text message and relayed the information.

“Aren’t you worried Renee might be at the meetup?” Nana Pratt asked.

Ray chuckled. “No, ma’am. My daughter is married to her career. Unless Alessandro shows up at her place of employment with a promotion and a salary increase, she won’t be interested.”

“I wouldn’t put it past him,” I said. “The heart wants what the heart wants.”

Nana Pratt gave a disapproving grunt. “I don’t think it’s his heart.”

I hefted my purse strap over my shoulder. “I’m headed to the library to see if I can find books on runes and curses.”

“I thought you said it was the letter F in ancient Norse,” Nana Pratt said.

“That’s what it looks like, but I don’t see any reason why that would curse him. I don’t see a connection.”

Nana Pratt surveyed the kitchen. “Where did you put the white vinegar? I need to make another spray bottle.”

I winced. “I forgot to get it. I’m sorry.” I’d been too distracted by the other hundred items I had to buy.

“While you’re out, maybe stop at the garden center too. I was thinking the moat could use a spot of color.”

“I can throw in a pink flamingo float when the weather turns.”

“I was envisioning flowerbeds.”

I snorted. “Along the moat?”

“Flowers would look lovely there, don’t you think? ”

“It’s a moat. It isn’t supposed to look lovely or inviting. It’s supposed to keep people away.”

“Oh, come now, Lorelei. I think you’re well past the lady of solitude bit. You have more visitors to your house than an actual castle.”

“You should consider selling tickets,” Ray added.

“I’m not opening my home to the public.” I glared at Nana Pratt. “No flowerbeds along the moat. It’s there for defensive purposes … and to serve as a lazy river during the warmer months.”

“Don’t forget the white vinegar this time,” she called after me. “Those weeds won’t kill themselves.”