A Demon And His Witch (16 page)

Ysabel’s fingers clawed at the table top as she fought to prevent herself from flying across the table and tackling her friend for even daring to think of Remy in a sexual manner. As to her query…she’d not come here to discuss her bedroom antics, but knowing Nefertiti, if she didn’t say something, she’d find a way to pry it out of her. “We had sex. It was good,” she grouchily admitted.

“So why the angry face? Did he screw you and run?”

“No.”

“Make you swallow when you told him you preferred to spit?”

Cheeks flaming, Ysabel bit out another, “No.”

“Did he try to insert his big tool into an out hole?”

“No.”

“Then what has your panties in a twist? I don’t think I’ve seen you this miffed since Lucifer bought you that vibrating chair that liked to grope.”

Ah, the chair. She’d retaliated for that prank by electrifying his. Not that it worked like expected. Instead of bellowing or shooting smoke from his ears, her boss thanked her with a sly, ‘My pubes have never been curlier. Thanks.’ She’d had to skip lunch and dinner that day after that admission. It still made her shudder.

Snapping out of the unwanted recollection, she caught Nefertiti’s questioning stare. Damn, she still wanted a reason for her annoyance. “He told me he loved me.”

Nefertiti blinked. Frowned. Opened her mouth, then closed it again. She shook her head. Slapped her left ear and said, “I’m sorry. Could you repeat that? I could have sworn you said he confessed to loving you.”

“He did.”

Eyes wide, expression stunned, her friend leaned back in her chair. “Congratulations.”

“Excuse me. Did you not hear what I said? The jerk said he loved me.”

“Yes. That’s quite the feat. I wagered he’d wait until he started going gray in a few hundred years before he’d fall into that trap.”

“He hasn’t. He’s just saying that.”

A crease marred Nef’s forehead. “Now I’m confused again. Are you saying he’s lying about confessing he loves you?”

“Yes. It’s part of his ruse.”

“Ruse? What kind of ulterior plan could he have?”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure I won’t like it,” Ysabel grumbled.

“Let’s skip his confession for a moment. What about you? Do you love him?”

“Yes, the miserable bastard.”

Nefertiti’s eyes crossed and she closed them as she took a deep breath. “Maybe I’m finally getting slow with old age –”

“Never mistress!” shouted a male voice.

“ – but I fail to see the source of your anger. He loves you. You love him. Isn’t there a happily ever after in there somewhere?”

“No!”

“Why ever not?” Nefertiti replied in an exasperated tone.

“I know the answer,” sang a familiar voice.

Ysabel groaned and put her head down on the tabletop.

“Jallayna,” Nefertiti exclaimed. “What a pleasant surprise. I hear congratulations are in order.”

“Yes, I won the bet against all those wagering against me. My Remy has finally found a witch crazy enough to make him fall in love. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“You’re both nuts,” Ysabel muttered.

“Thank you,” they replied in tandem.

Raising her head, she peered at the two women. “Why is it you both believe he loves me?”

They shared a conspiratorial look. Then shrugged.

“Remy’s never said the L word before. Or so my sources say,” Nefertiti said.

“And I told you that you were the first girl he’s brought home,” his mother added.

“So what? I’m supposed to just believe he’s going to give up screwing everything with a hole between its legs and settle down with me?”

Dual nods answered her.

And she wanted to believe them. But…

“Oh, don’t you dare compare him to Francisco!” Nef exclaimed. “Remy is nothing like that two-faced bastard.”

“My boy has honor,” Jallayna said with pride. “He also has manners. Why, he never forgets to lift the seat to pee and always puts it down when he’s done.”

“So you both think I should just throw caution to the wind and let myself believe?”

“It’s time you trusted again,” Nef said softly.

“You cannot live in fear forever. After I accidentally killed Remy’s father, I was crazy with grief for a long time. And when Jacko came along, I also didn’t want to let myself love. But he wore me down, and now, even though I’m still slightly insane, I couldn’t be happier.” Remy’s mother beamed. “Oh and my husband says thank you for getting me up to date on the latest fashion trend. He loves my new pantyless state.”

Ysabel left as Nefertiti and Jallayna discussed the merits of going around bare-assed. It wasn’t a conversation she could have, especially not with Remy’s mom. But while the woman seemed to own no personal boundaries, she and Nef had given her food for thought.

Am I being foolish? Is it time I stopped wallowing in fear and let myself trust again?
The worst that could happen was Remy breaking her heart. But the best was living with the male she loved. Never being alone. Enjoying laughter in her life again. Surely the benefit, even if it proved temporary, was worth the risk?

She owed it to herself to stop being such a chicken about love. Sometimes a girl got stuck with a loser who broke her heart. Yet, sometimes a witch hit the jackpot, and should enjoy the riches while they lasted. And besides, there were spells to make penises fall off if a man dared stray. But how to tell him?
I wonder if I scared him away permanently with my hissy fit.

If he truly loved her as he said, then he wouldn’t let a temper tantrum stop him. Entering the castle, still lost in her thoughts, it took her a moment to register the imp flitting in front of her.

“What is it?”

“You’ve got mail,’ it giggled, thrusting an envelope at her. She snatched it from the clawed paw, but before she could ask who sent it, the mischievous creature flitted away.

The sealed red envelope bore only her name. She checked it for traces of magic but found none. She sliced it open and pulled out the missive inside.

Ysabel read the note twice, sure she’d misunderstood, but no, there was no mistaking the message.

We’ve got your demon lover. Either you find a way to get us out of going back to Hell or we’ll kill him. Painfully. Do nothing, and we’ll still kill him. And then we’ll disappear. Hope you enjoy burning alive for an eternity.

Wishing I could watch you burn, again

Francisco

Rotten, fucking bastard. As if she’d let him escape. However, the part that truly made her blood run cold was the threat.
He’s got Remy.
Which surprised her. How did one poor excuse for a damned soul get the drop on a warrior of Remy’s calibre? Didn’t matter. She needed to do something. Letting Remy die, even if it would solve her dilemma with him, never crossed her mind.

She loved him. He might hurt her. Take her love and stomp on it, but that didn’t mean she could let him die.
I have to save him.
But how?

On the mortal plane, her powers were diminished, and by the terms of her contract, she was even weaker against her foes? Or was she? Brain kicking into gear, she placed a phone call to her boss, calling his private line.

“Do you do this on purpose to vex me when I’m doing important things?” he asked curtly.

Judging by the giggle, she could guess what Lucifer did. “Say hi to Gaia for me would you?”

He growled. “This is not funny, witch. What is it now? I already told you, I can’t return the curse.”

“I know. What I want to know is if all the clauses for it transferred.”

A minute later, she hung up, and tapped her chin thoughtfully. Good news, but she still needed more help. Remy’s life hung in the balance and she refused to take chances. She made another phone call. Actually two, and then got ready to go to war. And for those who wondered, it involved a short skirt, halter top and heels. Unlike other heroines who saved their men in ripped up jeans looking like a tomboy, Ysabel intended to do it in style, sexy style because if she played her cards right, not only would she end the curse, she’d get to claim a prize.

And I know what I want.

Easy access, a grateful demon, and her bent over, seeing stars.

Chapter Thirteen

Finding Francisco proved easy. He sent another imp to guide her. The repulsive, green skinned creature insisted she put on an amulet that checked to make sure she was alone, puny magic that she batted aside with ease.

Grinning at the creature for hire, she said. “It’s just little ol’ me. Take me to your employer.”

The route took them in meandering circles that made her want to shake the imp with impatience. As if such a feeble ply would stop a dedicated tracker. How little Francisco knew.

Arriving hours later at the vacant warehouse on the mortal side, she almost laughed at the classic setting. Did all nefarious deeds have to happen at night in remote areas? Although, given what she wanted to do after the rescue, it would suit her purpose because failure just wasn’t an option. She would save Remy. She would send Francisco and his mother back to Hell. And then, she’d do the most dangerous thing of all; she’d give Remy her trust.

A familiar hag greeted her at the door, Luysa, still wearing her medieval garb consisting of a lace mantilla and black dress. But Ysabel didn’t have time to waste with the bitter woman.

“So the slut shows herself. Go tell my son,” the matron ordered the imp.

Ysabel chanted a few words and flicked her hand. Encasing the imp in a bubble before it could raise an alarm, she smiled at Luysa’s shocked face.

“You’re not supposed to be able to do that. The contract says,” the matron sputtered.

Ysabel smiled slowly. “The thing is, someone else took over the terms. Surprise!”

“Franci – ”

Ysabel quickly spun a second spell and slapped a cone of silence around Luysa before she could finish her shout.

“Normally, I would stay and torture you myself,” she said. “But, I have a demon to rescue. Oh, Jallayna!” Out of the shadows behind her, cloaked by magic for their trek, Remy’s mother appeared.

“Is she the one who likes to play with fire?” she asked, regarding Luysa with slitted, yellow eyes.

“Yup. She’s also the one who’s trying to make you lose your bet by keeping Remy and I apart.”

Tsking as she approached, Jallayna’s eyes lit up with a violent madness that Ysabel found endearing. Now here was a mother in law she could grow to love.

“No one messes with my baby boy.”

Mouth open in an inaudible scream, Luysa turned to run, but couldn’t escape a mother bent on punishment.

Ysabel waggled her fingers goodbye as Jallayna stalked past her with her prize. “Just remember to bring her back to the prison before lunchtime so Remy doesn’t have to barbecue again.”

An insane giggle was the reply as Jallayna, with Luysa tucked under one arm, bounded away back in the direction of the portal.

One damned soul down, there was just one to go.

Taking a deep breath, Ysabel marched into the forlorn building.
Time to rescue my demon.

*

Being almost human sucked a big hairy one. How did they stand it, Remy wondered as he tugged at the rope binding his wrists? Rope, of all things, holding a demon of his caliber captive. Well, for at least the next couple of minutes. He’d almost undone the knot that bound him.

I should have read the fine print.
Eager to spare Ysabel the pain of her curse, he’d not actually done more than skim the document Lucifer wrote up. He signed his name in blood and congratulated himself on doing the most romantic thing ever. But, it seemed he’d not just gotten the whole set-on-fire daily problem, he’d also inherited the whole, weak like a human schmuck when around the souls involved in the curse.

Not that it would matter in the end. Even if his demon powers were dulled down, and he only had his regular strength and wits to aid him, Remy still intended to prevail. Actually, he couldn’t wait to have his fist meet Francisco’s smirk.

His annoyance with the other male owed very little to his ignoble capture of Remy after he left his mother’s house, lost in thought. A stupid victim of an ambush of a dozen bribed demons – who would so get their asses handed to them when he got back to hell. So what if they carried a grudge because he’d kind of slept with all their girlfriend’s in the past? It wasn’t his fault they couldn’t satisfy their ladies.

But it wasn’t all those things that made him angry. Oh no, he’d finally confronted the dark haired asshole with the pretty face who not only touched his witch in the past, he’d also dared to hurt her.
He hurt my Ysabel.
And that was not something he could tolerate.
I will avenge my witch.

Speaking of whom, Ysabel had to wonder where he’d disappeared to. Did she believe he’d abandoned her after getting her to admit she loved him? Fuck. He hoped not. He’d fought hard for that declaration. Nothing and no one better ruin it.

“Still tied up I see,” said Francisco sauntering into view with a sneer. “So much for your reputation as a big bad demon. I have to say, I don’t see the big deal.”

“That’s because you’re not looking low enough,” Remy replied. “Because it is all about size.”

“Ysabel never complained when I took her virginity. She was like a cat in heat.”

“Virgin? You never told me she was a virgin,” a female voice screeched.

With a sigh of annoyance, Francisco turned to a heavy set woman. “So what if I deflowered her. She was still a witch. And she bespelled me.”

Luysa pursed her lips. “I am going to check the doors again. I don’t trust those magical wards you bought from that vendor.” The matron wandered away leaving Remy alone with the object of his annoyance who checked his watch again.

“I don’t think Ysabel was that impressed with your skill in the bedroom. Time is almost up, and she’s yet to do a thing to save you.”

Well, at least that answered one question. Ysabel knew he’d not run out on her, and he’d spank her if she put herself in danger trying to save him, especially since it would mean getting ridiculed by all the other demons.