Succubus Blues CHAPTER 12

Man, if Jerome had threatened to stash me somew here(predicate), I wouldnt be forth snooping or so.Im not snooping. Im undecom constitute speculating. jibe shook his bye and took the cap take appear a beer. I sat billh him and Cody in their kitchen, the day after(prenominal) Hughs attack. A ham and pineapple pizza had expert now arrived, and Cody and I dug into it bit the other vampire precisely watched.Why flowerpott you just accept this for what it is? Jeromes classify the truth. Its a vampire hunter.no(prenominal) No way. N champion(a) of this adds up. non the cl avouchish way Jerome and Carter argon acting. not Hughs attack. Not that fucked-up note I got.I practiced you charm screwy love notes all told the time. My spunk bleeds for you, Georgina. Written in actual blood. Stuff resembling that.Yeah, no social occasion manage self-mutilation to turn a girl on, I muttered. I gulped some troop Dew and returned to my pizza. Really, as furthest as caffeine an d sugar went, Mountain Dew was approximately as hefty as superstar of my mochas. Hey, why argonnt you eating whatever of this? prick held up his beer bottle by way of explanation. Im dieting.I peered at it. Golden Village Low- Carb Ale.I froze, mid-bite. Low- carb? dig youre a vampire. atomic number 18nt you by interpretation un kiboshingly on a low- carbdiet?Its no use, Cody chuckled, speaking up for the first-year time. Ive already had this argument with him. He wont listen.You wouldnt understand. Peter eyed our pizza wist estimabley. You can make your body intuitive feeling kindred anything you demand.Yeah, just now I weighed to Cody. idler he really notwithstanding put on weight? Arent unfailing bodies, I dont progress to the sack, unchangeable? Or time little? Or something?Youd know much to a greater extent(prenominal) or less(prenominal) it than me, he said.We eat other things. Peter rub behind his stomach selfconsciously. Not just blood. It all adds up. This had to be weirdest thing Id heard blunderce Duanes death. Stop it, Peter. Youre creation ridiculous. Next thing, youll be reduce at Hughs asking for liposuction.He brightened. Do you cogitate that would help?No You look fine. You look the identical as you always corroborate.I dont know. Codys been requireting all the economic aid whenever we go kayoed. maybe I should get to a greater extent blond put into the spikes.I refrained from pointing come to the fore that Peter had been almost forty when hed be grow a vampire, his hair intemperately receding. Cody had been very young barely twenty and bore tawny, leonine favourable looks. Immortals who were formerly human stayed fixed at the age and manner immortality had taken over. If the two vampires mollify frequented clubs and college bars, I didnt doubtfulness Cody had much luck.Were wasting time, I exclaimed, wanting to derail Peter from this complete prototype thing. I want to figure out who attacked Hugh.C hrist, you stupefy a integrity- grade mind, he snapped. Why cant you just wait to find out?Good question. I didnt know why. Something within me was tugging to get to the truth of this, to do what I could to protect my friends and myself. I just couldnt stand p tushively by.It couldnt have been a mortal. Not from the way Hugh describe the attack.Yeah, except no immortal could have killed Duane. I already told you that.No lesser immortal, I pointed out. But a higher immortalPeter laughed. Oh-ho, you are pushing the envelope now. You think theres some vindictive freak out there?Theyd definitely be capable.Yeah, but they have no motivation.Not nece A funny sensation suddenly spread over me, tingly and gentle and silvery. I was put in mind of the fragrance of lilacs, the tink of weensy bells. I looked sharplyly at the others.What the began Cody, but Peter was already moving toward the door. The signature we all matt-up up was similar to Carters in certain ways but lighter a nd sweeter. Less powerful.A defender apotheosis.Peter communicate ined the door, and Lucinda stood there primly, her arms clasped tightly around a book.I nearly choked. It would figure. As a general rule, I didnt interact with numerous nonpareils in the area, Carter being the exception because of his relations pelvic arch with Jerome. Still, I knew who the locals were, and I knew Lucinda. She wasnt a accepted angel comparable Carter. Guardians were more care the heavenly equivalent weight of Hugh former mortals who served and ran errands for all eternity.I had no doubt Lucinda performed all configurations of unafraid deeds on a daily basis. She probably trifleed in dope kitchens and read to orphans in her free time. Whenever she was around us, however, she became a prissy modest bitch. Peter shared my sentiment.Yes? he asked coolly.Hello, Peter. Your hair is very interesting today, she observe diplomatically, not moving from the doorway. May I come in?Peter scowled a t the hair discover but had too many favourable hosting fulls drilled into him to not wave her inside. He might tease me round mortal hobbies, but the vampire had a meticulous soul of correctitude and etiquette b orderinging on obsessive-compulsive disorder.She swept inside, proper in an ankle-length plaid razzing and high-necked sweater. Her short blond hair curled under in a perfect bob.I was a disparate story. Between my plunging neckline, ultratight jeans, and fuck-me heels, I felt up like I might as salutary stay passel on the floor and spread my legs. The demure look she gave me all the way implied she was thinking the same thing.Charming to see you all again. Her t champion was crisp, formal. Im here to deliver something from Mr. Carter.Mr. Carter? asked Cody. Is that his lead name? I always thought it was his first.I think he just has superstar name, I speculated. Like Cher or Madonna.Lucinda said nothing to our bandying. Instead, she knock overed me a book. turn over Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex.What the hell is that? exclaimed Peter. I think I saw it on some talk show.I suddenly remembered locomote out with Carter in the hospital and how hed claimed to make a book that would help me with Seth. I tossed it on the counter disinterestedly.Carters fucked-up sense of humor in action.Lucinda flushed deep crimson. How can you use such language so carelessly? You sound like youre like youre in a locker directionI smoothed down my tank car top. No way. Id never soften this in a locker room.Yeah, it isnt even in school colors, said Peter.I couldnt resist toying with the guardian. If I were in a locker room, Id probably have on a short cheerleader skirt. And no underwear.Peter continued playing off me. And youd do that matchless cheer, right? The one with your hands splayed against the shower wall and ass sticking out?Thats me, I agreed. Always ready to take one for the team.Eve n Cody flushed at our crassness. Lucinda was practically purple.You you two have no sense of decency None at all.Oh whatever, I told her. confirm at the soil club, or wherever you and the rest of the choir hang out, you probably wear a shorter version of that skirt all the time. With knee socks. I search the other angels really go for the schoolgirl look.If Lucinda were any one of my friends, a comment like that would have however escalated into more sarcasm and snide remarks. The guardian, however, merely stiffened and chose to rely on deadpan self-righteousness.We, she declared, do not carry on in such an un appearly manner with for each one other. We act with decorum. We wrap up each other with respect. We do not turn on each other.This closing one came with a brief eye-glance toward me.What was that for?She tossed her hair, what little of it there was. Oh, I think you know. Weve all been hearing near your little vigilante act. primary that vampire, so the imp. Nothin g near you plurality surprises me anymore.Now my face flushed. Thats bull through I was cleared of Duane a capacious time ago. And Hugh thats just stupid. Hes my friend.What does fellowship believe among your lovely? Hes just as pestilential. From what I heard, he have a great deal of amusement telling anyone who would listen active your little whip and wings getup. Oh, and by the way, if you dont mind my observation, I think that has to be the most degrading thing Ive ever heard. Even for a succuba. She arched a glance toward the book I had tossed to the counter. Ill tell Mr. Carter you, uh, true the book.With that, she turned neatly and left, closing the door behind her.Sanctimonious bitch, I muttered. And how many spate know close that demon girl thing anyway?Forget her, said Peter. Shes a nobody. And an angel. Theres no telling what theyll do.I scowled. And so, it sprout me. I couldnt believe Id never thought of it before. peradventure Lucinda inevitable more c r trend.Thats itWhats it? mumbled Cody through a mouthful of nearly cold pizza.An angel killed Duane and attacked Hugh Its perfect. You were right in wording a demon would have no reason to take our side out. But an angel? Why not? I mean a real one, not a guardian like Lucinda.Peter shook his head. An angel could do something like that, but itd be too petty. The great cosmic pricey-versus- despicable difference is bigger than person-to-person matches. You know that. Taking out one agent of evil at a time would be a waste of resources.Cody considered. What if it was a rise angel? soulfulness not following the rules of the game.Peter and I twain turned to the younger vampire in surprise. Hed been more or less avoiding our speculation this evening.Theres no such thing, his mentor countered endorse. Is there, Georgina?I felt both vampires eyes turn to me, waiting for my opinion. Jerome says there are no bad angels. Once theyre bad, they become demons, not angels anymore. surfac e, that kills your speculation then. An angel doing something bad would thole and not be an angel anymore. Then Jerome would know about him.I frowned, still intrigued by Codys use of the word renegade over fallen. Maybe angel sin is like human sin its not always bad if the person thinks theyre doing good. This one hasnt at rest(p) over yet.We all pondered this a moment. humanness continually labor under the delusion that there really is a precise set of rules on what sin is and is not, rules that one might fluke without even realizing it. In reality, most people know when they do wrong. They in all tone it. Sin is more of a subjective matter than an objective one. backbone in the days of the Puritans, corrupting souls had been no problem for a succubus since almost anything sexual and pleasurable felt wrong to those men. Nowadays, most people dont regard premarital sex as wrong, hence no sin is committed. Succubi have been forced to become more creative over the geezerhood if they want to get an energy fix and corrupt a soul.Still, by that logic, it was possible that a renegade angel who believed he or she was doing good might not cross into the realm of sin. If there was no sin, then there could be no fall. Or could there be? The whole c at a timept strained the mind, and Peter apparently thought so too.So whats the difference? What makes an angel fall? Were staking a stria here on a technicality.I could have concurred until I recalled something else. The note.Note? asked Cody.The note that was on my door. It said I was beautiful enough to tempt angels into falling.Well, you do look pretty good. When I raised an eyebrow, Peter said grudgingly, Okay, that is kind of funny but its almost too suspicious. Why would soul overtly precede a calling card?Cody nearly jumped out of his seat. Its some kind of psycho angel who likes playing mind games. Like in those movies where killers mutilate clues into their victims, so they can watch the police puzzle things out.I shuddered at that image as I thought over what I knew about angels in general, which really was nothing. Unlike our side, the powers of good did not have the same cryptic hierarchy of supervisors and geographical networks, no matter the stories about cherubim and seraphim. afterward all, we were the ones who had invented middle management, not them. I always had the impression that most angels and denizens of good operated like private investigators or field agents, completing assorted fresh missions in a very loosely organized way. Such an open venue would provide ample chance for somebody to surreptitiously attempt a side agenda.Angelic involvement would also explain the subterfuge, I reflected. Their side was embarrassed. Typical, really. Little embarrassed our side anymore. They, however, would be shamefaced to give one of theirs had turned rogue, and Carter, being so chummy with Jerome, had conned the demon into tutelage quiet about the whole matter. All of hi s sarcasm and attempts to mock me were only more weak efforts at saving face.The more I considered this far-fetched theory, the more I liked it. Some disgruntled angel, wanting to be heroic, unyielding to turn vigilante and take on the forces of evil. The renegade angel theory would explain how any of us could be legitimate heads, as wholesome as shed light on why no one could sense this being since we now knew higher immortals could hide their presence.Which do me rarity why exactly Jerome and Carter were also masking their presence. Were they hoping to catch this angel unwitting? That, andWhyd this person let Hugh live then? I looked from vampire to vampire. An angel could take out any of us. Hugh said he wasnt winning, and no one interrupted. The attacker just got bored and took off. Why? Why kill Duane but not Hugh? Or me, for that matter, since this person knows what I am.Because Duane was an asshole? suggested Peter.Personality aside, we all weigh in just as heavily on t he evil side. Hugh maybe even more so.Indeed, Hugh was in his prime as far as immortals went. He no life languish held a novices inexperience like Cody, nor had the imp grown world-weary and bored like Peter and I had. Hugh knew enough now to be good at his job, and he really liked what he did. He should have been a prime target for any angelic vigilante wanting to make the world a better place.Cody agreed with Peter. Yeah. Evil or not, some of us are more likable than others. Maybe an angel could respect that.I doubt an angel would find any of us likable I distinguish myself off. unitary angel did like us. One angel hung out with us a troop. One angel who seemed to be all(prenominal)where Jerome was lately when these attacks happened. One angel who knew us personally, who knew all of our habits and weaknesses. What better way was there to track and study us than to infiltrate our drinking group and pretend to be a friend?The idea was so explosive, so dangerous, I felt ill at ease just giving shape to the thought. I certainly couldnt utter any of it aloud. Not yet. Cody and Peter hardly believed the angel theory at all. I doubted theyd jump on board if I started accusing Carter.You okay, Georgina? Cody queried when I lapsed into silence.Yeah yeah fine. I caught a glimpse at the time on the stove and jumped up from my chair, head still reeling. Shit. Ive got to get back to Queen Anne.What for? asked Peter.I have a date.With who? Cody grinned slyly at me, and I blushed in response.roman type.Peter turned to his apprentice. Which one is that?The hot dancing poke fun. Georgina was all over him.I was not. I like him too much for that.They laughed. As I picked up my coat, Peter asked Hey, I dont suppose you could do me a favor sometime?What? My mind still clung to the mystery winding around us. That, and Roman. He and I had talked on the call back a few times now since the last date, and I was growing more and more amazed at just how well we clicked.Well, you know how theyve got those computer programs in salons that will show you what youll look like with different colors and cuts? I was thinking you could be like a accompaniment one. You could morph into me and show me what Id look like with different hairstyles.Silence hung in the room for a full minute as Cody and I stared at him.Peter, I told him at last, thats the stupidest idea Ive ever heard.I dont know. Cody scratched his chin. For him, its not bad.We have too many other issues to deal with right now, I warned, having no patience to humor Peter with niceties. Im not wasting my energy on your vanity.Come on, pleaded Peter. Youre still brimming from that good virgin guy. You can save it.I shook my head, slinging my purse over one shoulder. succubus 101. The farther a transformation takes me from my natural form, the more energy it expends. Cross-gender changes are a pain in the ass cross-species ones are even worse. playacting salon with you would burn through most of my stash, and Ive got better things to waste it on. I eyed him dangerously. You assume some stern counseling for body image and insecurity, my friend.Cody regarded me with new interest. Cross-species? Could you, like, turn into a Gila monster or or a sand dollar or something?Good night, boys. Im out of here.As I departed, I could just barely hear Peter and Cody debating if it would take more energy for me to change into a really small mammal or a human-sized reptile.Vampires. Honestly, theyre like children sometimes.I drive home in disposition time. I remembered to shape-shift my heels into sandals and walked up to my buildings door just as Roman did.visual perception him banished any lingering thoughts of angels and conspiracies.He had told me to dress casually for this evening, and slice he had done the same, he still managed to make jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt look like runway fashion. I apparently had the same effect on him because he caught me up in a giant bear squelch and kissed my cheek.Hey, gorgeous, he murmured into my ear, holding on to the embrace a bit longer than necessary.Hey, yourself. I disentangled my body from his and smiled up at him.Youre so short, he noted, cupping my cheek in his hand. Its cute.Those eyes threatened to engulf me, and I hastily turned away before I did something stupid. Lets go. I paused. Um, where are we leaving?He led me to his car, parked just down the street. Since you seem to be so good with your feet, I thought Id take us somewhere to test the rest of your bodily coordination.Like a hotel room?Damn. Am I that obvious?Several minutes later, he pulled into a dilapidated establishment with a blinking neon sign drill BURTs BOWLING ALLEY. I stared in open distaste, unable to hide my feelings.This is your survival of date? A bowling alley? Not even a nice one at that.Roman seemed unconcerned about my wishing of enthusiasm. When was the last time you actually went bowling?I suspected it had been back in the 197 0s. Not in a very long time.Exactly. You see, he began conversationally as we went inside and approached the counter, Ive got you figured out. You claim you dont want to get serious with anyone, but I still get the impression you go out a lot. Size ten, please.Six and a half.The cashier gave us each a pair of unsavory- face shoes, and I felt grateful germs posed no threat to me. Roman handed over some cash, and she gestured us down to our designated passageway.Anyway, like I was saying, regardless of your intentions, you must still end up dating quite a bit. I dont know how you couldnt with the attention you attract.Whats that supposed to mean? I sat down by our lane and took off my Birkenstocks, still eyeing the rental shoes askance.Roman paused in his own shoe-tying and gave me a long, steady look. Oh come on, you cant be that oblivious. Men check you out all the time. I always see it when Im with you. Walking through the bookstore, going to that bar the other night. Even here, in this place. In just walking over from the counter, I saw at least three guys abide and watch you.Is there a point here somewhere?Eventually. He stood up, and we walked over to a rack of communal bowling bollocks. With all that attention, guys must ask you out all the time, and you must give in sometimes, just like you did with me. Right?I guess.He paused in his ball selection and gave me another one of those breathtaking, soul-searching looks. So tell me about your last date.My last date? I somehow didnt think Martin Miller counted.Your last date. I mean a real date, not like a casual grabbing a drink thing. A date where the guy gave his outmatch shot at planning an itinerary he thought would get you into bed.I tested the weight of a fluorescent orange and kB swirled ball, racking my brain. The opera, I said at last. And dinner at Santa Lucias. clarified spread. And the one before that?Jesus, youre nosy. Um lets see, I think it was the opening of an art exhibit. doubtless pai red with dinner at some restaurant where stiff waiters say thank you after you make a selection, right?I guess. incisively as I thought. He hoisted a navy blue ball into the crook of his arm. This is why youre resistant to dating, why you dont want to get serious with anyone. Youre such a hot commodity that plush, five-star dates are par for the course. Theyre ordinary. Men try to throw out all the stops for you, but after a while, you get bored with them. His eyes danced mischievously. Therefore, I will class myself from those losers by taking you to places your little elitist feet would never dream of touching. The salt of the earth. Back to basics. The way dating was meant to be two people, more concerned with each other than their posh venue.I walked with him back to our lane. You just took an awfully long time to say you think I want to go slumming.Dont you?No.Then why are you with me?I eyed that gorgeous appearance and thought about the conversation wed had the other night on real languages. Looks and intellect. Hard to beat. Youre hardly slumming it.He smiled at me and changed the subject. Thats your choice?I looked down at the balls psychedelic color pattern. Yeah. This night is already turning surrealistic enough. Figured I might as well get the full experience. Maybe well drop some acid later.Romans eyes crinkled with amusement, and he cocked his head toward the lane. Lets see what you can do with it.I stepped up uncertainly, trying to remember how I used to do this. All up and down the alley, I could see other players walking up and throwing with ease. Shrugging, I stood at the line, drew my arm back, and threw. The ball flew out jerkily, sailed about four feet, hit the lane with a loud crack, and then promptly entered the gutter. Roman walked up beside me, and we silently watched the ball complete its journey.Are you always that rough with balls? he asked at last.Most men dont complain.I imagine not. Try making pertain with the floor before y ou let it go this time.I gave him a sharp look. You arent one of those guys that gets off from showing women how much better you are at stuff, are you?Nope. Just offering friendly advice.My ball returned, and I followed his instructions. The balls contact proved quieter that way, but I still ended up in the gutter.All right. Show me what you can do, I grumbled, sitting down huffily into a chair.Roman strode up to the lane, movements graceful and flowing like a cats. The ball poured from his hand like water from a pitcher, sailing smoothly down and hitting nine pins. When his ball returned, he threw it effortlessly once more and took out the obstinate tenth.This is going to be a long night.Cheer up. He chucked my chin. Well get you through this. Try it again, and aim more toward the left. Im going to get us some beers.I threw to the left as advised but only succeeded in hitting the left gutter. On my second throw, I tried greater moderation and managed to hit one pin on the far lef t. I whooped in spite of myself.nicely done, cheered Roman, setting two mugs of cheap beer down on the table. I hadnt inebriated anything not from a microbrewery in over a decade. Its all about baby steps.That certainly turned out to be true as our evening progressed. My pin count increased slowly, though I shortly developed the nasty habit of creating splits on my first throw. I showed no aptitude for picking them up, despite Romans best explanations. To his credit, he gave good, nonthreatening advice, as well as some hands-on instruction.Your arm goes like this, and the rest of you leans like this, he explained, standing behind me with one hand on my hip and the other on my wrist. My flesh warmed at his touch, and I wondered if his actions were genuinely driven by altruism or were an excuse to get his hands on me. I exercised such techniques regularly in succubus work. It drove men wild, and now I knew why.Ruse or no, I didnt tell him to stop.I hit my peak in the second game, e ven managing one strike, though my performance declined in the third round as beer and toil took over. Sensing this, Roman called our bowling adventures closed, lauding my progress as highly impressive.Do we have to go to a dive now for dinner, in order to keep with this dream-date slumming fantasy youve got going?He put his arm around me as we walked out to the car. I guess that depends if youve succumbed to my wily charm or not.If I say yes, will you take me somewhere good? sometimes the posh places do work, you know.We ended up at an upscale Nipponese restaurant, much to my satisfaction. Taking our time, we savored both solid food and conversation, and again Romans knowledge and wit impressed me. This time we discussed current issues, sharing opinions on recent parole and culture, things we liked, things that drove us crazy, etc., etc. I discovered Roman had traveled quite a bit and held strong views on world government activity and affairs.This country is so in love with it self, he complained, sipping sake. Its like one big mirror. It just sits all day and looks at itself. When it can be bothered to look away, its only to tell others do this or be just like me. Our military and economic policies bully people removed our borders, and inside, conservative groups bully other citizens. I hate it.I listened with interest, intrigued at this side of a normally light and easygoing guy. So do something about it. Or leave.He shook his head. Spoken like a comfortable citizen. The old if you dont like it, you can just leave policy. Unfortunately, its a lot harder than that to cut yourself off from your roots. Leaning back, he forced levity with a small grin. And I do do things here and there. Small acts. My own battle against the status quo, you know? Attend the occasional protest. Refuse to buy products do with third world labor.Avoid fur? Eat organic food?That too, he chuckled.Funny, I said after a moments silence. Something had just enamored me.What?This wh ole time, weve talked about current things. No sharing of traumatic childhoods, college days, exes, or whatever.So whats funny about that?Nothing really. Its just that the human sexual union process usually seems to dictate everyone share their histories.You want to do that?Not really. I actually hated that part of dating. I always had to edit my departed. I hated the lying, having to keep track of my stories.I think the past plagues us enough without muddling it into our present. Id rather look forward, not backward.I analyze him curiously. Does your past plague you?Very much so. I fight every day to not let the past overtake me. Sometimes I win, sometimes it does.God only knew mine did the same. It was odd to talk to someone about this, someone who felt the same way. I wondered how many people in the world walked around with invisible baggage, hiding it from others. Even while packing said baggage, Id always kept it concealed. I had a impetuous need to keep up surface appearanc es hence the so-called apt face. Id smiled and nodded through the worst times of my life, and when that superficial reaction had not been enough, Id finally just run even though it cost me my soul.I smiled slightly. Well then. Im glad you and I stick to the present.He tweaked my noise. Me too. In fact, my present is looking pretty damned good right now. Maybe my future too, if I keep weakening your resolve.Dont push it.Aw, come on. Admit it. You find my ravish at the powers-that-be endearing. Maybe even erotic.I think entertaining would be a better word. If you want outrage, you should spend time with Doug, my coworker. You guys have a lot in common. By day he cleans up and plays respectable assist manager, by night hes the lead singer of this wacky band, registering his discontent against bon ton through music.Romans eyes flickered with interest. Does he play around here?Yup. Hell be at the Old Greenlake Brewery this Saturday. Me and some of the other staff are going.Oh yeah? What time should I meet you?I dont recall inviting you.Dont you? Because I could have sworn you just named a day and place. Sounded like a dormant invitation to me. You know, the kind where itd be my job to say mind if I come along, and then you say yeah, no problem, and so it goes. I just skipped a few steps.Most efficient of you, I observed.So mind if I come along?I groaned. Roman, we cant keep going out. It was cute at first, but it was only supposed to be one date. Weve already gone past that. People at work think youre my boyfriend. Casey and Beth had informed me lately what a hottie I had.Do they? He looked very happy about this.Im not joking here. I mean it when I say I dont want to get serious with anyone right now.And yet, I didnt really mean it. Not in my heart. Id spent centuries cutting myself off from any sort of meaningful attachment with another person, and it hurt. Even when I had purposely polite relationships with nice guys in my succubus glory days, I had immed iately dropped them and disappeared post-sex. In some ways, my life now was even harder. I avoided the guilt of theft a nice mans life energy, but I never had true companionship either. No one who cared exclusively for me. Sure, I had friends, but they had their own lives, and those who got too close like Doug had to be pushed away again for their own good.Dont you believe in casual dating? Or even male-female friendships?No, I answered decisively. I do not.What about the other males in your life? That Doug guy? The dance instructor? Even that writer? Youre friends with them, arent you?Well, yeah, but thats different. Im not attracted I bit off my words, but it was too late. Romans face bloomed with hope and pleasure. He leaned toward me, touching my cheek with his hand.I swallowed, terrified and thrilled by how close he was. Beer and sake had made me fuzzy in body and mind, and I made a mental promise not to drink the following time we went out. Not that we were going out aga in right? intoxicant confused my senses, made it harder to differentiate between the succubus feeding instinct and pure, primal lust. Either one was dangerous around him.And yet in that moment, lust wasnt even really the issue. He was. Being with him. Talking to him. Having someone in my life again. Someone who cared about me. Someone who understood me. Someone I could go home to. And with.What time should I meet you? he murmured.I looked down, suddenly feeling warm. Its a late showHis hand slid from my cheek to the back of my neck, intertwining with my hair and tipping my face toward his. You want to hang out beforehand?We shouldnt. My words all seemed long and drawn-out, like I was locomote in molasses.Roman leaned over and kissed my ear. Ill be at your place at septette.Seven, I repeated.His lips moved to kiss the part of my cheek closest to my ear, then the cheeks center, then just below my mouth. His lips hovered so close to mine my whole body concentrated on that proximity. I could feel the heat from his mouth, like it had its own private aura. Everything moved in slow motion. I precious him to kiss me, wanted him to consume me with his lips and his tongue. I wanted it and feared it, yet felt powerless to act either way.Can I get you something else?The waiters softly embarrassed voice shattered my numbing haze, snapping me back to reason, reminding me what would happen to Roman even with a kiss. Not too much, true, but enough. I skint out of his grasp and shook my head. Nothing else. Just the check.Roman and I spoke little after that. He drove me home and made no advances when he walked me to the door, only smiling kindly as he chucked me under the chin again and reminded me hed be by at seven on Saturday.I went to bed restless and aching for sex. The alcohol helped me fall asleep easily, but when I awoke in the morning, lying in bed in a drowsy state, I could still remember how it had felt to have his lips so close to mine. The lustful yearning retu rned with a vengeance.This is no good, I complained to Aubrey, rolling out of bed.I had three hours before work and knew I needed to do something other than daydream about Roman. call back that I had never followed up with Erik, I decided I should leave him a visit. The vampire hunter theory was more or less obsolete as far as I was concerned, but he might have found something else of use. I could also ask him about fallen angels.Considering the whole stashing threat, I probably should have experienced more concern about going back to Arcana, Ltd. Still, I felt more or less safe. One thing I had learned about the archdemon was that he was not a morning person. He didnt really need rest, of course, but it was a mortal luxury hed taken to wholeheartedly. I pass judgment him to still be asleep, wherever he was, with no way of conditioned what I planned to do.Dressing and eating breakfast, I soon hit the road to Lake City. I found the shop effortlessly now, feeling light once more at its barren look and empty lay lot. Yet, when I entered, I saw a dark shape controversy over a corner of books, too tall to be Erik. amusement at the thought of Erik getting more business coursed through me until the figure straightened and fixed me with a sardonic, gray-eyed expression.Hello, Georgina.I swallowed. Hello, Carter.