Demons in Disguise

Ayden saw me and his body slumped. “Oh, thank God.” “Please,” Matthias said. “I told you she’s too hard to kill.” “Aww,” I said. “Thank you.” Matthias offered me a sweet smile. “Just like a cockroach.

I’d prefer a debriefing by the professional,” Matthias said. “Rather than one of the idiot’s exhausting, million-words-in-one-breath babbling explanations.” “Hey,” I said. “That is a rare talent.” “Maybe your only talent.

Like Harry Potter’s cape?” I said. “Yes.” Matthias’s grey eyes gave me a flat look, his voice heavy on the sarcasm. “Just like that. You’re such a moron.

Actually,” Jayden said, “Not completely unlike the Cloak of Invisibility, although different in that those individuals using these devices wouldn’t become completely invisible. Exactly.” “So nothing like it,” Matthias said. “Moron status secured.

She’s dying?!” “What?!” “He didn’t say that!” “Let me evaluate the severity of her injuries!” “Dude, get your stupid medical bag.” “It’s not so stupid now that we need it, is it?!” “Shut the bloody hell up and get the bag!

In what world is Armani here seventeen?” Cristiano shrugged unapologetically. “They feed us better in Italy.

You need to ratchet down the crazy town.

Nuh-uh.” Blake shook his head. “Nothing gets trapped in my brain.” No one argued.

Jayden didn’t take his eyes off me as he put a hand on Blake’s face and shoved him back. “Be gone.

Blake gave Selena a nudge. “Remember what I taught you, itsy-bitsy babe-ette.

New clothes? Oh, no, no, no.” Eros put one hand on his hip while the other hand made a big Z in the air as he snapped his fingers three times. “Sistah, you need an entire makeover.” This “sistah” sighed and said, “Oh, brother.

Where is he?” I said, pulling back. She hushed her voice into conspiratorial tones. “Waiting for you in the woods past the field.” She giggled. “This is all very exciting.” “Ha! I knew it would work.” I sprinted out of the gym and made it to the forest. “Eros?” A puff of pink smoke later, he appeared. In a tux. He gave me a cool look. “Bond. James Bond.

I have been protecting you, and yet you still begrudge sharing your trust. Tell me, why did you trust the Hex Boys?” “I didn’t,” I snorted. “At first I thought they were—” “—trying to kill you? Then there is hope for me.

You guys know each other?” I held my breath, my chest tight. Could this be it? Cover blown so fast? Ted stared at me. After several moments he said, “Yeah.” Ah, crap. He breathed out a heavy sigh. “We dated for a short time. It, uh, didn’t end well.” "Didn’t end well?” Bill snorted. “You two went out in a hail of bullets.

No, keeping it close is smart. Anything to keep Selena safe. It’s the…” His lip curled as he swallowed hard. “Didn’t need to know about the…where you keep it.” “Another compliment? Wow, aren't you dishing them out like candy, you sugar puff. And all because of my bra.” Even in the dark I could see his cheeks redden. “Shut up.

Your Sicarius team?” Goodbye frying pan, hello fire. “Yes,” he said proudly. “Out of emotional concern for others, I am acquiring assets to come to y’all’s aid.” He saw the looks on our faces, and his fell. “That was wrong? Dang it. I thought I nailed it this time. I’ll go stall them.

Another exit down the way,” Cristiano said as he brushed dirt off the big guy’s face. Blake caught his wrist, and without opening his eyes, said in a groggy slur, “Babe, I know you’ve been dying for an excuse, being in the throes of battle and all, so go ahead. You can give me mouth-to-mouth now.” He puckered his lips. Cristiano smiled. “I do not believe I am the ‘babe’ you are wishing to provide that no-doubt pleasurable as well as lifesaving feat.” Blake smiled wistfully. “Cristiano, that you?” “Yes, my brave friend, it is I.” “Honestly, dude, you are so pretty, I don’t think I’d mind.” Cristiano dropped his head back and laughed. We all joined him.

Cristiano smiled down. “Do not go off without me again.” “Or me,” Ayden said from a few feet away. “And just so you know, I was going to catch her.” “I do not doubt it. Here.” Cristiano gently passed me into Ayden’s arms. Uh, thanks?” Ayden shifted me closer against his chest. “You are welcome.” Cristiano took a step back, pulled a gun from his waistband, and trained it on Ayden’s forehead.

Oh, thank God.” “Please,” Matthias said. “I told you she’s too hard to kill.” “Aww,” I said. “Thank you.” Matthias offered me a sweet smile. “Just like a cockroach.

I am not boring!” Something advanced on me. I whirled, arms up. Cristiano stopped and raised hands in surrender. I dropped my defensive stance and my inner spotlight began to fade. Cristiano raised his brows. “After everything she said, calling you boring is what upsets you?” “Yes!

So you drugged me with a drug that would keep the drug I might eat from drugging me just in case?

Perhaps you have some—” “Gel?” I said. “Nah. Leave it. Looks more boyish.” His hands paused. “Do you prefer this more boyish appearance?” “I prefer that you look more like you fit in at a high school rather than graduating college.

I will try to be as nice as Matty. But if I fall short—” “How do you fall short?” Selena asked, curious. “How do you fall long? Can I see? Will you show me how?

So there’s no hit list?” “Ah, ah…” He leaned in closer, his mouth next to my ear. “Ah-choo.

I always figured Gloria, but mentioning my guardian angel didn’t seem prudent, so I shrugged ignorance and yawned. “Sneezing works just as well, if not better.” “What?” The stupid belt would not unbuckle. “Yawning is adequate,” he said. “But when you get caught with a question you prefer not to answer, it is better to sneeze. Anyone who asked the question will usually say bless you in some form. The question is forgotten, and you move on unscathed.” “Okay. Ah-choo.” “Bless you. So where did the complex and ancient protection wards come from?” “You said that would work on anyone.” “I am not just anyone

Hey, big guy.” After a moment, he said, “Babe?” He blinked and sat up, making the gurney squeak and groan. “Guys? What’d I miss?” A better family life? Your mom and sister? The kind of great dad you deserved? I wanted to say all of that, but I didn’t. I swallowed and had to blink back a few tears. “You’re my knight in shining armor.” I hugged him hard. “You saved the damsel. Now it’s my turn.” I hugged him again.

Logan studied him for a moment. “What exactly is your power?” “Staying alive,” Cristiano answered. “You’d better be sure she does,” Ayden said. “Stay alive, that is, because if anything happens to her, Sicarius or not, I’m coming for you.” After a beat, Matthias added, “And he won’t be alone.” “Ahhh,” I smiled. “I knew you cared.” Matthias groaned. “Why do you ruin everything?” “Part of my charm.

Ready? We need to find Heather and am-scray.” Armani frowned. “Am-scray?” “Skedaddle. Blow this popsicle stand. Make like a bakery truck and haul buns.” Cristiano blinked. “She means leave,” Ayden said, then put the heel of his hand to his forehead. “Oh my God, now I’m translating Jayden and you.” Jayden grinned. “Outstanding.” “No,” Ayden said. “Not outstanding

Your sentences.” And I needed to stop thinking out loud. “What about yourself?” he asked, weaving us around an orderly pushing a patient in a wheelchair. “Should I add you to the protection list?” “Obviously. But down—” “Below everyone else.” “That’s really annoying.” “To list yourself below everyone else? I would agree.” “No. To have you—” “Finishing your sentences. Yes. I see how it might be.” I scowled. “Cut it—” “Out.” He tried and failed to stifle a grin.

Aurora can’t talk to you right now.” “Why not?” “Do you know what a period is?” “A punctuation mark. I am Italian, not illiterate.” “Not that kind of period. A girl’s kind of period.” “Oh, a female’s menstrual cycle.” “Yes. She’s in the throes of it right now.” “She seemed in fine health earlier.” “What are you, her OB?” “Her what?” “Exactly.” “See? He doesn’t have a clue.