Cil let out a gasp. “Wow, cool!”
We exited the elevator to a room that was clearly designed for kids. A huge TV offered some kind of video console that the boys crowed over, and the bookcase next to it was full of games. One corner of the room held a mini-library, complete with beanbags and shelves bursting with books. Another corner was clearly created for younger children, with a huge box filled with toys, a motorized car big enough for a toddler to sit on, and a rocking horse.
Four pinball machines took up most of the far wall, and a small boy was standing in front of one of them, slamming his hand into the buttons. He turned as we walked in, and the three boys eyed each other.
“Zip, Cil, this is Brokk,” Samael said. The boys weren’t shy. They immediately headed toward the pinball machines, talking a mile a minute.
“Who’s the kid?” I murmured.
“One of my employees had to investigate a murder in South Carolina. I told him he could leave his family here to ensure their safety while he was gone.”
“He’s a demon.” Talk about stating the obvious.
Samael gave me a look. “Yes.”
For some reason, I tended to forget that demons had children. That they had families like everyone else.
“Why can’t his mom protect them?” I’d seen just how powerful high demons were.
“She’s light fae. A healer. She has few combat abilities.”
So, the kid was half demon, half light fae. What a combination.
“I want to stay with them,” Evie said. I glanced at her. She was sticking her chin out the way she did when she’d already come to a decision and had no intention of changing her mind.
Samael shrugged one shoulder as Sitri stepped off the elevator, a human woman with him.
“This is Martha,” Sitri said. “She works as the nanny here whenever we need her.”
“I’m still staying,” Evie said.
Martha smiled at her. “Sitri filled me in on what happened today. I think it would be great for you to stay.”
I hesitated. Did I want to leave Evie with the most dangerous demon around? Samael smiled at me, likely well aware of where my thoughts had gone, and I sighed. He wouldn’t hurt Evie. I trusted him that much.
“Sounds good,” I said. “I need to get back to work, but I’ll be in touch.”
I gave my sister a hug, and waved to the boys, who were already competing with each other in one of the games. It made loud, siren-like noises that made my head ache.
Samael was silent in the elevator next to me. I skimmed my gaze up his huge body until I found his face.
“Tell me you didn’t release that recording.” I didn’t think he had, but it was best to cross off all the suspects on my list.
Surprise flashed across his face. It was there for less than a moment, but I caught it.
“Why would I do that, bounty hunter?”
He only called me ‘bounty hunter’ when I was pissing him off. Good. Why should I be the only one wrestling with my anger?
“To isolate me so I’ll have nowhere to turn and you can swoop in?”
It sounded ridiculous, and a slow smile crept across Samael’s face.
“We both know I have no need to isolate you. It’s only a matter of time before you wake up in my bed each morning. Where you belong.”
“Keep dreaming.”
“Oh, I will.” He studied my face, and his eyes darkened. I’d seen that look on his face a few times now, and it never boded well for me. “You haven’t slept.”
