“Did any of them know you were a demon?”
“No, no. People back then were far too superstitious about things like that. I’m sure some of them suspected, and there were some rumors that I could do black magic, which gave me a frightening enough reputation to help me get the job done.”
“But all of your wealth isn’t from the piracy?”
“No, definitely not. It gave me enough of a cushion to invest in some lucrative things here in the New World. Like the railroad. Cars. The internet.”
“You’re shitting me.”
“I am not. You’d be surprised how many technological advancements are paid for by demons. Talon got his wealth doing similar things.”
Isaac shot him an incredulous look. “So—how much moneydoyou have?”
Shadrach blew out a breath. “Honestly, I stopped checking the statements when they went digital. I’ve got some high-yield savings accounts. I don’t think I spend more than they draw in interest, altogether. There are at least seven.”
“Sevenaccounts?”
“The high-yield savings ones, yes.” He turned his head suddenly, looking at Isaac with new interest. This conversation about money was good. Maybe Isaac would see that it really didn’t bother him to spend money on him. There were still plenty of things he wanted to buy Isaac. “Are you sure you don’t want a car? I could get you any kind of car you’d like. Do you like this one? Would you rather have something bigger? Talon got Alex a truck. I could get you a truck.”
Isaac lifted a hand to cut him off. “Why do you want to buy me a car?”
Shadrach shifted uncomfortably. He couldn’t explain why he felt theneedto provide, only that something in him demanded to take care of Isaac. “I don’t know, killer. I like doing things for you. You should have a car of your own. It’s not like it would be a hardship. You know I have the money.”
“I’ve barely thought about it, to be honest,” Isaac said. He frowned distantly, and Shadrach had to remind himself to take things slow. Isaac had only been away from the guild for a few days. He was still adjusting to life out from under Sloan’s thumb. Patience was key. Isaac could take all thetime he needed to figure out what he wanted, and then when he was comfortable enough to ask, Shadrach would provide. The important thing was that he washere. They were together.
The Ferrari growled smoothly underfoot as they pressed onward, toward the destination highlighted on the touchscreen.
Shadrach settled back in the leather seat. “There’s no rush. You can take as long as you’d like to figure it out. Just know the offer still stands.”
Isaac cast him a smile, and that let him know he’d said the right thing.
“Why do the others take the PI cases for money if all their demons have money, too?”
Shadrach shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t know. Integrity or something? They want to pay their own way.”
Isaac’s face did something complicated, and Shadrach admired the way the moonlight made the freckles stand out on his pale skin.
“Share with the class, killer. I can see those wheels turning in your head.”
Isaac’s eyes briefly met his before darting to the road again. “I’m just debating the merits of refusing money when it’s offered. Apparently the guy I’m seeing isloaded. If he wants to buy me things, who am I to say no?”
Shadrach slanted a sideways look at him, trying not to outwardly preen with pride. “The guy you’re seeing, huh?”
Isaac’s mouth twitched with a suppressed smile. “Yeah. Cheeky guy, kind of handsome. You might’ve heard of him.”
“Does he like expensive suits and asshole brats?”
“Whoa,” Isaac said, feigning indignation.
“Oh no, don’t even pretend,” Shadrach said cheerfully. “Everybody, including you, knows you’re an asshole.”
Isaac’s hand flew to his chest. “Ouch!”
A peal of laughter escaped Shadrach, and he grabbed Isaac’s hand, bringing it to his mouth to kiss his knuckles. “I’m so sorry, killer. Shall I kiss it better?”
Isaac pursed his lips. “Maybe,” he hedged.
Shadrach scraped his teeth across Isaac’s knuckles, and Isaac’s pink lips parted. “I did say Ilikedasshole brats, remember?”
