“I might be researching other, more important topics. Because I’d like to retain ownership of my soul.”
“Find anything interesting?” The room seemed to shrink as his attention honed in on me.
I should not be attracted to this walking red flag. But here I was, all hot and bothered by an actual demon.
“No,” I admitted. “But my resources are limited.”
Grey stood from his chair, causing me to strain my neck to meet his gaze. My traitorous heart thumped in my chest as he walked around the table, placing his arms on either side of me.
My mouth was too dry to speak.
“Want a closer look,” he cooed, “see what you’ll be working with.”
Words. I needed them, but my brain couldn’t think past the lingering warmth of his lips on my ear. Without thinking, I turned my head toward his voice. We were so close now that if I moved ever so slightly, our lips would touch.
My phone vibrated on the table, breaking the tension. I shot out of my chair, my hand instinctively reaching across the table to silence the call. But whoever it was called right back.
“Hello?” I asked, turning around to meet Grey’s stare. He forced me backward, my ass resting on the edge of the table.
“Where are you? We have family dinner in an hour.” Kenna’s congested voice came from the other end of the line. The familiar tension in my shoulders returned.
“Family dinner…tonight?”
“Yeah,” Kenna managed to get out in between coughs that sounded like she was hacking up a lung.
“Okay, I’m at the library. I’m leaving now.” My grip tightened around my phone, bringing it to my chest as I hung up.
“Family dinner?” Grey asked, moving closer. “How adorable.”
“It’s not exactly the family dinner you’re thinking of. These are reserved for important matters, and attendance is mandatory.” I regurgitated the bullshit our parents used to spew at us when we were children.
I mindlessly dialed Emory, balancing the phone on my shoulder as I started shoving everything into my backpack. She picked up on the third ring, her voice cutting through the static of my mind.
“Hey. Family dinner at the Whitethorn’s in an hour.”
“Are you kidding? It’s Friday night.” Emory sighed.
“I know. Cal is going to flip his lid.” I said, zipping up my backpack. “I’ll see you soon.” I hung up before Emory had a chance to say goodbye.
“You’re going back to Devin’s house?” Grey pinned me with a scathing glare. “I need you to get something for me.”
“No, whatever it is. The answer is no,” I screeched, nervous energy exploding through me.
“It’s a spellbook.”
“Whose spellbook?” I asked, making sure I didn’t leave anything behind on the table.
“It doesn’t matter, but Devin has it, and I need it.”
“Mr. Whitethorn? I will absolutely not be getting that for you, then. He’s absolutely terrifying. I really don’t want to end up murdered and buried in his basement.”
“That book is our best chance at removing the collar.” His hands flew to his neck.
“No,” I repeated.
Grey leaned forward, trailing his tongue over the shell of my ear. “I can practically taste your fear, little witch, and I want to devour you whole.”
Holy shit. Was his tongue forked?
