“Sorry. Habit,” I muttered.
I needed action. I needed work. Otherwise I’d never get my mind off Chase and how he was growing on me like a stubborn kudzu vine.
“The demon must have a weakness, and I’m going to find it,” I declared. “Iwillsave you from the demon’s influence. Mark my words.”
Chase’s eyes flashed, and he nodded. “I believe you.”
Those three small words pierced my chest like a dagger.
He trusted me. I would not let him down.
“Oh wait.” Chase got that distant look again. “Faust wants to tell you something, but I don’t know if I should listen, ‘cause you told me not to do that.”
I scowled. Faust was definitely screwing with me.
“Whatever he says is a lie,” I stated. “A demon wouldn’t spill its secrets on purpose.”
Chase pursed his lips, looking thoughtful. “I dunno. I think he’s serious.” He glanced at the Dustin’s Donuts boxes sitting on the counter. “He said it’s payback for your kindness yesterday.”
A derisive snort escaped me. How did Chase not realize the demon was screwing with him, too? He was too naive. A demon’s gratitude was as real as a three-dollar bill.
Still, I needed all the information I could get my hands on. If it helped me gain an edge, I’d play along with Faust’s scheme.
“Fine,” I ground out. “What does thedemonwant to tell me?”
Chase paused as he listened. Then his cheeks flushed beet red.
“What is it? What’s it saying?” I demanded.
“Um,” Chase rasped. “He said... he would hate it if we went to a sex toy store.”
I stared at him in silence.
“Pardon me?” I asked, enunciating every syllable.
Chase shrugged. “That’s what he said. He said he really hates that kind of stuff, so you could use that knowledge against him.”
Oh god. Chase was an idiot.
And I was infatuated with said idiot.
In a slow, haggard motion, I dragged my hands down my face. I didn’t even know where to begin. In the end, my brain short-circuited and I gave up.
“All right,” I muttered. “Let’s go.”
11
Chase
Steppinginto a sex toy shop with Sagitta was, oddly, not as awkward as I thought it would be. It was a locally owned co-operative that I’d passed on the street many times, but had never been brave enough to enter until now. I was a little nervous for the first few seconds until we were greeted warmly by somebody of indeterminate gender whose name tag read “Alex.”
“Hey, folks! Can I help you with anything?” they asked.
Sagitta stiffly shook his head. He stared at the walls instead of anything in particular. “No, thank you.”
“Yeah, we’re good for now,” I confirmed with a smile. “Thanks, though.”
Alex offered help if we had any questions before leaving to help another customer. Right before they turned around, I noticed the trans flag pin on their shirt.
