Page 13 of Nightmares and Numerology

Fifi’s brow furrowed. “You know Ms. Reyes’ fiancé?”

“Of course I do. He used to be Lydia’s husband. And Lydia is due to meet me here anytime. So reschedule with them or something.”

Fifi’s eyes narrowed. “And why exactly were you planning to be here after hours? At least I’m doing my job.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, I’m treating Lydia to a candlelit dinner in my office. What do you think I’m doing?”

Though, in all honesty, food and mood lighting were still waiting on my desk. I’d had a few trips to make, so I’d left the setup to the last minute. It wasn’t like it mattered if the plates and cutlery went flying when Lydia forgot herself in a wave of passion. Lydia was the one who wanted something traditional, so I’d try to give it to her. I planned to be verynon-traditionalafter I broke out the handcuffs. But if I told Fifi that, she’d have something to say about doing it at work, and I wasn’t in the mood to hear it.

Fifi glanced backward, wincing a little. “That’s really Lydia’s competition?”

“There’s no competition if Lydia doesn’t want him. And she doesn’t have competition where I’m concerned. I’m not seeing anyone else.”

It was shocking to realize I wasn’t evenlookingfor anything else or anyone else. I’d note if someone smelled appealing or had a particularly pretty face, but I didn’twantthe way I used to. There was less abandon in it now. I had a purpose: make Lydia scream herself hoarse with pleasure and keep doing it until she could see what I saw when I looked at her.

Fifi was staring at me like I’d sprouted a second tail. “So... you’re only seeing Lydia?”

“Didn’t I just say that?”

“And you wanted to have a date here,” she continued, as though I hadn’t spoken.

“Have you gone deaf as well as insane?” I asked pleasantly, hiding a grin when she punched my shoulder.

“Don’t be an ass!”

“Too late.”

Fifi’s smile was softer and more understanding than I liked. “Alright, alright. I get it. You’re trying to do something special for Lydia, and I’m sorry to be barging in, but this can’t wait. I made promises.”

I glowered at her. “You’re really going to be here for the next few hours?”

“Unfortunately, I can’t reschedule this without breaking a council code. You know we’re supposed to give priority to things like this.”

I personally thought a corrupt witch’s grandchild was less important than Lydia’s happiness, but I doubted anyone else would agree with me. Which meant my night had just been turned upside down.

“If you sell to Andrea, you’re making a mistake,” I said quietly. “I don’t have a good feeling about her.”

Fifi rolled her eyes. “No, you’re just pissed you’re not getting laid tonight.”

A little, but it ran deeper than that. It wasn’t about the sex. It was about what the knowledge of what was coming would do to Lydia. I jabbed a finger into Fifi’s shoulder, glowering down at her. She took a step back when she spotted the look on my face.

“If Rodney moves here and hurts Lydia further, I’m holding you responsible, Fifi,” I said in a low voice. “Remember that. BecauseIwon’t forget.”

I turned on my heel, storming back to my office. I had evidence of a date to clean up. Fuck my life. Or rather, don’t.

No. I wasn’t going to let this stand. They’d have to leave eventually, and then I’d be able to follow. I’d find a way to take Lydia on our next date, avoiding Rodney entirely. I wouldn’t spoil things by mentioning him until I knew more.

I pulled out my phone and drafted a quick text to send to Lydia in a few minutes. I needed to cool off before fielding any of her curious calls. It wasn’t time to tell her about this yet. Afterclearing my office and stuffing my things into the back of my car, I settled into the shadows to wait, windows down to catch any snippets of conversation that filtered out of Fifi’s open office window.

A decision I regretted immensely when something moved in my periphery. I looked up just in time to see the bottle I’d bought earlier come swinging through my driver’s side window like a laser-guided missile. It burst on contact with my skull, showering me with glass. I barely caught a glimpse of something gray whipping out of sight, clutching the broken top of the Irish whiskey bottle in a globby fist.

My eyes slid shut, and I slumped face down onto the wheel, praying whatever had bludgeoned me wouldn’t come back to finish the job with their new improvised weapon.

I know. A demon praying. It was humiliating for me too.

Nightmares and numerology,I swore as something cold and slippery grasped my ankle. The sensation faded quickly as I sank into unconsciousness.This just isn’t my night.

Chapter Six

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