Page 21 of Infernal Hearts

I push it away. “Hands to yourself.”

He just chuckles with a wide grin and a rosy face. “One of these days you’ll ask me to touch you.”

I can’t believe how cocky he is. “Doubtful.”

“I have two weeks to prove you wrong. I’m charming. You’ll see.”

Levi follows me out to the parking lot. I can tell he wants to comment on the state of my beat-up truck by the skeptical look on his face when he sees it. Luckily, he keeps his comments to himself as he buckles up and sits quietly while I start the engine and peel out of the parking lot.

“It’s kind of funny that a demon would buckle up. I doubt a car accident could kill you.”

“It wouldn’t. Doesn’t mean road rash wouldn’t sting like a bitch.”

I imagine him flying through a windshield, getting up, and dusting it off like it’s nothing. A demonic Superman—both amusing and irritating. “Good to know. Now where are we going?”

He points down the road, a little to the right. “It’s straight through this part of the forest. I remember the road bending on the other side.”

At least he has a good sense of direction—for that, I can be thankful. “Then we’ll head that way.”

Rolling down the window, I let the warm summer breeze careen through the car. The perfect temperature swirls around me, enveloping my skin. I take a deep breath as I turn the radio on, playing my favorite country music. His mouth turns down.

I lift my chin, warmth spreading through my chest knowing that I finally have something I can push his buttons with—even in a small way. “Let me guess. Your rental car is a Ferrari?”

“Nothing that flashy. I settled for what they had last minute.”

“And here I thought you’d want something top of the line.”

He gasps innocently. “What gave you that impression?”

I cock my eyebrow. “The clothes were a good hint.”

He smooths down his suit. “What’s wrong with my clothes?”

“Just a little too fancy for folks up here. This isn’t Los Angeles.”

We sit in silence for a good thirty seconds before he starts asking questions. He really can’t help but run his mouth, can he? There’s something to be said about just existing in silence, even for a few minutes.

“So…” He stares off into the distance, his voice politely charming. “How long have you lived here?”

I don’t know why he’s so interested in me, but the question seems benign. I tap my fingers on the center console. “All my life. Hasn’t changed much.”

“And have you always wanted to be a vet?” He leans against the window, twisting his torso toward me.

“I’ve always wanted to be a healer, if that’s what you mean.”

“Just not a magical one.”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I’ve just had some bad experiences.”

“Which are?”

“Private.” I force my mind to not dig any deeper into my memories. I’d just get hyperaware, then anxious, then more irritable than I already am. Not a good thing.

“Ah.” He nods. “Back to that again. Got it.”

We wind down the road, cliffs to our left and hillside to the right. The peaks reach the sky with tall evergreens coating every inch of the soil. It’s a gorgeous ride. Just irritating company. After about ten minutes, we come upon a sleek black Lexus left on the side of the one-lane road.

“Lexus?” I look at him skeptically. “I thought you said you settled for what they had.” I park behind it.

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