Page 69 of Demons and Debts
I finally look up at Vic, and I give him a single nod. He picks up the pen from his desk, his eyes not leaving mine. He hands it over and, as I take it, my fingers brush his and I can't help the small gasp as my skin seems to come alive under his. I can't tell if he feels the same thing, this electricity that makes my body feel so warm. Maybe he's doing it on purpose. Maybe it’s one of his incubus tricks.
I suppose I'll be learning all about those now. Resigned, I don't fuck around this time. I just date and sign. I hand it back to him and the finality of all of this settles over me. My head swims a little and I have to remind myself of why I've done this.
Shar is safe now, already in Hawaii. She spoke to me on a video call, told me everything was legit, and that the human guys who had come to take her from the hotel and put her on a private jet with the kids had been polite – and hot! She was practically speechless for her though, despite the fact that I’d texted her to let her know what was happening. She thanked me over and over and then asked me how I’d done it. I smiled like I hadn’t heard her and ended the call because I didn’t know what to say.
Vic immediately turns to the final page to make sure I actually signed the document with my name this time.
I stand up and he pins me with a look.
‘Aren't you forgetting something?’ he drawls.
I don't say anything, wondering what he’s talking about.
He takes a letter opener from his desk and hands it to me. It's sharp; sharper than a letter opener has any right to be in my opinion. I cock my head in question.
‘I told you, you sign in blood.’
‘Oh, right.’
Swallowing hard, I slice the pad of my finger and I push it into the paper by the side of my signature, making a crude, crimson fingerprint.
The look he gives me is predatory and I resist the urge to run. It's way too late for that I think as he circles the desk and grabs my hand. I can do nothing but stand there as he brings my bleeding finger up to his mouth and licks it, his eyes never leaving mine. Something coils low in my belly, and I’m shocked that it’s desire.
I pull away from him. He can use his power on me now, lull me, do whatever without repercussions, but surely they won’t start everythingright now, will they?
He lets me go, surveying me. ‘You know what you just signed away, don’t you? You did actually read the contract, right?’
‘Yeah,’ I breath, ‘it’s just …’ I shake my head. ‘So what happens now? Do I move down to the dungeon?’
‘Dungeon?’ He gives a small chuckle. ‘Not quite yet. For now, you'll stay in Theo's room. There really isn't enough space down there for another girl.’
‘Well, ok then.’ I incline my head and we just stare at each other for a few moments longer.
I feel like he’s wondering what to do with me.
‘Go back to your room,’ he commands, and I resist the urge to disobey his words even though I want to.
I turn around without a backwards glance, leaving Vic’s office and climbing the stairs.
I stop short as I enter my bedroom, seeing Paris is in there. It's late and there's a tray on the desk with a sandwich on it.
Paris has put something on the bed, and I can't pretend I'm not curious as I approach him slowly and peer over his arm. There’s a dress laid out on the comforter. A very short dress.
‘The others’ clothes are virginal compared to this,’ I say under my breath.
He laughs.
‘They don’t usually come out with us except to the bar sometimes,’ he replies.
‘What?’
He regards me with what I think is amusement. ‘Vic didn’t fill you in, Princess? You're coming with us tonight.’
‘Where to?’ I ask faintly.
‘A club.’
‘A club?’
