Page 12 of Curses & Cold Brew
“Do you think she was already holding it, or do you think it’s like a calling card for this soul thief?” I looked up at Ramona and waited for her to say something, but judging by the expression on her face, she was at a loss for words.
“I don’t know,” Ramona admitted tightly.
I backed away from Maude’s empty vessel and dusted my hands down my sweater. “We should go ask Citrine.”
Ramona gave me a sideways look. “Who?”
“I thought you knew everyone in this town?” I taunted, but when Ramona ignored my question and simply waited, I added, “She’s the witch who runs the crystal shop.”
“Her name isCitrineand she runs acrystal shop?” Ramona asked incredulously. “You can’t be serious.”
“You just told me about starfish familiars!” I blustered. “We live in a magical gathering place for the paranormal, where we not only welcome tourists but try to convince them that we are all putting on some sort of town-wide skit every year. You’re a snarky demon who holds more secrets than the mayor.I’m a witch who uses real magic to heal people. We’re now investigating asecondsoul snatching. But Citrine being the name of the crystal shop owner is where you draw the line?”
Ramona pursed her lips. “Point made.” Her glowing silver eyes studied me. “You’ve surprised me tonight.”
Now it was my turn for incredulity. “What do you mean?”
“You don’t seem at all unsettled by the dead body in the room.”
I guffawed. “Witch, remember? Death is nothing new to me.”
Ramona inclined her head, impressed. The butterflies in my stomach swarmed.
Dammit, Iris! You shouldn’t want to get gold stars from a freaking demon!
Most of the time, I knew better than to bask in a demon’s approval. To her, I was a passing flirtation in the eternity she spent on this plane. But a little part of me wondered how often she was amused by a mortal, let alonesurprised.
Ramona huffed out a laugh. “Youdotend to attract the dead, as I remember.”
“I do not.” I rolled my eyes. “I just don’t fear it. Or much of anything, including big, bad demons in Versace.”
Her brows lifted at my critique. Little did she know that I thought she was the hottest being I’d ever seen in a suit, Versace or not. “You’re wearing a sweater with cartoon bats embroidered on it. Forgive me for not quaking in my loafers.”
“Some of the most poisonous animals in the world are adorably colorful,” I warned her, knowing I was on very thin ice. “I may look sweet and innocent, but I am a very powerful witch, not some human waif.”
Ramona dragged her eyes up my body so intently that I could practicallyfeelher on my most sensitive skin. “I never said you were sweet and innocent.”
My mouth went dry. Her elusive playfulness was gone and the prowling monster she truly was came bubbling to the surface, but that only excited me further. I knew I was stepping into the trap she was setting, but the thrill of being caught by her shot through me like a bolt of lightning.
“You get my point,” I snapped, locking my suddenly weak knees. “You should behave yourself around me. Or else.”
Okay, maybe that was a little too far. Nuance, Iris!
Ramona prowled a step closer, silver eyes flaring in challenge as my stomach tightened. “I can handle myself around your kind of power. But can you handle yourself around mine?”
Holy witch tits, that was hot.
This game of cat and mouse was going to my head. Part of me was terrified to find out what falling for a demon would do to me. The other part was just crazy enough to try. Jordyn would kill me if she saw me right now.
I swallowed thickly, trying to keep my confidence in my voice as I said, “I can handle it.”
Ramona grinned. “I look forward to finding out.”
“Maybe we should keep our relationship strictly . . . professional.” I answered an unspoken question.Goddess, I’m such a chicken. “For the sake of your job and, uh, my soul.”
That didn’t dull the glimmer of mischief in Ramona’s silver eyes, but her smile tightened to one of intrigue. “Fine. You can help me, no strings attached. But just so we’re clear:Iam in charge of this investigation. You’re just a helper.”
“I’m the Watson to your Sherlock, got it.”
