Page 45 of Hellfire & Tinsel
“Demon-client confidentiality,” Kassel said.
“Not a thing,” Dave replied.
“Oren’s orders,” Kassel said.
“Since when?” Dave asked.
Beau’s head was spinning.
“Since you missed all the meetings to play in a band,” Kassel said flatly.
He was clearly drawing a line without saying it, daring Dave to cross.
Dave licked his tusk one more time before grinning and shrugging. “Have it your way. Plenty of humans in this joint to pick from, anyway.”
Beau felt relief wash over him and he sagged against Kassel’s back.
“How did you end up in a human band?” Kassel asked, redirecting the conversation.
“Their bassist died and apparently he was a dick because he ended up with us. I figured they’d be looking for a replacement, so why not try out.” Dave finally looked away from them and toward the stage.
“I didn’t even know you played the guitar,” Kassel said.
“Luc plays the violin. Not that uncommon,” Dave said.
Kassel blinked multiple eyes. “Luc plays the violin?”
“He’s pretty good too. G gave him a golden one for his birthday and he lost it to some schmuck in Georgia.” Dave snorted. “We’re not allowed to talk about it because G has no idea and he’d be melodramatic about his gift being lost so, like… pretend I didn’t say anything.”
Kassel made no such promise. Instead, he said, “Why did you name the band that if you wanted this to be a secret?”
“I suggested it as a joke,” Dave said. “They loved it. And they loved how committed I was to my stage presence. ‘Oh, Dave, you should let us see your real face.’ I am, bitch. You just don’t believe me.”
Kassel snorted, and even Beau found an inkling of humor in it, even though Dave was turning out to be kind of an asshole.
“We’re about to start,” Dave said. “Have fun, you two. I hope you’ll like the show.”
He turned to walk away, but before either of them could react he snuck a hand out and around Kassel to run it over Beau’s hair.
Before he could make contact though, a purple tail wrapped around his wrist and yanked him back until he was chest to chest with Kassel.
“You are not allowed to touch,” Kassel growled into Dave’s face, and Beau’s eyes widened.
This was far above anything Beau had witnessed so far, even with the threats and fires. Kassel was nothing if not completely calm. Sometimes grumpy. Always gentle with Beau. A safe harbor for him. But he had turned into a stormy sea right in front of his eyes.
Thiswas the demon.
Dave looked into the eye of the storm before chuckling and shaking his head, never breaking eye contact with Kassel. “Not too late to change your mind, pretty human. I could show you a good time.”
“No, thank you,” Beau said, stepping closer to Kassel and touching the tail wrapped around Dave’s wrist. “You can let go.”
Kassel seethed and boiled for a moment longer, the air around them growing steamy and warped.
“Please?” Beau asked.
Kassel finally looked at him from the corners of his eyes before huffing once and unwinding his tail so quickly that Dave stumbled backward, Kassel’s grip having been that tight.
“Shit. You’re both hopeless.” Dave let out a mocking laugh.
