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Me:I’m going to call you in a sec. Play along.
Scar:Play along with what?
Me:You’ll see. I found the manananggal. She goes after unavailable men, right?
Scar:YOU BETTER NOT BE DOING WHAT I THINK YOU ARE.
Me:Too late.
A hallway leading to the bathrooms was behind the demon—who might’ve just been a beautiful woman, but she definitely gave off those evil hag vibes. I walked past her, not giving her a bit of attention, and went into the men’s room.
I quickly checked myself out in the mirror. Dark circles were beneath my eyes from my restless nights, and I was a little pale. What I had going for me? My height, broad shoulders, and sharp jawline. Hopefully that would be enough to pique her interest.
I can do this.
I waited for a minute or so, then washed my hands and walked back into the hall. As I approached the bar, I called Scarlett.
“This is a stupid idea,” she answered after the second ring.
“Hey, babe,” I said, stopping beside the maybe-hopefully-demon. “Sorry if I woke you. Just wanted to let you know I’m about to head back to the hotel.” A short pause. “Yeah, work was okay. I miss you though.”
“Oh, you’re really going for it, aren’t you?” Scarlett then changed her voice, sounding overly dramatic. “Oh, honey. Wheneverwill you be home?”
“I’ll be back Sunday afternoon.” I smiled, as if she’d said something sweet. “Go back to sleep. I just wanted to hear your voice.”
“You’re such a charmer, Hawk. Is this how you talk to all the pretty boys?”
“Love you too. Good night.” I pocketed my phone and smiled again, playing the part of smitten lover.
“Was that your wife?”
Bingo.
I faced the dark-haired woman. “My fiancée.”
The edge of her lips curved, and she turned her body more toward me, crossing one leg over the other. “Lucky girl.”
“What makes you say that?”
“That cute blonde was hitting on you earlier, and you turned her down. Most men wouldn’t have been able to resist such…” She leaned closer. “Temptation.”
“I’m not most men.”
Her gaze darkened. “I can see that.” She held out a hand. “Lily.”
“David,” I said, using the first name that came into my head. I had her on the hook; now I needed to reel her in. I released her hand.
“I couldn’t help overhear your conversation. You in town on business?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said, letting a bit of my Southern roots show. It was habit, demon or not. “I work on a fishing boat.”
Her brow arched. “A fisherman. I find that line of work… fascinating. Catching them. The fish, I mean.”
“Sometimes there’s crab.”
Lily laughed. “Good-looking, faithful,andfunny? I’m even more envious of your fiancée.”
“I’m the lucky one. She’s my best girl.” I checked my phone. “It’s getting late. I have to be up early. It was nice meeting you, Lily. Have a good night.”
