Page 22 of Devils Don’t Deal

I grabbed the box, put the double-layered chocolate cake with glazing inside, wrapped it up, then realized I was still wearing the pink coverall. I needed to advertise. I ran up the stairs, got changed as quickly as I could, smoothed back my hair, studded it with pretty hearts and stars clips then ran back down in a fluffy little dress that screamed magical tea party.

When I got back down, grabbed the cake, the rabbit, and the devil, I dragged him out of the shop past my father, who was glowering at him.

“We’ll be back after we get dinner. Do you want anything? I’ll get you something. Love you!” And with that, we were out on the street.

I stopped when I saw our ride. Instead of the long car made of snail shells, it was an enormous spider-mech. Like battle grade. People were staring at it. Was it legal to have one of those things with the monstrously long legs and the tiny seat so high above everyone? Also, how would we both fit in it?

The mech dropped down, and I saw that the half-moon seat was large enough for two people if we were squeezed together. Pity I wasn’t more ethereal so I could fit into it without touching the devil.

He climbed in and took my hand, helping me into the monster. The mech lurched, and I fell against Philius, staring into his luminous eyes while his scent, caramel and old paper, wrapped around me like a warm cashmere coat.

“Careful,” he murmured as he helped me down to the seat, putting my cake box on the floor. Straps shot out and wrapped around us, squeezing us together for a moment before they relaxed slightly, conforming to our bodies.

I didn’t have time to gasp before the spider-mech was off, leaping over cars and people in a way that was certainly dangerous and probably illegal, and we were headed directly to the police station.

When we got there, the mech dropped to almost street level, leaving my stomach behind. For a fairy-goblin, I lacked a strong stomach.

The bands released us, and the devil stepped out, hand in mine to help me stumble to the sidewalk like a drunk leprechaun. I swayed against him, letting his warmth seep into me for a moment as I struggled to get my balance.

“All right?” he asked, looking down at me, his smile bemused.

I straightened and raised my chin. “Perfectly. It’s an absolutely vile way to travel, but that’s devils for you.”

He laughed, low and melodious, before he walked with me toward the station, not offering me his arm, almost like I’d called him vile. That hadn’t been very nice. Just because he was vile didn’t mean I had to be. Did it?

I peered at the rabbit so I didn’t have to look at Philius and feel guilty. Did Divinity look more or less sick? “Can we stop at a pet store on the way home so I can get some rabbit food?”

“I have some in Wonderland. He’d prefer your cakes.”

I shot the devil a frown. “How is that good for him?”

“You bake happiness and love into your baked goods. How could that be bad?”

“I’ll have to bake some animal cakes. Wasn’t there a pet baker trending recently?”

“Was there? Life’s too short to pay attention to trends. Good afternoon,” he said to the enormous ogre at the doorway, ogling Philius in a way that made me want to cover him with a blanket.

“Hi! We’re here to see Lieutenant Sato,” I said cheerfully.

She blinked at me, taking in my fluffy, tea-party skirt. “Are you? Well, she’s in her office talking to the mayor, so you’ll have to wait a few minutes. Do you want a drink?” she asked the devil with flirty lash-batting like she had visible eyelashes. She didn’t, just very visible tusks.

I grabbed his arm, pulling him closer to me, feeling protective for some reason. “We have dinner plans. You shouldn’t drink before dinner. Also, this is a police station. What kind of drinks could you possibly have?”

“Elixirs, coffee, and water. But I’ve got something a bit stronger in my desk if you’re interested,” she said, winking at him again and wiggling her pale blue brows.

Did he have a reputation for liking ogres? I realized how tightly I was holding his arm, how close I was to him, like he was mine. If he liked ogres, that was great. Made it less likely that I’d fall for him if he was busy dating someone who could rip off my arms.

I stepped away and held Divinity and the cake box. I pointedly smiled at the ogre female even though she barely glanced at me, so intent was she on wooing the devil. “I’ll just wait here. Mr. Gray is free to enjoy your company.”

He gave me an amused look. “Is he? I’m afraid that would be impossible as I’m here strictly on business.”

The ogre finally frowned at him. “You shouldn’t tempt the lieutenant with a deal. She’s got enough on her plate as it is.”

“Not a deal, just offering information to appease my guilty conscience.”

She stared at him, jaw slack, tusks gleaming while her eyes went dull, trying to understand that incomprehensible statement. “Guilty conscience? You?”

He gave her a flat smile, put his arm in mine, and ushered me away from her and closer to Lieutenant Sato’s office. “It’s a curse,” he said with a shrug. Why did his arm feel so strong and perfect in mine?