Page 118 of Vengeance and Vipers

I see her walk in, closing the door behind her, and I frown as she takes off the jacket that I could see in here was ripped to buggery. There’s nothing underneath.

I stare. ‘It’s not because I’m interested,’ I say to myself.

Who ripped her clothes? At the moment, I know where everyone is except for Iron and Daemon. In fact, I could have sworn I saw Iron taking Jules riding earlier. Did Iron do this?

I watch as she throws the jacket across the room and stands in front of the mirror. She touches herself in an innocuous manner, but it’s enough to make my cock start to grow under my desk. I wasn’t lying when I told her I didn’t dislike her. I don’t understand it. But this human has done something to us. It shouldn’t be possible, but I think I have to face the fact that our little human guest is more than she appears. What, I can’t say. Though Krase seems to have his suspicions, he hasn’t bothered to tell me what they are.

My gaze falls on my collection of books on succubi. I’ve thought about this a couple of times and discounted it, but what if …

Impossible.

There would be markers, and I knew Jane was one immediately. Jules isn’t the same.

I stare at our soon-to-be-on-call-girl a little while longer, watching as she gets into bed and falls asleep.

I hear the passage door to the library open. I don’t bother glancing up because I know it’s Daemon. My eyes narrow slightly as I take in his swagger. He’s happy about something.

‘Where have you been?’ I ask.

He shrugs. ‘Around.’

He comes to stand in front of my desk.

‘Jules came in earlier,’ I say. ‘She looked a little worse for wear.’

I watch him, but I see nothing as he shrugs again.

‘You know Jules,’ he says. ‘She’s always getting into mischief.’

‘I’ve asked her to contract with the club,’ I say, watching his reaction, and I’m sure I see surprise, followed by something a little bit more sinister. ‘You don’t agree?’

‘We can get on-call girls from anywhere,’ he snorts. ‘Why that one?’

‘Simple. She’s already here,’ I half lie. ‘We don’t have to worry about forms and time. Vetting.’ I chuckle. ‘We already know Jules’ faults.’

Daemon’s lip curls with dark amusement.

‘When?’

‘After the masque,’ I tell him.

‘I won’t be feeding from her.’

I give a small laugh. ‘She’s not for you.’

‘Who, then?’ he sneers.

‘Ah.’ I see him roll his eyes. ‘Crazy Krase.’

‘Not so crazy now,’ I murmur, sitting back and steepling my fingers.

‘No, I suppose not. You think she has something to do with that?’

I tilt my head, ‘Truthfully, I don’t know what to think, but I would rather not have Krase fall back into that pit of darkness. Odds are he wouldn’t escape a second time.’

Daemon nods. ‘I think it’s a good idea,’ he says, surprising me.

‘I’m glad I have your approval,’ I mutter, and he seems to miss my sarcasm as he turns to leave, walking nonchalantly across the room like he hasn’t got a care in the world.