“Yes. You’re the demon representative of the brand-new Committee for the Integration of Mankind and…well…other kinds. Including us.”
Asmodai narrowed his eyes. “The Order’s new initiative?” He’d heard rumors that the Order was gearing up for some big changes. But he hadn’t planned to be any part of them—he was as integrated as he wanted to be. Humans with their frail existences and short lifespans held very little interest for him.
“Yes. And they’re expecting you five minutes ago. At least you’ll get the chance to hand over your gift.”
A committee? But really what choice did he have? And Luc was right. Tara was bound to be there. He gave a brisk nod and headed for the door.
As he exited the building, he spread his wings and launched into the air. He headed for the nearest place where the walls between worlds was thin and spoke the words to open a gateway to the Earth.
This particular portal opened into an alley at the back of the CR International offices, in the business district of London. Asmodai took his human form as he stepped through, then closed it with a wave of his hand and made his way around to the front of the building. He pushed through the glass double doors and into the large reception area.
Graham, Christian’s red-haired human servant, sat behind the desk. He appeared a little harassed, and Asmodai hung back while he dealt with the two women in front of him. Though on closer inspection, one woman and one girl. Asmodai dismissed the girl as uninteresting, but something about the woman drew his attention, which was strange in itself. It had been so many years…
She was tall and bordered on too thin. Her hair was long and dark and pulled back in a ponytail, and she wore a plain black pantsuit and no makeup. Obviously, a woman uninterested in men. That intrigued him, because she was attractive with expressive gray eyes, white skin, and a wide mouth, her lips red even without lipstick.
And whatever she was saying was pissing Graham off.
“Look, I know Ryan works here, so you might as well just call him up and tell him I’d like to see him.”
Graham sighed. “Your name?”
“Detective Faith Connelly.” She pulled a badge from her pocket and flashed it at Graham. A policewoman. That was where she got her air of authority. “And while you’re at it, tell him Jessica is here to talk to Rosamund Fairfax.”
Now, that was interesting. He glanced at the girl. She had a fragile look and a bleakness in her eyes.
Graham spotted him. He swallowed and gave him a brief nod before turning back to the woman. “I’m afraid Mr. Ryan is in an important meeting right now, Detective.”
Yeah, the “important meeting” Asmodai was no doubt late for. Christ, he was part of a committee.
How had he sunk so low?
Well, when you made a deal with the devil, you had no choice but to pay his price. And if this was the sum total of his bill, then he’d gotten off lightly.
“If you leave a number,” Graham continued, “I’m sure he’ll call.”
“You are?” the woman replied. “Unfortunately, I’m not. We’ll wait if you don’t mind. Just tell him we’re here.”
“I’ll tell him,” Asmodai said from behind her.
She whirled around, her eyes widening as she caught sight of him. Her gaze ran over him a couple of times, and those pretty lips turned down in a frown as though she didn’t like what she saw. “You know Ryan?”
“Yes, I know Ryan. I’m Ash,” he murmured and held out his hand. “Ashton Delacourt.” She stared at his hand for a moment as though it might bite. Then she reached out slowly. Her palm was cool, which was odd, as warmth flooded his body at her touch. Nerves—long dormant—tingled into life. He closed his fingers around her and held on until she tugged free.
“You’re here for the meeting?” Graham asked him. “They’ve already started. I’ll get one of the security guards to take you down.”
Asmodai nodded and turned back to the woman. “I’ll tell Ryan you’re here, Detective. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see one of his old colleagues.”
“You might be sure, but I’m not,” Detective Faith Connelly replied.
Chapter Two
“Holy freaking moly,” Faith muttered.
“Is that the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?” Jessica spoke in hushed tones from beside her.
“Very probably,” Faith replied without thinking.
Jess giggled, sounding for once like the schoolgirl she was. Faith leaned her butt on the reception desk, folded her arms across her chest, and watched as Ash Delacourt walked away. He moved with the grace of a big cat, almost flowing across the marble floor. He had to be six five, and long and lean in black leather pants and a full-length coat.
He turned as he reached the elevator and caught her gaze. Her breath quickened.
Yup, it was official. He was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. Though beautiful wasn’t quite the right word. His skin was pale, shadowed over his jaw, his cheekbones sharp, his eyes dark, and his lips full.