The Void. Where Nix had come from and where he would return when their contract was done. Ivan ignored the ice-coldrush of panic in his gut. It wasn’t about Nix, not really. Ivan just didn’t like it when the things promised him were taken away.
But no matter. Ivan’s terms had been vague. He wasn’t sure if the contract would ever be complete.
The thought almost made him smile again.
“All right. Take me home, demon.” Ivan got on the intercom, instructing Tara to have Oleg pull to the front.
Nix cocked a hip in his ridiculous leather pants, a sly grin on his lips. “You sure you don’t want me on my knees again before we go?”
Ivan scowled as he stood from his chair. “That was a one-time event.”
Nix gaped at him, looking genuinely put out. “Are you serious right now?”
Ivan sighed. “I don’t—”
“Fuck men. Yes, yes.” Nix rolled his eyes. “Sing me a new one,master.”
He turned on his heel, giving Ivan his back and striding toward the elevator, seeming not to care whether Ivan followed or not.
Apparently even an incubus had his limits with rejection.
Not that Ivan cared. So what if he’d hurt the demon’s feelings? There were worse things in the world than a bruised ego. It was best to remember that.
They went down the elevator together, and Nix stayed silent, his gaze focused straight ahead.
They approached the front desk. There was the security guard with a deliveryman leaning over his desk, a package next to his hand.
Ivan had only a moment to sense something was off.
The security guard cried out, and Ivan was already reaching for his gun when the deliveryman raised his, firing two shots straight at Ivan.
Ivan prepared himself for the bite of a bullet, hoping against the odds he’d be hit in the shoulder and not the chest.
He knew better.
Would Alexei and Sascha mourn him? Or would they rejoice that their wicked, wayward brother finally met the end he deserved?
A flash of red, and there was Nix in front of Ivan, taking the bullet meant for him. He grunted on impact, falling back against Ivan.
Ivan caught him with an arm around his middle and fired his gun with his other hand, but his aim was impaired by the demon in his hold. The fake deliveryman was out the door in an instant.
Ivan should chase after him. He shouldn’t let him get away.
But how could he, when Nix was bleeding in his arms?
Whoever the man had been, he wouldn’t be able to stay hidden for long. It didn’t matter how long it took, how many heads Ivan had to crack. Ivan would find him.
He’d shot Ivan’s demon.
His life was already forfeit.
8
Nix
Nix had blood on his shirt.
It wasn’t his sartorial ideal, but there were worse things, seeing as he could change his clothing at will. He should change it right now, in fact.
