And the worldblinked.
“The only thing I’m interested in, demon-taint, is finally putting you down like the rabid dog you are.” Titus struggled against Jax’s hold. “Before you can hurt or kill another soul.”
“You may have to step in, Josef.” Mimi’s voice was far away.
“I will get down on my knees and beg you if that’s what you want, Josef, but I’m asking for your help.” I looked over at him and tried to pretend Titus Wray wasn’t there. “I need to talk with a spirit to rescue my girl.”
Josef cocked his head to one side and narrowed his eyes at me, then swung his gaze to Gigi. He probably had a fair idea of what happened.
“Who took your girl?” He looked back at me. “And how long ago?”
“A djinni. Four days ago. He’s a slave for the Alchemist known as Fire, whose real name is Reginald Hubler.”
“TheReginald Hubler?” Josef’s eyes opened wide.
I had a feeling we were gonna get that reaction a lot in the coming days.
“And what do you want with Mimi?” Titus growled.
“We need to talk to one of the Alchemists’ victims.” Gigi eased her way in front of me, then explained about Kasparian’s daughter.
As she talked, I slunk back until I was next to Rome and Mira.
“Even if all Astrid Kasparian can tell us is where she was murdered,” Gigi said, “it’s a place to start looking.”
“Is her name enough for you to go on?” I looked at Mimi.
“No.” Titus crossed his arms. “Youdon’t talk to her. I don’t want your voice polluting her ears. You’re lucky I’m allowing you in her sight. No decent person should have to look at something likeyou.”
I knew Titus was only speaking the truth, but the words sliced into me like claws.
“Titus! Don’t be cruel. Itoldyou, he’s not possessed anymore!”
“That doesn’t mean he’s untainted,” Titus snapped, “or suddenly trustworthy.”
“Actually, it does.” Mira stepped forward. “In the short time I’ve known him, Kerry Harker has treated me with respect and, along with Rome, saved my life twice. I’ll vouch for him being trustworthy.”
“Honey, the only thing I know about you is you reek of as much taint as he does. How often do demons get inside ofyou?”
“Titus!” Mimi hissed.
Too late. Rome towered over Titus, who was no small guy.
Wrong thing to say, buddy.Heh.I half-smiled.At least it’s notmelooking to throw down this time.
“Even the lowest level warrior could smell that it’s coercion taint.” Rome didn’t raise his voice, but his eyes were chips of ice. “Apologize.”
“Ladies,” Mimi huffed, “how about we leave the Neanderthal here to beat each other over the heads and we go take care of business elsewhere, hmm?”
“They can’t help it.” Gigi giggled. “They come hardwired to protect.”
“It’s SOP in the girlfriend manual, actually.” Jax stuck his nose in the air.
Neanderthal? Oh, right. Caveman.
I remember Jax calling me that. It was the day I tossed Gemma over my shoulder, then kissed her until we both ran outta air.
Gemma…
