A Demon’s Touch by Ella Jade

Chapter 7

Angelo

Walking through the lobby of Hotel Hell, as it was aptly named by some residents, I took a mental inventory of the clientele. A few demons, two fallen angels, and a…vampire? He was new.

He looked to be in his mid-twenties. Golden hair, blue eyes and a lean build. He would fit in around the city with his trendy clothes and his pleasing looks. That might be a little too convenient when it came to hunting humans.

“That’s Ralph Lucia,” David informed me. “He took the penthouse suite last week. He fled from Italy and has made America his home.”

“Why New Haven?”

I sensed the vampire’s awkwardness. He seemed anxious and out of place.

“He heard about your hotel and thought it might be a safe place for him.”

“Not if he tries to feed off the community.”

“He has assured me that live humans aren’t his thing.”

“How does he survive?”

“Blood banks.”

“Interesting, a vampire with a conscience.”

“When I screened him, I thought he might be beneficial to you.”

“How so?”

“He has several connections in London, particularly in that community you’re looking to develop.”

“Go on.”

“If we supply the blood, he’ll make sure you get what you want with your next deal.” David waved Ralph over. “I told him he’d have to meet with you first.”

“Hello, Mr. St. Christian.” He extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Mr. Lucia.” When our hands connected, it was ice meeting fire, but the other’s body temperature deterred neither of us. “I hope you’re enjoying your new accommodations.”

“This is a splendid building you have here, a prime piece of real estate.”

“I hear you know about real estate.”

“I know how to get you that building you’ve been trying to acquire. You recently purchased the property next door, but the owner of the one you want isn’t budging.”

“Not at all, but I’ll wear him down.”

“You have a reputation for getting what you want. I like it here.” He glanced around the lobby. “I’d like to stay, but I can’t do that if I don’t have an adequate food source. You like to barter.”

“If it’s worth my while.”

“I’ll make it worth it. I know things about the owner of that building, things he wouldn’t want publicly revealed.”

“I’ll get you a blood bank connection if you can deliver the building, but there is an additional caveat.”

“I’m listening.”

“If you can make this happen, and we can obtain the property, my attorney has to believe she negotiated the deal and got me what I wanted.”

When David shifted his attention on me, I felt his curiosity.

“I’ll start it tonight.” His hand trembled by his side and her seemed to have a difficult time keeping his fangs concealed. “It’ll distract me.”

“You’re hungry.” Ralph’s gnawing thirst transferred to me, making my own throat uncomfortable.

“A little.”

“I’ll make sure you get a delivery tonight.”

“Thank you,” he said.

“One more thing.” I stared into his empty eyes. They were almost as cold as my own. “You may blackmail others to get what you want, but you’ll never get that far with me. Are we clear?”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

David and I continued through the lobby. I seldom left my house, but tonight couldn’t be helped. David took care of the hotel, acting as a property manager and liaison between me and the residents. There wasn’t much he couldn’t handle, but occasionally, it was necessary for me to step in when certain issues arose.

As we climbed the stairs to the third floor, David was quiet.

“You want to know why I wish for Harper to get credit for the deal.”

“I’m sure you have your reasons.”

“She has low self-esteem. She doesn’t think she is experienced enough to handle my affairs.”

“She isn’t.”

“No, but I owe Duke. If I had left her in that firm, they would have kept her behind the copy room forever. They treated her more like a paralegal than a graduate from an Ivy League school. Duke was so busy working with me that he may have neglected her.” It seemed a running theme in her life and that bothered me. After all, her parents had abandoned her, and her ex-boyfriend left her jaded. She’d been on her own for so long. “I want to help her.”

“No barters, no conditions?”

“Duke had more than paid any debts for the Whitmore family. I’m paying it forward.”

“How twenty-first century of you.”

“I guess I had to accept the new century at some point.”

“It doesn’t hurt that you have a delightful, new attorney to help you with that.”

“Isn’t this the apartment we need?”

“Deflection?” David asked.

“Business.” I pounded on the door of a one Allen Templeton. “He’s in there. He can’t hide his surprise.”

“I’ll open it.” David jingled the keys in front of me. “No need to break the door.”

“Whatever works.”

I stepped out of the way, and let David open the door. Once inside, I gazed around the meticulous space that hardly looked lived in. I caught movement out of the corner of my eye.

“There.” I pointed to the balcony.

David pulled back the curtains, blowing in the wind, and found our tenant trying to escape.

“Going somewhere?” I held out my hand, drawing it toward me as I willed Allen back inside the apartment. With his feet still off the ground, I turned him in the air to face me.

“Mr. St. Christian.” He frantically moved his legs as if he were running but all he did was exert unnecessary energy.

“Mr. Templeton.” I raised my hand and closed my grip, tightening the contactless hold around his throat.

More panic ensued as he grabbed his neck, trying to release the pressure. “I can’t breathe.”

“That’s the point of this exercise.” When I stepped closer to him, my energy increased, as a powerful surge flowed through me. “The more you struggle, the harder it will become for you. So, I suggest you settle down and listen to what I have to say before you lose consciousness.”

He gasped for air.

“You are harassing some tenants in this building for personal gain.”

“I…”

“Silence!” I clenched my fist, restricting more of his airway. “I don’t care how you make your living unless it somehow affects me. I do believe that clause is in your lease, the one you signed with your own blood. You do remember that, don’t you?”

He nodded fast, but all that did was cause him to use what little air he had left.

“The individuals who dwell in this building expect to be left alone and to stay hidden from the human world while they are here. That’s the point of them being part of this hotel. They need my protection and do not expect to be harassed by a bottom feeder such as yourself. Do you understand me?”

He nodded again.

“I didn’t hear you,”

“Yes, we’re clear.” Her words came out in a short burst.

“I know your business deals in secrets. You’re a demon informant, and that has proven useful to me in the past. Do not make me regret the decision to keep you here.”

“Please.” He struggled against my grip. “I’m sorry.”

“What do you think, David? Should I release him?”

“He is turning a weird shade of purple.” David walked around Allen in a slow circle. “I don’t know how much longer he’ll be conscious.”

“Oh, God!” Allen whispered. “Please.”

“God can’t help you.” I laughed. “You’re at my mercy.”

“I made a mistake,” Allen said. “It won’t happen again.”

“No.” I lowered my hand, causing him to collapse onto the floor in a defeated pile. I didn’t inflict pain on people often because their emotions bounced back into me, putting me in a dark place. “If it happens again, I can guarantee the last breath you take will be staring into my eyes.”

“Consider yourself lucky, Allen.” David looked down at him, scrambling to get away from us. “Mr. St. Christian rarely gives second chances.”

“This is the only chance you’re getting, and that’s because I may need you in the future but don’t get confident. No one is that important to me.”

David held the door open for me. The staggering fear building inside Mr. Templeton as we walked down the hallway was all the assurance I needed that he would no longer be spying on any of my tenants and selling their information. I may not have enjoyed the tactics I used but they were effective.

“He got the message.” David pushed on the stairwell door, and we exited to the street.

“I’d say so.”

As we walked through the alley, music played in the distance. The new bar I’d backed financially, The Swanky Cauldron, had a grand opening last week, but I had yet to make an appearance. I was more of a silent partner and chose not to involve myself in the day-to-day operation. The first week’s sales had been impressive enough for me to know that my business partner knew what she was doing. A witch with a business sense. How could I go wrong? Still, I wasn’t quite sure of the name of the establishment my young enchantress had chosen.

As we continued down the alley and to the parking lot of the bar, I noticed David seemed lost in thought.

“What is it?” I asked.

“What you did to Allen, it was different.”

“What do you mean? I’ve always had the power of telekinesis."

“You were different. It was almost like you were stronger. You had more control over it. I don’t know. The energy in the room was more concentrated this time.”

“I didn’t notice.”

Perhaps I had, and I’d ignored it. Koradon’s words were on my mind. and I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of believing anything was changing for me.

“Any visits to Hell lately?” David asked.

“Not exactly.”

“What does that mean?”

“Koradon came to me.”

“What? How?” The emotions surrounding David took me by surprise. I hadn’t expected him to have such a strong reaction over my revelation.

“I heard his voice in my study the other day.” I hated to admit that he was in my thoughts in my own house.

“He was in the house?”

“He was in my head.”

“How is that possible? He’s dead. How could he come to you?”

“At first, I thought I created him, but now I’m not so sure. His presence was stronger than it should have been.”

“What does he want?”

“Me.”

“Angelo, why haven’t you discussed this with me? What are we going to do about it?”

“Nothing.” I glanced around the parking lot, pleased with the amount of people here.

“First, your father appears to you, and then you have this extra strength that you haven’t mentioned. What am I missing?”

“You’re not missing anything. I need to sort it out before I can discuss it.”

“That means you don’t want to talk about it.”

“Not now.” I took in the long line of customers waiting for a table. “Looks like my new establishment is doing well.”

“It also appears your attorney is here.”

“What?”

“That’s Harper’s car.” He pointed to the white Lexus parked against the wall.

“Hmm.” I grinned because the evening just became more tolerable. “It’s time we checked out my latest venture. Don’t you think?”

* * *

Fuck!The emotions surrounding me made my head pound. Excitement, depression, happiness, and lust. I loathed being around so many humans in one place. This was exactly the reason I stayed to myself. I was a reclusive empath. I didn’t belong in public.

“How unbearable is it?” David asked.

“Horrifying.”

“Do you want to leave?”

“We’re here now. We may as well get a drink and find Harper.” I looked around the bar area, happy with my investment. “A drink might make all of these useless emotions bearable. I’ll never understand why this species gets so wrapped up in the drama.”

“They call it ‘living.’”

“That’s why so many of them need therapy.”

“Angelo,” a high-pitched voice called to me. “You’re here!”

“Raven, my little witch.” Her excitement and pride intensified as she hurried toward me.

Her long, black hair drifted down her back, and even in the dim lighting, her carefully applied make-up stood out. She spent just as much time perfecting her eyebrows and eyelashes as she had on her witchcraft.

She jumped into my arms and hugged me. “Thank you for the gorgeous flowers.”

“I’m thrilled your first week has been such a success.”

“Are you pleased?”

“Very much.” I kissed her cheek before placing her feet back on the floor, being careful not to make her fall. I didn’t know how she managed to walk in such high heels. “You’ve done a fantastic job.”

Raven’s coven had been slaughtered by a rogue witch and a shifter years ago. They were seeking some sort of revenge against her family. She had been staying with friends the evening it happened and it spared her life. I took responsibility for her, just after her eighteenth birthday, because a witch from another coven needed a favor. It may have started out as a favor, but she grew on me. I enjoyed looking after her.

“It’s been packed since we opened. We’re even getting repeat customers. They love the specialty drinks.”

“You knew they would.”

“Good drinks are like good potions. I can’t wait to feature the freaky Halloween menu this fall, since that will really bring them in. Shots in test tubes and lots of dry ice for a smokey effect.”

“I’m sure you’ll be extremely successful.” Humans loved a gimmick, especially when it concerned the unexplained elements of the very real paranormal world. If faced with an actual anomaly, most of them would run in the opposite direction but then gather the forces to come back with pitchforks for later, which was why my kind had to stay in the shadows if we wanted to survive.

“Hey.” She touched David’s forearm, admiring his tattoo. “Is this one new?”

“No.” David winked at her.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” Raven asked me. “I would have given you the VIP treatment.”

“You still can,” I said.

“What did you have in mind?”

“It’s too crowded in here for me.” I scanned the room, stopping when I saw the terrace doors. “Can you set up a table for me outside? I’d like to meet with my attorney, and it’s too noisy in here for me to have a proper conversation.”

“Sure.” She waved a server over. “I’ll get right on it. Should I greet your attorney at the door?”

“I believe she’s here already.”

“She?” I’d awakened Raven’s interest. “Is she pretty?”

“I believe she is.” I kissed her hand. “I’ll find her and bring her outside soon.”

“I’ll have the table ready for you.”

She hugged the both of us before scurrying off.

“She’s full of energy.” David took in the atmosphere. “You’re sitting on a gold mine here.”

“I bought the building years ago. When Raven came to me with her idea, I figured I’d let her try it. It’ll keep her out of trouble, and I can keep track of her.”

“You’re very generous.”

“I like my little witch.” I shrugged. “She makes me laugh.”

“What about your attorney? Do you like her too?”

“Let’s go find my attorney.”

“More deflection?”

“They’re over there.” I gestured toward the bar, ignoring his intrusive observations.

“Who is that?” David tilted his head, intrigued by what he saw.

“That’s Kira Whitmore, otherwise known as Kiki.”

“Sweet.”

“I’m glad you think so because tonight you’ll be occupying her while I focus on her sister.”

“Whatever you need, boss.”

“Hmm…” I thought he might like that job. “Don’t get carried away.”

“I’ll be a perfect gentleman."

Kiki raised her hand when she caught sight of me. Harper turned in slow motion, scanning the room with a worried expression before her gaze connected with mine.

Once she realized it was me, the other dominant emotions in the room that had been plaguing me since I arrived faded into the background, and all I noticed were hers. Moving closer to her, I sensed her disbelief but none of her usual anxiety. Interesting.

“Angelo.” Much to her sister’s horror, Kiki jumped out of her chair to call us over. “We were just talking about you.”

Harper graced me with that soft, shy smile that I’d come to adore, but her embarrassment over her sister’s confession didn’t go unnoticed.

“What were you saying?” I focused on Harper.

“Nothing much,” Harper said. “What brings you here?”

“Checking out my new venture.”

“You own The Swanky Cauldron?” Kiki laughed. “I didn’t see that coming.”

“I’m more of a silent partner.”

“The drinks are superb.” Harper swirled her finger around the rim of her empty glass.

“I’ll get us a round.” David looked at Kiki. “I’m David.”

“I’m Kiki, Harper’s sister.” She admired his arms. “You have some spectacular ink.”

“Thank you.”

As David and Kiki got acquainted with one another, I took a seat next to Harper. She scooted across the booth to make room for me, but I didn’t want her so far away. She smelled of lemon and sugar. I dropped my gaze to her lips, wanting to taste them.

She’d changed out of her professional attire and replaced it with a pair of jeans and a black halter top. Upon further inspection, I noted the rips in the knees of her pants and the silver flip-flops on her delicate feet. The casual look suited her.

“You’re full of surprises tonight,” she said.

“Am I?”

“You own the hottest spot in town.”

“That’s hardly a surprise. You do have access to all of my assets.”

“I guess I haven’t had a chance to look them over. You’ve kept me quite busy this week.”

“Just wait until next week.” I tapped my fingers on the table. “What else surprises you tonight?”

“Well, for one, you left your house. I didn’t think you did that.”

“I make exceptions.”

“Your attire.”

“What about it?”

“It’s so casual.” She glanced at my wrist. “Is that a tattoo under there?”

“Maybe.” I placed my hand over the bottom of my sleeve. “I have to keep some mystery.”

“Oh!” Kiki shouted. “I love this song.”

“Kiki likes all things seventies,” Harper said. “Including the music.”

“It was such a cool decade. Uncle Duke had so many fun stories about his escapades during that era.” Kiki stood. “Don’t you wish you were there?”

I was. It wasn’t that great. Bell bottoms, polyester, and disco. No thanks.

“I need to dance, and I know my sister won’t go with me.” She smiled at David. “Do you dance?”

“Lead the way.” David extended his hand.

“Let’s go!” Kiki hurried to the dance floor with David close behind her.

“I take it you don’t dance?” I had to yell over the music, which suddenly became too loud for me to think.

“Not really my thing.”

“Come with me.” I slid out of the booth and offered her my hand.

“I don’t want to dance.”

“Neither do I.” I took her hand and guided her out of the booth. “It’s deafening in here but it’s a beautiful night beyond.”

“Where are we going?”

“The terrace.” I led her through the crowd and to the double doors in the corner of the room behind the bar.

“Are we allowed out here?”

“I’m allowed to do whatever I want.” I opened the doors and guided her outside to the table Raven had set up for us.

“I’m Scott.” A server greeted us. “Mr. St. Christian, can I get you and your guest something to drink?”

“I’ll have a scotch neat, and my friend will have a lemon drop martini.” I pulled out a chair and gestured for Harper to sit. “When the other couple joins us, we’ll order dinner.”

“Right away.” His gaze lingered on Harper a little longer than I would have liked before he headed back into the bar. She intrigued him. I didn’t like it.

“How did you know what I was drinking?”

“A hunch.”

“You seem to have a lot of those.” She tucked her hair behind her ear but missed a few strands. “Is that how you know which deals to strike in business? Hunches?”

“Yes, and having a spectacular attorney helps.” My fingers twitched to swipe the hair she’d left behind, but I didn’t want to startle her. “You survived your first week with me.”

“Not an easy feat.” She glanced down at the floor. “But I’m still standing.”

“The question is, are you coming back on Monday?”

“Do you want me to come back?”

“Yes.” I’m nowhere near finished with you.

Scott returned with our drinks before she could answer my question. He placed them in front of us and smiled at Harper, who seemed unaware that he was trying to get her attention.

“Is there anything else I can get you?” he asked.

“Not at this time,” I said.

“Enjoy the sugared rim.” He waited for Harper to look at him, but I already had her captured in my stare. “It’s sinful.”

“It’s my favorite part.” She raised her glass and smiled at me. “Thank you.”

“That will be all.” I dismissed Scott, not at all impressed with the lustful vibes he had for my oblivious attorney.

Harper sipped her martini as Scott made his way off the terrace. Alone, just the way I liked it.

“Do you like it?”

“Delicious.” She licked her lips. “Want a taste?”

I’d much rather lick it from your lips.“Do I look like a flavored vodka kind of guy?”

“Maybe you should try new things.”

I’d like to try you. “A challenge?”

“You seem to like challenges.”

She still held the glass as I placed my hand around hers. She hesitated for a moment because I had caught her off guard with my actions, but when she brought the drink to my mouth, I took a sip of the saccharine liquid. Her breath hitched in her throat when I ran my tongue along the rim of the glass, tasting the sugar.

“It’s awfully sweet.” I released my hand from hers. “I’ll stick with this.” I held up my scotch. “A toast to completing your first week.”

She clinked her glass with mine, but her distraction was apparent in her gaze, as she had yet to stop looking at my mouth. Oh, if she only knew the things I could do with my tongue.

“You don’t dance at all?”

“What?” I broke her focus. “No.”

“Why not?”

“I…I don’t know.” She took a bigger sip of her drink. “I just don’t.”

“Not even to the slow songs?”

“Not even the slow ones.” She shrugged. “I don’t get many opportunities to dance.”

“One should never miss an opportunity.”

“To do what?”

“Slow dance.” I stood and offered her my hand. “I don’t miss many opportunities when it comes to what I want.”

“I’ve noticed.” She bit her lip before taking my hand.

She trusted me.

“You want to dance with me?”

“Do you want to dance with me?” I tugged her toward me, placing my arm around her waist and interlocking our fingers with my other hand.

“I…um…yes.”

Her toned frame molded against mine as I swayed her to the slow sound of a song I couldn’t place. The lights of the city sparkled in the distance as I guided us in a steady circle. The wonder in her eyes intrigued me, but then I felt her doubt and apprehension. I had confused her. I didn’t blame her. I wasn’t sure what I was doing when it came to us either. I had been alone for a long time and had always wanted it that way until now. Until her.

I released my hand from hers, placed the back of my fingers under her chin, and raised her mouth to meet mine. She trembled under my touch.

“I don’t like to miss any opportunities,” I whispered. “Not with you.”

She closed her eyes and parted her lips, causing her soft breath to mingle with mine. One kiss. What could it hurt?