“We’ve got a penthouse suite all set up for you,” he told me with a smug smile, as if this was a selling point.
At this, I let out a hollow laugh. “Is that a euphemism for dungeon?”
“Hardly,” he said. “As long as you do as I ask, you’ll want for nothing, I assure you.”
“Sorry if I don’t take you at your word.”
“I’ve given you no reason not to trust me,” he said. “In fact, I’ve given you more leeway than any other in my possession.”
In my possession…
The words crept uneasily down my spine. Technically, hehadgiven me leeway. From the moment Liam had burned my life scroll, Sebastian could’ve called in my contract with a snap of his greasy fingers.
But I needed more than leeway now. I needed time.
Steeling myself, I said, “You and I have a deal. You agreed to grant me my freedom until I’ve figured out the situation here. As you can see, we’re still dealing with that situation, and it’s only gotten more complicated.”
“I don’t see you dealing with anything,” he said, glancing around the kitchen. “I see a bunch of witches playing at spellcraft while the world outside falls apart.”
“Sebastian,” Deirdre said. “A word, please?”
“The world outside is exactly what we’re trying to save,” I reminded him, ignoring my grandmother’s pleas. “And if we fail, your operation fails, too. No more human vessels, no one making deals… It’s all just… Poof.” I made a starburst with my fingers. “So I’mrealsorry the apocalypse isn’t sticking to your ideal timeline, but unless you’re willing to let it all burn down—including hell and your place in it—you should probably back off and let me do what I need to do here.”
“So let me get this straight,” he said, rubbing his fingers over that ridiculous goatee. “You refuse to trust me, yet at every turn, you’re expectingmytrust. Demanding more and more of it. Attempting to break your contract.”
Deirdre’s voice echoed through my skull again.Gray, that’s enough. Tell him what he wants to hear and get him the hell out.
But telling Sebastian what he wanted to hear was the fastest way into another devil’s bargain you couldn’t talk your way out of, and I wasnotsigning up for that.
“I made a vow to you that night at Inferno, Sebastian,” I said. “If that vow is broken, it will be because I’ve made you a better offer, not because I’ve reneged.”
After a beat, he rose from the table and came to stand beside my chair, towering over me.
Screw that. I stood up, meeting him at eye level, refusing to submit.
“Two weeks, Miss Desario,” he said, his breath sharp and boozy. “That is all the time I’m willing to grant, and that is more than generous. See to it that you handle your affairs before then, as therewon’tbe another extension. And should you even attempt to negotiate for more time, I won’t hesitate to smoke your beloved demons out of existence.”
His eyes glittered as he watched that threat hit the mark, worming its way into my mind. No matter how tall and tough I stood, I knew I couldn’t hide the fear in my eyes.
I was a fool to think for even a second there was anything humane about Sebastian.
“Show yourself out, prince,” I said, keeping my voice solid. “I’m sure you know the way back to hell.”
I turned my back on him, feeling both terrified and more powerful than I’d ever felt in my life.
I sensed his instant departure. Just like that, the air in the room cleared.
“Gray,” Deirdre said. “You must find your sisters.”
I turned to look at her, shocked by the sight. She was slumped in one of the kitchen chairs, her eyes watery, her whole body radiating exhaustion.
“What’s wrong?” I asked. “Are you okay?”
Deirdre held my gaze a long moment, then shook her head, a tear sliding down her cheek. “I need to speak with the three of you. It’s urgent.”
Thirteen
GRAY
