Read Online Three Wishes by Debra Dunbar - Free Book Online Page B

the locks as he walked, figuring out which ones were coded for a current guest and which were empty. Ah. Bingo.
    Dar flicked on the lights and caught his breath. Wow, this was swank. The Chicago skyline framed dark blue couches, which faced a television nearly engulfing the entire wall. The kitchenette was an actual full-sized galley kitchen. The demon dumped his stolen clothing onto the round dining table and walked through the enormous suite. Every outside wall was an endless window, even the bathroom boasted a breathtaking view.
    “I’ve got to get her in here somehow.” It was a ridiculous thought, but not out of the realm of possibility given the last twenty-four hours. If last week someone had told him he’d be groped-up by an angel, or be kissing one, he would have thought them insane. She was an angel, and she’d already indulged in several minor sins. More importantly, she hadn’t ripped his head off when he’d kissed her. It was a promising start down an unknown path—one that excited him more than anything had in the last century. Dar walked back into the living area and snagged a bottle of gin from the bar—that was far from mini—and settled in to watch the sunrise over Lake Michigan and plan.
    ***
    Asta went back to the party after pacing the perimeter of the hotel and exploring every stairwell and side street searching for a trace of the demon. Where had he gone? Few demons had the ability to teleport. Even if this one had the skill, or some magical device that allowed him to transport himself in and out of Chicago, the way he faded in and out of the edges of her awareness didn’t seem like teleportation. It was almost as though he were hiding behind something. But what? And how?
    It was a mystery. And she just didn’t care. Her prey was gone without a trace, and she’d passed up a fun evening to prowl around the streets and come back to this boring roof-top party.
    It hadn’t been as boring with Dar there. Again, she thought of his jealousy over the human. He’d insisted she needed to try a lobster crepe. The stupid demon she was chasing was gone—her evening was pretty much ruined along with her pants. Might as well do something wicked.
    The crepe chef smiled at her, giving her that once-over that human men always seemed to do. She smiled back, thinking if Dar were here, he’d be threatening to shove various foodstuffs in the man’s rear end for looking at her that way. What was he doing? Had he gone to that blues band without her? Something like regret coursed through her. Here she was, chasing after a demon that clearly had vanished when she could be enjoying herself with Dar.
    She’d gone insane. Why should she be longing to ditch her job and listen to music with a demon ? Why should she get a sick feeling in her stomach at the thought of him off without her? This was her job, her duty. She’d see him in the morning. Sheesh, girl, grow a set.
    Oh my stars; this crepe thing was amazing. That first bite burst through her senses—crisp, paper-thin wrapper barely containing thick chunks of sweet lobster meat in a decadent cream sauce. The whole thing would have been sickeningly rich if not for the balancing mix of pepper and lemon. It was her first food, and it was possibly the most incredible thing she’d ever experienced.
    And she wished Dar was there. He’d understand her reaction. He’d revel in it. He’d give her a gleeful I-told-you-so then make her try a meatball. He should be here, but she’d sent him away so she could work.
    And now her longing and regret turned to a completely unfamiliar paranoia. Did Dar and the other demon know each other? Were they together right now, mocking her ineptitude? No—she’d not gotten that impression from Dar. He was irritating, teasing, tempting, but he’d seemed curious about the demon she was tracking, and far more interested in her than this cyber whatever tomorrow. Dar couldn’t be in league with him, could he?
    Demons lie. They