They both nodded solemnly. “Merrill is fun,” Zip said. “He lets us play in his stock room. It’s huge.”

The boys took me through the rest of their week, but nothing stuck out to me. “Does your dad have a calendar or a notebook where he writes down his meetings?” I hadn’t seen one when I poked through his store.

“Yeah,” Zip said. “It’s usually in his pocket.”

In that case, I needed to get back to the hospital and see if it was found on Gary when he was taken in. Then I’d go home, throw on a dress, and get back in time for Samael’s ball.

The door to the balcony opened and the demon himself strode into the room. Samael looked distracted, clearly lost in thought until his eyes narrowed on me, taking in my ripped jeans, utility belt, and t-shirt.

“You don’t look ready for the ball.”

“Cinderella has been busy. What time does it start?”

“Seven.”

“Surely a hedonist like you wasn’t intending to be on time?”

He gave me a slow smile. “I have a dress for you.”

“Uh-uh. I have my own clothes.”

“You agreed to go as my date. My dates wear what I choose for them.”

“Do they?” I crossed my arms. “Do they really?”

Evie let out a choked laugh and I gave her a look. The boys were staring at us wide-eyed, clearly entertained. I ground my teeth. “I’ll see you guys later. Samael, we’ll talk about this elsewhere.”

“As you wish.” He held his arm out for me and I ignored that, stalking past him and into the elevator. I pressed the button for the lobby. He stepped inside and glanced at the buttons. The light behind the G disappeared and reappeared around the button for his penthouse. I scowled at him.

“Grant me this favor,” he crooned, and I shook my head as the doors opened and I was once again in his territory.

Of course, this entire fucking city was his territory.

“I don’t think so.” A thought occurred to me. “How about we make a bargain.”

His eyes turned feral. The demon did so enjoy his bargains. “What kind of bargain?”

“I wear your dress, and I only have to stay for two hours.”

He stepped closer, and every nerve in my body seemed to come to attention. “You wear my dress and accessories, and allow my team to help you get ready. You stay four hours.”

“Three hours and I’ll wear the dress and let them help me with my hair. If you have shoes, I’ll take them too. But that’s it.”

He raised his hand, and I barely breathed as he tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear. Satisfaction radiated from him, and I had a feeling I’d agreed to much more than he’d expected. Sneaky demon.