“We’re not flirting,” I said quickly, although I didn’t know why I felt the need to correct him. What did he care? He’d warned me away from Caim, but that was before I knew the truth about them. He’d clearly been worried I’d find out the truth. Now, I knew everything. So, what was the big deal?

Technically, I was very much single.

“Nevermind all that.” Caim eagerly leaned forward. “What did you decide, Mia?”

“I’ll stay.” My voice sounded alien to my own ears. I’d decided not to run away from this, but it was hard to believe I’d said it out loud. This was totally idiotic, right? Serena was going to lose her damn mind.

Az sat up a little straighter, clearly surprised by my answer. “Let me get this straight. You don’t want me to rip up our contract.”

“No,” I met his gaze and swallowed hard. There was a glint of appreciation in his eye, a softness that I wasn’t sure I really wanted to see. A good in him that betrayed my earlier impression. And as that good burrowed its way into my skin, I wanted to claw it out. It was easier to think of him as an asshole demon who wanted to steal my soul. Then, I could ignore the way his touch made me feel.

Not that his touch made me feel any certain way, thank you very much.

He was just hot, okay?

A slow, delicious smile spread across his lips. It was the kind of smile that could melt most women’s panties. Not mine though. I was definitely one hundred percent immune. That little tickle down there just meant I had to pee.

“Mia,” he murmured. “You have just made me a very happy man.”

Flames engulfed my face. I cleared my throat and cast my gaze around to find anything that was not his wicked face. I turned to Caim, who wore a knowing smirk. Like he could see exactly what I was thinking. Or maybe I was just reading too much into things.

“I think this means I’ve earned a bonus,” I finally said, turning back to Az. “You know, for the added danger aspect.”

“Sure.” Still smiling, he leaned back in his chair, his arms folded over his pristine black suit. “You can get a bonus. If you help us with something else.”

“Something else?” My heart flipped. “I’m not sure I want to know.”

His smile suddenly died, and shadows collected in his eyes. “We need to stop this killer, once and for all,” he said with a nod to Caim. “Show her the thing.”

Stolas let out a grunt, shaking his head.