Demon Hunting with a Dixie Deb - Lexi George Page 0,79

prefer cash.”

There was something comforting about a pocket full of bills, something substantial. Money was his security blanket. He might not be able to read for shit, but he was a whiz at numbers.

Numbers were dependable. Numbers didn’t change.

Grim slid the bill inside the flat leather purse and shut it. The pouch vibrated and bulged. When he reopened the wallet a moment later, it was stuffed with hundred dollar bills.

He took a benny out and handed it to Evan. “You have my thanks.”

Evan curled his fist around the money. His stash had come hard. Years of ugly deeds and hiding dough from his masters—a little here, a little there—in the unlikely event he gained his freedom. The game had kept him sharp, but it had been a dangerous one. If Hagilth and Elgdrek had caught him skimming from the till, they’d have peeled him like a grape.

Despite the risk, or maybe because of it, Evan added to his nest egg until he had money in half a dozen banks. It was a small act of defiance. His way of giving the ’rents and the universe the finger for dealing him such a crappy hand.

Grim? He stuck a hundred in his magical pouch and presto chango. He was loaded. Demon hunters—Evan hated the sonsabitches.

He shoved the money back into his wallet. “What the hell did you do to the car?”

“I removed it from the brook. Is something amiss?”

“Aw no, it’s peachy. It ain’t a car no more, that’s all. It’s freaking alive.”

“Explain.”

Evan poked Grim in the chest. A dicey move—the guy was built like a front-end loader, but Evan was too cheesed to care. Part of him hoped he’d hulk out. He’d love to beat some demon hunter ass. He’d start with Grim and move on to Conall. Pound that pompous jerk in the dirt.

“You worried about your stupid Directive?” Evan said. “Let’s start with the car. When I came out of the Sweet Shop the Maserati was sitting in traffic. Like the damn thing knew Sassy had gone and was trying to follow her home.”

Grim’s don’t-screw-with-me vibe intensified. “You will show respect when you speak of the Directive.”

Evan was feeling reckless. He was ready for a throw-down.

He poked Grim again. “There were norms everywhere and the car was running—without a driver. I had the keys in my hand. You picking up what I’m putting down? I’m talking magical car. How’s that for conspicuous?”

Grim looked troubled. “I see your point.”

“And Mea goes where Mea wants. Know what I had to do to get your woo-woo mobile to make a pit stop?”

“No.”

“Had to say ‘Sassy says.’” Evan scowled. “Sassy says stop at the bank. Sassy says stop at the Pig for groceries.” He threw his hands in the air. “I’m negotiating with a car, for Christ’s sake.”

Grim looked momentarily nonplussed.

His face cleared. “You bought comestibles? Excellent. Sassy will be hungry when she wakes.”

“For God’s sake, stop worrying about the princess for a millisecond and listen. The car belongs to Daddy Joel. It’s going to be con-freaking-spicuous it’s not the same ride when he gets it back.”

“I confess, I had not thought of that,” Grim admitted. “What do you suggest?”

“Your problem, Mr. Weasley, not mine. You enchanted the damn thing. I suggest you figure it out before Conall discovers what you’ve done and rips you a new one.”

Grim groaned. “Conall—by the sword. I was to deliver you to him today. I have failed to comply with a direct order.”

“Conall can kiss my ass. I’m not a package to be delivered.”

As though summoned, Captain Asswipe materialized on a rush of arctic air. Evan hated the cold. Growing up, he’d frozen his nuts off until he got old enough to steal some threads.

“Brother.” Conall gave Grim a nod of greeting.

Evan got nada because he was the incredible, invisible demonoid.

“The hour grows late.” Conall arched a black brow at Grim. “I grew concerned when you did not report to me.”

“My apologies, Captain. Much has happened this day.”

“I heard there was an incident in town this morning. Is Sassy recovered?”

“She is currently abed. One of the Kirvahni is with her, a huntress named Taryn.”

“What brings a Kir to Hannah?”

“She desires a word with you. She is most insistent.”

“Such is their nature.” Conall glanced at Evan, his black eyes hard. “Rebekah bids you greeting. In spite of your treachery, her tender heart is filled with concern for you.”

Rebekah Damian Dalvahni was about as tender as a water buffalo. She’d single-handedly killed Elgdrek and sucked Hagilth out of a