in what was otherwise a sugar-coated fantasy. I envisioned myself rooming with another succubus and immediately knew I'd be seeking other accommodations. Succubi forced into close proximity put reality show drama to shame.
"I don't want to impose on anyone's privacy," I said delicately, wondering how I could get out of this.
Luis reached a door and took out a keycard. "Nah, the place is huge. Two bedrooms and a living room and kitchen that go on forever." He unlocked the door and opened it. "You could avoid each other all weekend if you wanted to. But somehow, I don't think you will."
I was about to question that, but suddenly, there was no need. We'd stepped into a living room as expansive as Luis had promised, all sleek lines and modern furniture, colored in shades of gold and green with dark wood trim. A long window offered a sweeping view of the city, and a man stood in front of it, admiring the panorama.
I couldn't see his face, and something told me that even if I could, I probably wouldn't recognize it. That didn't matter. I knew him by his immortal signature, the unique sensory markers that distinguished him from everyone else. I could scarcely believe it, even as he turned around and smiled at me.
"Bastien?" I exclaimed.
Chapter 7
No matter what shape he wore, Bastien always managed the same kind of smile - warm and infectious. I was grinning as I hugged him, too overwhelmed to form any other logical greeting or even ask why he was here.
The last time I'd seen Bastien had been in Seattle last fall. He'd come to town to help discredit a conservative radio host and had succeeded (thanks to me), earning him accolades from our superiors. I'd lost touch with him shortly thereafter and had thought he'd been transferred to Europe or the East Coast. Maybe he had been, but he was here now. The full impact of Luis's earlier words came back to me as I stepped away from Bastien.
"Wait. You're the other new employee?"
Bastien's grin widened. He loved being able to shock and surprise me. "Afraid so, Fleur. I moved here a week ago, and our employer was kind enough to put me up here while I look for a place of my own." He swept Luis a gallant bow.
Luis nodded back, clearly enjoying the scenario he'd created. "Which, hopefully, you'll do soon. Accounting isn't going to let me get away with this place forever."
Bastien nodded gravely. "I've already scouted a couple of potential locations."
"And," I teased, "Bastien doesn't even really need to find his own place. He could go out tonight, smile at the right people, and have a dozen rich women more than happy to give him a place to stay." His current body looked to be in its late twenties, with sun-streaked brown hair and hazel eyes. It was pretty cute, but even if he'd looked hideous, he could still have talked himself into someone's heart. He was just that good.
"Is that an invitation?" Bastien asked. "Because I have no plans for tonight."
"Well, you do now," said Luis. "I figured you and Georgina would want to catch up, and you can give her your impressions of the city so far - which are all good, of course."
"Of course," Bastien and I said in unison.
"Also, I'd like her to meet Phoebe and maybe some of the other succubi," Luis continued.
"Ah, Mademoiselle Phoebe." Bastien nodded his head approvingly. "An exquisite creature. You'll adore her."
"You apparently do," I said. Succubi and incubi hooked up sometimes but generally stuck to humans for romantic liaisons. Bastien, however, had a particular penchant for my kind.
He made a face. "None of my charms seem to be working on her. She says that I'll never be as infatuated with anyone else as much as I am with myself, so there's no point in her getting involved."
I laughed. "I like her already."
"Then it's settled." Luis moved toward the door. "I have some business to take care of, but I'll see you before you leave. In the meantime, I trust Bastien will show you a good time. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything."
Luis snapped his fingers, and a small business card appeared in his hand. He handed it to me. It was still warm.
"Thanks, Luis," I said, giving him a quick hug. "I appreciate everything you've done."
Luis nodded gravely. "I know you're not thrilled about this transfer, but I really, really would like for you to be