Dad smiled. "I'll always know where you are."
I set my jaw. "No, you won't. If you plan to plant your GPS aka Thrain into my phone, I'll get rid of him and you won't see me for the next fifty years."
Dad grunted. "There's something I need to tell you, sweetie."
His tone promised bad news. I raised my brows. "What?" The clock on the wall stroke a full hour. Seconds passed and yet he didn't respond. "Say it, Dad," I prompted.
He hesitated, avoiding my gaze. "Your aunt Patricia's the same age as you."
"So?"
"She's bound to her home."
I shrugged. "And? Get on with it."
Taking a deep breath, he turned to face me. "The same fate awaits you once you turn eighteen."
My jaw dropped. "What?" He couldn't be serious. "You mean I'll be bound to a haunted bakery for the rest of my life?"
Dad shook his head. "Not to the bakery. To Hell."
I laughed, figuring he must be winding me up. "Patricia's not eighteen yet."
"She inherited the bakery sooner than intended."
"But I don't want to live here." I jumped to my feet, knocking over a few folders in the process. "Do you have any idea how dreadful this place is? It's like being stuck in the Stone Ages without the rare excitement of being hunted down by the odd dinosaur."
Dad smirked. "Well, thank you for slanting off my life's work."
I pointed a finger at him. "It's your achievement, not mine. I have my own dreams to follow. You can't keep me here."
"You won't have a choice," he muttered.
In spite of the usual spats, until now I always thought Dad and I had a fantastic father-daughter relationship. I just realised I was wrong. I narrowed my gaze, my blood boiling. "That's it. You can finish that campaign yourself because I'm not helping you out any more."
"Don't blame me, Cassie. It's a curse even someone like me can't undo." Dad seemed pained, his expression betrayed suffering. I was upset, but something told me he wasn't ecstatic to relay the news either.
"Does Mum know about this?"
He nodded. Great. Everyone knew but me. Pulling my nose, I plopped back down on his desk wailing, "Why me and no one else I know?"
"Because Patricia and you are part—"
"Fallen," I finished.
Dad nodded. "Yes. There's this little misunderstanding that our kind gets out of control once we turn a certain age."
In other words, people thought we were promiscuous. Talk about clichés and being biased. "It never happened to you, or Aunt Krista and Selena."
"It's a new rule," Dad said. New could mean anything from a few hours to centuries in Dad's world. There was a more important question.
"Who put it in place?"
Dad pointed at the ceiling. For a moment, I didn't get it. And then it dawned on me. The big boss where Mum lived. I might be able to haggle with Dad, but in Heaven my little schemes stood no chance.
"So, what does this curse involve and why didn't Patricia tell me about it?" I asked.
"I asked her not to tell you so you wouldn't get upset." Dad sighed. "I wanted you to enjoy the time you had left before being tied to this dreadful place."
I nodded, suddenly putting two and two together. "That's why you agreed to letting me rent a flat and getting a job." His easy-going attitude, which sparked many fights between him and Mum in the last few years, made sense now. "How do I get rid of this curse?"
His pained expression returned again. "You can't. Only one person can free you."
"The person I'm connected to." Dallas's image popped into my mind. Dad might not believe he was the one, but I knew it. I laughed, feeling lightheaded as though a weight had just lifted off my chest.
"I've found him already so it seems like I won't be here for long after all, Dad."
"Finding him isn't enough," Dad whispered. "You'll have to get married."
This was getting better by the minute. I knew all the hours spent planning my future wedding would come in handy one day.
"Don't worry. I'll sort that out soon. It's only a matter of time."
"Don't count on it." Dad scoffed, annoyance crossing his face. It must be tough seeing his little girl grow up so quickly, but he'd have to suck it up and deal with his separation anxiety because I wasn't going to spend eternity in this heat.
That reminded me he still hadn't agreed to letting Dallas's sister and her emotionally detached boyfriend stay over. "Can Amber sleep in one of the bedrooms in the west wing? You won't even know she's here."
Dad shook his head. "No more guests. Look, kiddo, I have work to do."
What was wrong with him? Why was he so stubborn? My schemes never failed. Amber had to stay over for the sake of my relationship.
"I'll stop pestering you if you let them stay here for a week."
"I'll think about it," Dad said, returning to his sheets. "Now, get back to that campaign. We haven't got all eternity."
Pouting, I headed for the kitchen to see whether lunch was ready, then carried a tray with food up to my room where Dallas was having a nap because a coyote's yowling had kept him awake all night.
There were no coyotes in Hell, so it could only be one of Dad's winged gatekeepers doing the nightshift on bringing in a few deceased souls.
But Dallas needn't know.
I placed the tray on the night table and kneeled next to him on the bed, brushing his light brown hair from his warm cheek. Stirring, he opened his eyes, the golden speckles catching the rays of sun flooding in through the high bay window.
"You're back." He smiled and propped up on his elbow.
"Care for a bite?" Lifting the lid, I allowed the aroma of freshly baked bread to waft past me.
"You read my mind," he said. "I'm starving."
Yeah, I wish. I hadn't been able to read one thought since the second I met him. I ripped off a chunk and held it in front of his mouth until he bit into it. Watching him chew and swallow, I realised I'd have to come up with a solution even if it meant keeping Aidan and Amber hidden in a barn so Dad wouldn't find out.
"This is delicious, homemade just like my grandma used to make it." Dallas sat up and helped himself to a plate.
"My dad hired the best baker in California." I smiled, pleased that I had found something he seemed to like about this place. "He's come every day for the past five hundred—" I stopped, realising my blunder. "—I mean, five years."
"She's fantastic. A bakery is one of my favourite places. I love creamy French éclairs and mini donuts with strawberries and whipped cream." He laughed. "Maybe I'll be a pastry chef one day."
"One of my aunts has a bakery. She'd love you." Something else that might just earn him brownie points with one of the relatives.
Dallas peered up, interested. "Does she live nearby?"
I shook my head. "She isn't keen on the weather. After she inherited the bakery she moved there for good and never visits." I didn't point out she couldn't visit, literally, since she was bound to that haunted place by blood until the curse was broken. Given the place was secluded in the Swiss Alps and no stranger ever got side-tracked there, it might be a long time before we saw her again.
"That's a shame," Dallas said. "I love my family and couldn't imagine not seeing them regularly." Which was why I'd do everything in my power to keep Amber with us so Dallas wouldn't leave.
"When's Amber coming?" I made it sound nonchalant as if I didn't really care, but my heart picked up in speed.
Dallas swallowed the chunk in his mouth before replying. "I forgot to tell you. Thanks for reminding me. She said she'd catch the first flight from London."
First flight? As if. Aidan could teleport, meaning he could close his eyes and transport her here within a few seconds. Only Dallas was naïve enough to believe his sister's plane could defy all rules of modern aviation by flying thousands of miles in the short timespan between breakfast and lunch. So his sister hadn't told him everything about the supernatural world after all. I wondered why. Besides, Amber's s
ituation must be dire if she and Aidan were coming to Hell knowingly. "That's great. You can stay here and work on the campaign while I pick them up from the airport."
He shook his head. "I'll come with you."
I smirked. "Sure. Whatever you prefer."
"Your dad doesn't mind?" His inquiring gaze focused on me. For a moment, I felt as though he looked right through me into the very core of my being. I swallowed hard, considering my words so the lie would sound believable. The sensation passed when he took another bite and washed it down with a big gulp of orange juice.
"Dad's always been rather fond of guests. He said he'd be happy to let them stay in one of our cottages on the other side of Disneyland."
Dallas frowned. "Is it safe there?"
"Yes." I nodded enthusiastically. "Even more so than here. All our special guests stay in a cottage. They're fancy with lots of space and modern kitchen appliances. Amber will love it there."
"I hope so," Dallas whispered, pulling me close. His heartbeat throbbed like a drum, racing faster than mine. I raised my lips to his when my phone rang.
"It's them." I didn't even need to look to know. "Why don't you answer while I make sure the cottage's ready for their arrival?"
Dallas nodded and pressed the phone against his ear. I headed out in search of my future personal assistant.
Chapter 12 – You forgot to bring the dog
I found the Omnidus scrubbing the marble floor in the kitchen.
The balcony doors hung wide open. A hot gust of air wafted in, sucking the last bit of oxygen out of the room. If I were mortal, I would've probably fainted by now.
Walking past the gleaming kitchen counters, all kept in black and white with marble surfaces, I hurried to close the door and turned on the air conditioning. The Omnidus bowed and maintained his position until I signalled him to rise. He stood, shooting me fleeting looks from under singed lashes. For the first time, I noticed he was clad in rags, grey and worn from years of washing. The pair of pantaloons frayed around the ankles, his dry skin peeked from under the gaping holes in his shirt.
I inched closer and placed a hesitant palm on his scrawny shoulder. "What's your name?"
"Ginny." His tone was even more high-pitched than before which made me conclude his nerves in my presence hadn't settled.
"Ginny," I repeated. "Do you remember we talked about a promotion?"
He nodded, eyes scurrying across the floor. Whatever happened to the little creature must have scarred him for life. I continued, "No one will ever hurt you again." I knew I was making promises that might be hard to keep, but I vowed to do my best and protect him. "I'm here with your first job assignment."
Ginny's eyes lit up. "Anything, Princess."
Admiring his work ethic, I grinned. "I'm expecting guests, so I need you to prepare one of our best cottages for them. We'll need a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table with a pitcher of ice water. Set out extra hand towels, toilet paper, and soap." I squeezed Ginny's hands to make sure he was listening. "Lots of soap. We know Aidan needs to wash all that vampire stench off of him."
Ginny's hesitant smile disappeared. "A vampire."
I rolled my eyes. "I know what you're thinking. Like water would help, right? A girl can always try."
"I'm a kitchen aide, but I will do my best to meet your expectations," Ginny said. I beamed at him, pleased.
"Just pretend you're opening up a new hotel and you need to impress the guests. You'll have to strip the beds, scrub the bathroom and put out a nice welcome mat. Make it as chic yet cozy as possible."
"Yes, Princess."
I tapped a finger against my lips, my mind racing a hundred miles an hour. "Oh, and Amber gets pretty grouchy without her coffee, so put the coffeemaker on a timer to start up in the morning. Don't forget to stock the fridge. We'll also need to place a basket of shampoos, soaps and lotions near a giant stack of fresh towels. Air out the place and leave two robes out on top of the bed with some chocolates. Some black, fluffy slippers would be nice too."
"Chocolates?" Ginny asked.
"You're right. Add some candles and rose petals." I bit my lip.
"No, cancel that part. That's overkill. Although, I'm sure those two could use a little romance. It's just that Aidan's a whole lot nicer when he's all floaty and in love. Guess you can say he's more tolerable to be around."
Ginny nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Princess."
I regarded him, wondering whether it might just be too much for him. "I know you're thinking I'm going overboard with all of this, but Amber and Aidan must be spoiled at all costs. I have to make the chick happy, and the vampire dude too. If she leaves, Dallas leaves with her...and my life is over...literally. I'm putting you in charge of the whole operation, so gather a few Operandes and get to work because you only have two hours. Can you do it?"
He bowed his head whispering, "No one will listen to me."
He was right, but I was Lucifer's daughter so, naturally, being resourceful ran in my DNA. "Don't worry about it. I'll make sure they do." I was almost out the door when I remembered Dad mustn't know.
"One last request," I called over my shoulder. "You can't tell anyone."
I didn't wait for Ginny's answer because I knew he'd never dare cross me, or question my motives. Thrain, on the other hand, just might.
Back upstairs, Dallas had finished his conversation and was keen on recalling it. I held up a hand to stop him and muttered, "Sorry it took so long. Can you wait just a few more minutes?"
He nodded so I headed out again, panting from all the running around. When had I become this harried yet industrious person? It felt good to have an agenda that kept my mind too busy to contemplate the curse or its implications. Mind, I wasn't even bothered because I was certain Dallas was the one. Whatever this curse entailed, it'd never even stand a chance to manifest itself.
I'm so proud of my little protégé, Pinky whispered. Was he crying? I turned sharply, but the little angel averted his face. The way you're trying to help that poor creature shows me Kinky's disgusting ways aren't rubbing off on you.
Pinky's problem was his sense of reality was rather distorted.
Hell was a place built on hierarchy and keeping up appearances. I peeked left and right to make sure no one snooped on us. "Now, don't get emotional on me," I hissed. "I'm not helping Ginny as much as I'm trying to help myself. Imagine being stuck here for the rest of your life." I shuddered.
Pinky gasped. Good gracious. What a disaster. Your mother would be so upset.
I closed my eyes and sent Thrain a message to meet me in the hall. A few minutes later, the door swung open and in he walked, a grin playing on his lips. "Miss me, gorgeous?"
"Don't get your hopes up, mate. You and I ain't happening. Are you alone?" I peered around him, lest his bulky physique hide one of his helpers.
"Why would I bring anyone along on our date?" He marched past me into the living room and sank into Dad's leather sofa, his dusty boots grazing the soft throw. His insolence was hard to bear, particularly since I was a girl who valued cleanliness. At times, however, it makes sense to sacrifice one's integrity for the sake of a higher cause, so I bit my lip and kept quiet.
"It's not a date," I hissed.
Thrain smirked, self-satisfied. "Still trying to deny the feelings you have for me that burn deeper and hotter than Hell itself?"
My jaw dropped. Seriously, could he be more in love with himself? "I asked you to meet me in the hall. How you got the idea this was a date is beyond me. Listen, I need you to do something."
He narrowed his gaze. "If it involves deceiving your father, I won't do it."
"Of course, you will. Who do you think will run this place one day?" I raised my chin a notch. "If you want to have a future in Hell, you'd better start sucking up to the second-in-command otherwise—" I trailed off, letting him fill in the blanks.
He smirked and shifted in his seat, rubbing his dirty clothes over the cream throw, which was my joy and pride since
it fit the black décor perfectly. Counting to ten, I clenched my fists.
I could see him fighting with himself whether to believe me or not. "You said you'd never be interested in holding any sort of position in Hell."
"Times change. Let's just say I can see myself taking over Dad's position in a few years." I cleared my throat. "Now, listen. My personal assistant, Ginny, will require protection to finish his work assignment.
Make sure you've got his back."
Thrain cocked a brow, amused. "I didn't know you had a personal assistant. Who is this Ginny? Another guy I should know about?"
I shrugged. "You know Dad's kitchen aide. I've promoted him."
Thrain laughed. "That's certainly a nice leap up the career ladder."
"You could say that. Can I count on you?" I infused as much authority into my voice as I could muster. "Or do I have to look elsewhere for an employee worthy of my trust and a long-lasting collaboration?"
He bowed deeply, his piercing gaze remained fixed on me. "Your wish is my command, Princess."
I didn't like the smug grin on his face. Drumming my fingers against my thigh, I inclined my head. "Well? Can you take it from here or do you need any more instructions?"
To my delight, he finally got up from my pretty sofa and headed out with another bow. Playing a role in Dad's business might not be part of my life plan, but the perks weren't to be disregarded. It was time for the next part of my plan, so I pushed the thought to the back of my mind and joined Dallas. He was sitting on the bed, waiting patiently. His eyes shone, the corners of his mouth twitched. My heart made a somersault. I pushed the empty plates aside and sat next to him, my thigh brushing his, sending shivers up and down my body.
"Sorry about the delay. I had to take care of some details. What did Amber say?"
He leaned into me and brushed a stray lock out of my face.
"Their plane landed an hour or so ago."
I cleared my throat to stifle the laugher bubbling inside my throat. Yeah, right. I bet they were still packing in London.
"Are you all right?" Dallas asked, handing me a glass of water. I took a deep gulp and almost choked on it when he said, "She'll meet us outside Disneyland's Entry B in fifteen minutes, which must be up by now. I don't understand why they didn't just take a taxi."