Free A Touch Menacing by Leah Clifford Page B

jewelry store, concentrating on slowing her heart under the guise of admiring a pair of emerald earrings. Keep him talking. “So, my wicked arm candy,” she said, putting her arm through his casually. “Were you just lonely? Out and about?”
    Luke chuckled. “Not exactly.” He held a finger to the glass, pointing. His shadow darkened the pair of beautiful green stones. He tapped the window once. “I need a favor. I’d be truly grateful.”
    Suddenly skittish, she realized what he was implying; the jewels were a payment. Luke didn’t ask for help. She gave her head the slightest shake, the idea refusing to settle. “I don’t understand.”
    He sighed. Fake, she thought instantly. Practiced. He’s acting. Madeline took an unconscious step back, but he reached for her. “Now, now. None of that,” he growled as he yanked her in front of him, against his chest. He leaned his chin on her shoulder. “Didn’t Gabriel tell you the Bound are gearing up for an extermination of the Siders?” he asked.
    She swallowed hard. Her days as a double agent had apparently come to an end. “Yes. A few days ago.”
    “So you know Upstairs has openly declared war and you’re shopping ?” Luke demanded as he loosened his grip.
    Madeline smirked. “I’m multitasking. Give me some credit.”
    “Right now, all credit’s going to Kristen. I’ve been told she’s organizing the Siders. That she’s having a ball. Bringing the territories together.”
    “Yes,” she answered carefully, surprised that he knew. She and Kristen had decided having one big group meeting would be the best way to earn the other Siders’ trust. Everyone who attended would be on the same page, everything out in the open. Of course, Kristen had immediately wanted to make it into one of her gothic eyesores. Though, even Madeline had to admit, there would be a better turnout for a ball than a strategy meeting.
    “Will Gabriel be there?”
    “Of course not,” Madeline said. It was a Sider event, Sider business. At least that’s what Kristen’s excuse had been. Madeline herself didn’t trust him, now that he was Bound again. So who told you, Luke? she wondered. Kristen? When Gabriel had Fallen and Kristen had gone missing, Luke had been scarce. Madeline knew they’d been together. The very night Gabe became Bound again, though, Kristen had come out of hiding, sane and in control of herself. Despite her best efforts, Madeline hadn’t learned what game Kristen had been playing with Luke, where her loyalties truly lay.
    “My favor . . .” Luke drawled, making her muscles clench. Relax, she commanded herself. The key to dealing with the Fallen was to stay calm. Never run when they see you as prey. Never show fear if it could be helped. “Convince Kristen to make it a masked ball. I’m attending, but I don’t want to cause a stir. Quite the opposite, actually. I want no attention drawn to us.”
    In the reflection off the window, she couldn’t make out Luke’s face. A slow nausea started in her stomach. “Us?”
    “I’m bringing along friends from Downstairs.”
    Her jaw dropped in disbelief. Spying for Luke, giving him information, was one thing. Sneaking him in crossed a line she would have trouble justifying even to herself, let alone Kristen. What he asked was impossible, not to mention ludicrous. The Fallen. Demons. Luke wanted to bring them to the ball.
    “Why?” she asked before she could stop herself.
    “Multitasking,” he shot back. “Kristen broke a promise to me. I need to collect.”
    Madeline cocked her head, studying his reflection, the strange challenge in his tone. What on Earth did Kristen get herself into with you? “I need her, Luke. Kristen and I are the strongest. Together, we can lead the Siders against the Bound. If you want me to pass along a message to her, I will, but I can’t do what you’re asking. Even you alone . . . It’s not right. If you’re going to hurt her . . .” The arm around her waist cinched