Read Redemption: Alchemy Series Book #4 for Free Online

didn't tell him I'd wondered if his death might have the same negative ramifications.
    "What did you have in mind?"
    "I think that we can mutually exist - perhaps even be of use to each other, from time to time."
    I stepped back quickly when he reached into his jacket.
    He stopped moving instantly. "I just wanted to offer you a gift of peace, is all." He stood paused, not out of fear but consideration to my alarm.
    At my nod, he continued to reach within his pocket. As his hand withdrew, I saw a long red velvet case. He held it out to me and my curiosity got the best of me. I reached forward and took it.
    Prying it open, I was stunned by the ruby bracelet lying on velvet.
    "This is a peace gift?" I looked back up at him.
    "Fit for a queen," he said. "Thirty carats set in platinum."
    "I got the distinct impression, on several occasions, that you found me beneath you." Yes, I had a chip on my shoulder. Actually, make that present tense. I have a chip on my shoulder. Dealing with him in the past had grown it to an unhealthy size. I'd managed to shrink it down, small enough that it wasn't screaming attitude. But this, after the way he'd treated me in the past - the scorn with which he dealt with me, I couldn't quite rise above. Sometimes it's more fun to roll around in the mud than rise above.
    "Like I said, I might have underestimated you." I watched his eyes rove over me again. "You know, you could be quite attractive , if you did something with those clothes."
    "Is there anything else?" I tucked the bracelet in my pocket, wondering when I'd ever have an occasion to wear it. A truckload of gas might have warmed me up to him more.
    "No, I think that about sums it up."
    "Fine. I'm agreed. There will be no aggression from my side. But, from now on, if you want to discuss anything, you will give me three days ’ notice, delivered by a single human, that you are entering my territory. I will, of course, offer this person safe return."
    "And you will do the same?"
    "Yes."
    He stopped walking, as did I.
    "I find these terms acceptable."
    "I'm so glad." I said it was such an exaggerated graciousness I was sure he'd realize the insult , but instead he smiled, oblivious.
    "I'd offer you my hand but I doubt you'd take it. As I said, you seem a bit savvier than your mother ever was." He tilted his head to the side and squinted his eyes. "I'm surprised with your human emotions you haven't taken one of these opportunities to question me about her."
    His eyes were deep and penetrating, as if he could discover my secrets by simply staring. I was fairly certain that wasn't one of his abilities, especially since he missed my mockery. If he had an idea of what I really wanted to do to him, I doubted he'd be offering me gifts.
    I wouldn't explain that a part of me was bursting with curiosity. I refused to give him any satisfaction. I shrugged, smiled and turned my back on him, as if I had nothing to fear. 
    "I'll assume you can find your own way home," I yelled as I left him standing there.
    "I anticipate this to be a long and interesting relationship, Josephine," he hollered back and let out a deep throaty laugh that filled the air.
     
    ***
     
    It had taken supreme control to keep from shivering while I was with the senator but I'd managed. Walking into the penthouse, I felt like it was going to take forever to thaw out. As the magic changed the casino, it at least had pity enough to supply fireplaces in the rooms that had been robbed of heat. The penthouse was one of the last areas to lose modern heating but it finally lost the battle, the vents covered by stone one chilly afternoon. At least we could still find wood for fires.
    Dark and Dodd were already sitting on the couches in the living room when I arrived. I think being in the penthouse made them feel closer to Cormac , somehow, and I liked the company. I still hadn't told either of them the truth but kept the lie going that Cormac was to return.
    As I warmed my hands near the raging