Archangels Creed Series (Summon Kassern) #1

Excerpt #7 Another Try

God why was he so nervous? He forced eager joy into his smile as he held out a flyer to a passing girl. "Hey would you mind—"

"Fuck off!" Palm to his face.

His smile faltered only to bloom instantly for the next group of girls approaching. They practically snarled at him before he could open his mouth. Was the spiritual barrier he'd erected too strong? Not like business ever boomed for him. He sighed and paced the sidewalk a few feet, watching the crowd slowly grow for the Friday night sin-a-thon. The way people avoided him, he might as well have worn a sign begging for a million dollars.

He raked a nervous hand through his hair, seeking out the petite brunette with the long ponytail. And fitted jeans. And fitted T-shirt. Good Lord! What was he doing dwelling on that woman's physique? Might as well put out a lust call. Troy countered the possibility with a quick prayer. I bind you Satan from this corner. You will not hinder God's work. You will let me set the captives free, in Jesus name, amen.

He stepped forward toward another approaching woman, flyer extended.

The moment she looked at him, her cherry red lips broke into a seductive smile. She even met him half-way and took the outstretched paper with interest. "Whatcha got here, Sugar?" She twirled a jet black curl around her index finger.

"Well," he leaned and pointed to the informative section. "I'm working on opening a place to help…" not exploited! "…women get on their feet."

Her full shiny lips tugged left with mischief, and her eyes roamed his face then continued for a full body inspection. "I could sure use some help from you baby." Her sparkling gaze met his wide one and the tip of her tongue peeked out and remained poised for attack.

"Well, it's a mind and body…um, and spiritual…"

While he spoke, she stepped closer and placed a hand on his chest. "Mind and body…" She raked long red nails over his chest. "I sure don't mind this body."

Troy stepped back, anxious to escape the sharp claws before they drew blood. Stuttering stupidly, he tripped right into somebody.

Small hands shoved him hard. "Watch it!"

He spun. "So sorry." Oh crap. The girl who'd haunted his dreams stood right there. Right in front of him. With no name. His heart ran in circles. "Um, hi. You okay? I mean…"

"Who's your friend?" The tiny blonde girl on her right aimed a questioning smile at Troy before gasping, "Devyn, is he the Good Samaritan?"

Devyn. Okay. Wait. Good Samaritan?

Troy held his hand out to the petite blonde. "I'm Troy. It's a pleasure meeting you."

The girl giggled and bit her lower lip before shaking his hand like he were some strange circus celebrity. "Pleasure meeting you too, sir."

Troy stuck his hand toward Devyn, who elbowed her giggly friend and ignored his attempt at friendship. He put it in his pocket, undeterred. "Can I see you after work? I'd…like to give you a ride home. If…that's okay?"

The blonde bounced. "Yes!"

"No!" Devyn's loud correction came with a glare at the girl a few inches shorter than her. "I mean, it's fine. We don't need an escort. Thank you."

The blonde's mouth flew open and she scowled back at Devyn, then jerked her stern gaze to Troy. "Yes we do. We definitely need an escort. We get off at two."

Devyn rolled her eyes.

"Fantastic." Troy grinned at the girl who beamed and raked his body with a devouring look. "I'll…be waiting."