Veiled (Ada Palomino 1)

Next he looks to me, eying me over. “And you, love, you’ve got a thing or two coming, running after a man you don’t know in your underwear. I said courage belonged to the young but I guess so does stupidity.”

My mouth falls open and he turns to Dex, extending his hand out. “And this is the infamous Dex Foray,” Jacob says smoothly. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Now Dex’s mouth is open for a moment until he gains his composure and shakes Jacob’s hand. “Infamous?” Dex repeats, looking pleased as punch. “That’s a new one.”

“Well don’t let it go to your head, boy,” Jacob says, withdrawing his hand. “Another inflation of your ego and your head might just float away.”

I frown at Jacob. “How do you know of Dex? Because I know him well and honestly he’s not that special.”

“Hey,” Dex chides me, looking hurt. “Easy there, BJ.”

I curl my lip. “BJ?” I repeat in disgust, ready to throw down at him despite what’s going on.

“Bleach job,” he explains slowly, eying my hair. He tilts his head back at Jacob. “But if anyone should be infamous, it’s you. I mean, forget being one of the world’s best band managers back in the day. You’re . . . dead.”

“Obviously you can see I’m not,” Jacob says in a tepid voice.

“Right,” Dex says. “Because you’re either a ghost or you faked your own death. Good job on that, by the way. Dying in a crypt, buried by a pile of bones in Prague? Legendary death for a legend like yourself. You know we talked to Sage about you but couldn’t quite seem to get a straight answer.”

Jacob exchanges a glance with Jay and for a moment I’m struck by how similar they look. In fact, seeing them together makes me think they might even be related.

Before I can say that though, Jacob gives Dex a levelling look and displays his palms. “I’m not a ghost but I did die. One hundred per cent. Went straight to bloody Hell.”

“And how did you come back from that?” I ask, suddenly fearful, hopeful that this is something that could actually be done. Never mind the fact that Jacob went to Hell, which is a concern of its own since that place isn’t usually reserved for good people.

“A friend got me out,” Jacob says, looking Dex squarely in the eye.

Dex frowns at him.

“A friend got you out?” I say, not happy with the vague response.

“I believe you knew him,” Jacob says then beams at both of us. “But I’m getting far head of myself here. I’m not of importance right now. What is of importance is Jay and Ada. Or Jayda, if you like cute nicknames. I don’t.”

Dex and I both look at Jay, who is staring off into the distance, determination still set in his jaw.

“Dex,” Jacob says, “why don’t you go inside, back to your wife. Jay and Ada have plenty to talk about.”

“Right now?” Dex asks. He gestures to me. “I’m not leaving her.”

“Dex, you of all people should know that we mean no harm.”

Dex squints. “Who exactly are you?”

Jacob sighs, tilting his head back and looking up to the stars. “Once upon a time I was just a man. Before that I never knew who I was. Now, I’m not too sure either. But I always have your best interests at heart, even before you do.”

Dex stares at him for a moment, blinking, before he says, “Well that’s the weirdest shit I’ve heard all week. I’m not sure what’s going on in Keith Richards’ house over there,” he jerks his thumb at the Knightlys, “but you should really lay off the ludes and the pot brownies. Also, I’m not leaving her.” He crosses his arms, legs wide in an assertive stance. “Not only do I happen to care about Ada’s wellbeing, but you can bet I don’t want the eternal earful from Perry after she finds out I let her sister walk off with a bunch of gingers, both of whom she doesn’t even know and one who admits he went to hell. Though it totally proves my theory that the lot of you are soulless.”

I’m torn. I don’t feel fear with Jay or Jacob. I want to know what’s going on. I feel like I’m on the cusp of something great, something life changing, something that will give me purpose in this life.

On the other hand, I know Dex would never leave me alone. I’ll always be fifteen to him, too young to make sound decisions, even if my instincts and gut are guiding the way. I should be flattered, and I normally am, but right now I wish he’d go away.

“Dex,” I say softly, trying to find a chance. “Go back to Perry. I’ll be okay.”

“Even if you would be,” he says, “have you not seen your sister’s wrath? I know you haven’t been around her a lot lately, but I’m telling you she has gotten fierce with marriage. I always thought it would mellow her.”