Damaged Gods
-- EXCERPT: “If this kills me—” “If this kills you, you should thank me. Since you’re immortal. That means your curse would be broken.” Well. She’s got a point there. I put the test tube up to my lips, almost pass out from the horrible smell, then down it in one gulp. It hits my stomach with a burn. “The burn passes,” Pie says hurriedly. And she puts her hand on my arm, either faking compassion or really meaning it. Her touch is warm too. And something about it does make me feel better. Soon, the burn is gone and in its place is a tingling feeling in my hands. Then a buzzing in my head. “Did you get to the buzzing yet?” she asks. I nod. “Good. You’re almost there. Now, while we’re waiting for it to work, let’s talk about this job.” “No.” I put up a hand. “Not now.” “Yes. I need a job. Just a part-time one. The Honey Bean is looking for a waitress. I need that, Pell. And I will use all my money to buy what we need and then I won’t have to go into debt.” “You don’t get it. That won’t work. The harder you fight the curse, the more it works against you. The less magic money you use, the more the curse will force you to use it. Bad things will happen. And that will force you to work harder to…” I pause, not really wanting to say the last bit. “Harder to what?” she presses. “Please me. The harder you’ll have to work to please me with the debt book stuff.” She points a finger in my face. “I will not be blowing you. Just… FYI.” I cannot hide my laugh. “Good to know. And for the record, Pie, you’re not my type.” She lifts her chin up in indignation like I just insulted her. “I’m not your type?” “Nope.” “What kind of type do you like? Bull girls?” “I’m not a bull.” “A satyr chimera girl?” “There are no female satyr chimeras. We’re all men.” “Then what is your type?” And now she’s annoyed. I shrug. “I’ve always been partial to the nymphs.” “Nymphs.” She crinkles her nose like the thought of nymphs is distasteful. “Water fairies?” “Not fairies. Nymphs. You know. Willowy girls with evil intentions lurking in the forest.” She laughs. A real laugh. “You like bad girls?” “I do.” “I’m not bad enough for you?” “Not even close.”
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