Wicked Hope: The Devil’s Deal by Raine, Eliza

of Sins. “Nox, look.” He took the ticket, reading the words. “And you think this is your Mom’s writing?” “How can it be?” “Beth, I’m sorry to say this, but I think it is most likely someone trying to lure you into a trap.” The sense in his words seeped through me, the glimmer of hope in my gut dying. I looked at him. “The genie at this museum, could she have stolen your book?” Nox grunted. “There’s no way she would steal it, no. She is what you might call straitlaced. But I suppose someone might have tried to sell it to her.” “Someone like Max?” “Someone exactly like Max.” Nox’s eyes sparked as he spoke. “And would she have bought it from him? If she doesn’t like you?” “Perhaps. And then she’d have sold it on - not to the highest bidder, but to the person I would hate to have it the most.” “Who’s that?” He shrugged. “I’ve made a lot of enemies in my time.” “Would any of them taunt you with it? Hold it for ransom?” “I imagine we’d have heard something by now. The book went missing weeks ago.” I reached for the cup of coffee and sipped. “Nox, I know you’re not going to like this, but—” He cut me off before I could finish the sentence. “You want to go to the museum.” I nodded. “We can’t afford to not explore any leads.” Plus, that really, really did look like my Mom’s handwriting . “I agree.” I raised my eyebrows, surprised. “Really? I thought you’d tell me it was too dangerous if you couldn’t go with me.” A little bubble of apprehension grew in my stomach. Had I wanted him to s