Page 63 of A Deal in Darkness
My grip strengthens and my power heightens as I follow the tether binding my magic to my adversary's. I'm close to reaching the end of this process and I take a moment to steelmyself, preparing for a nasty, unexpected surprise. I'd lace this with vicious traps and my enemy would be a fool not to leave a devastating counterattack in place. It'll be cunning, quick and deadly, and I ready myself, anticipating another challenge ahead.
My power surges again as the arcane magic explodes and I stagger backward, surprised to find there's no trap. The magic cursing Adriana's office is laid bare and I stare at her bookcase, finally seeing what I should have guessed was there.
It's not in a book, or on the pages bound in the elegant spines. The hex is woven through all the books and its pattern is complicated and precise. The symbol drawn by the books burns into the world, forced to show itself by my magic—and I stare at the curved and wavy lines that cut through circles and cross straight dividers. The runes and script curled around its edge are ancient and dark, known only by a few.
A mortal wouldn't stand a chance against it, and few demons would withstand it. The curse pours death into its victim and extracts its life. It delights in torture and it'll do whatever it needs to in order to gain control. Its victim is left half dead, and wishing they were instead of being controlled by the curse's caster.
It’s meant to ensnare Adriana and I pull it apart, carefully breaking it to pieces so it cannot hurt her.
I call Byron.
“It's the Evictesco curse.”
“Fuck.” Byron roars and I hear objects colliding as he hurls whatever's around him into walls and floors. “Enzo, I checked...”
“I know. It took me several attempts. I'll contain it and protect the space.”
“Enzo...”
I growl and bite back. “I fucking know, Byron. The fucker came for Adriana. He almost got their filthy fucking claws into her. I'm beyond enraged. I'm going to find the cocksucker and he's going to regret ever fucking with me. His blood won't sate me. His screams won't sate me. His fucking agonizing death won't quench my need for retribution. “
There's a beat of silence, and then another.
“My point was different, Lord.” I hear Byron's fear and wait, leaving him no option but to face it. “Enzo, only a few can cast this curse. I know of only three demons—you, Arturo...”
“That cunt didn't do this.”
“I know, Enzo. The only other demon I know who can cast this is supposed to be dead. Mordecai's back, Enzo—I don't know how he survived, but he did and he's coming for us. And Adriana.”
18
A SUBTLE KNIFE TO THE GUT
ADRIANA
Enzo plays between my legs, making me moan as I wake. Instinctively, I pull away but his hands hold me in place so his tongue can keep licking my clit. Heat is already rising in my core and I moan again, enjoying a moment of pleasure.
“What are you doing?”
I sound incredulous.
“Eating pussy, sweet girl. Yours is fucking delicious.”
He sounds matter-of-fact.
I groan and Enzo sucks my clit into his mouth, playing with it roughly. I'm still sensitive from last night and I writhe,screaming for him to stop. He laughs and the vibrations travel through me, heightening my arousal before his tongue darts inside me. I clench around him and he plays wickedly, ignoring my protests that I'm too damn sore.
“Daddy will play somewhere else then.”
His tongue moves back and I kick, screaming in panic as he approaches my ass. I don't want this, and Enzo's pushing for something I'm not ready for.
“I'm not fucking kidding.” I scream, and his tongue flicks over my asshole. “I don't fucking want this. No fucking games, Enzo. I said no.”
He flips me over and spanks my ass, hard, on each side.
“I decide what you get and when you get it, baby. Maybe I should have just fucked you in the ass sooner and then this wouldn't have become an issue.”
His hand lands again, and I arch my back, screaming in pain.
