Page 84 of A Deal in Darkness
I ascend the stairs and ransack the shelves for tomes about the cunt I thought I'd vanquished, revisiting the spells he uses and how to counteract them. My notes and records are extensive, and hours pass as I absorb information that will probably prove vital in the coming weeks.
Scrolls reveal their secrets, and books give up their mysteries. I'd forgotten much of what had happened and the reminder is much needed. I'm sharper and the strengths and weaknesses of my adversary are exposed, including how I vanquished him the first time.
Mordecai should not have survived what I did to him. No demon should. It was power I amassed from years of hard work and sacrifice, and I dragged the darkness up from the deepest circle of Hell to wield against him. It was a moment of glory andI dislike it being taken from me, almost as much as I dislike the idea of facing him again.
The final scroll ends and I'm wiser, but still no further ahead. I've got enough time to retrieve the item I require and return in time to greet Adriana, ensuring she's oblivious to my activities.
I clear the tabletop and cast the enchantment, staring as runes and light break through the wood. Demonic symbols twist and my fingers dart to each one, selecting runes in their correct order. Red light bursts upward and the gold box appears, retrieved from my vaults before they seal themselves again.
I check its contents, running my fingers over the intricate gold design. Forest green emeralds and sapphires the color of the ocean adorn the collar, and its robust but delicate form will look perfect on my girl. One day, I'll present her with matching cuffs, but I want to save that for another occasion.
The box snaps shut and I carry it downstairs, finding the fire demon standing guard.
“Did you find what you wanted, Lord?”
I smile, viciously. “I did. It's still intact, although somewhat dusty.”
I open the box and the fire demon gasps, aware of the collar's significance. “The Collar of Ichor?” Its eyes brighten as it starts making plans to use the information it's been given. “She must be special, Lord, to receive such a gift. When should we expect her to join us? I will ensure that no detail is spared and everything will be worthy of your greatness.”
My fingers close the box again as I bare my fangs. The fire demon smolders and I tower over it, threatening fire and brimstone if it fails.
“I won't forgive a single mistake,” I snarl as I brush past the cowering demon. “I'll bring her with me shortly. It won't be long before she's ready.”
The fire demon laughs low and I stop, turning around to face the abominable creature.
“Does something other than the girl amuse you or are you so wretched you prefer death over continued existence?”
“It does not amuse me, Lord. It excites me. I relish the opportunity to watch you defile her. I'll enjoy every moment of her agony while you fuck her as Lucifer fucked Eve. It is a pleasure I do not deserve, and I am privileged to be allowed to partake in it.”
He bows low and I silently promise myself that I'll kill the devious little shit before I let him within an inch of Adriana. She's far too spectacular for something so loathsome to enjoy her, even from afar.
She'll join me at an orgy soon, but I'm in no rush and I'll make damn sure only those I deem worthy are in attendance. There are other pleasures for me to explore with Adriana and, on this occasion, I find myself satisfied to wait for my girl to be ready.
Just as long as that isn't longer than my dick can handle.
24
DANCING WITH DEMONS
ADRIANA
Enzo passes me a book and I snatch it from him, desperate to occupy myself on an evening that drags on. The seconds pass in agony and the minutes move even slower. An unhurried night with Enzo isn’t what I want.
“Put a dress on,” he commands. “A sexy one. With heels.”
“We’re going out?”
That devious grin spreads from one ear to the other and he leans forward, leering at me standing in underwear that leaves nothing to the imagination. Enzo likes to watch me, and he isn’t subtle about admiring my curves. He often makes me twirl forhim or wanders over to touch me, invariably groping my breasts or ass.
I used to despise it, and now I like it.
I’ve not only grown accustomed to his attention, I’ve startedseekingit.
I pick scandalous lingerie when I’m permitted a choice and make sure it looks good. I catch myself parading around in front of him, taking poses that flaunt my long legs or make my ass tighter and my waist a little thinner.
Enzo has changed me with little effort and I don’t know how to handle my emotions. I like my confidence and the way he’s made me accept my body, for all its flaws, and he’s helped quiet the nagging voices that tell me I’m not pretty enough. Or the wrong kind of pretty. The blatant objectification ought to be offensive and it doesn’t sit comfortably.
It's also fucking thrilling.Exhilarating. My heart flutters and my clit throbs every time I catch him staring, and that’s got me in a state of permanent excitement. I’m eager to please him and perpetually agitated in a way that makes my pussy ache.
