A sudden searing pain erupted from the brand on his neck.
A low groan escaped him as his skin began to burn. Immediately, he felt a powerful force drawing him downward like a magnet in his chest. It took all his strength not to obey the compulsion right then. He sat there, claws digging into his thighs, breathing through the pain and trying to clear his mind of the urge to return to Hell.
Paimon hadn’t been lying.
At the rate his neck was burning, he figured he had only forty-eight hours before the compulsion stole his awareness. And maybe a week before it killed him.
That had been his plan when Lily first summoned him out of the Pit: enjoy his remaining days and then die on his own terms. But after last night… he wanted tolive.
But now, Lily was in danger, and it wasn’t about what he wanted anymore. Now, he had to find a way to keep her safe.
Though he wouldn’t have traded last night with her for anything, he wished she’d never summoned him. He would rather be rotting inside a gorath’s stomach than know it was his fault she was being hunted.
He should have followed his own advice from the beginning and stayed away from her. He should never have left Hell, never embarked on this fruitless mission to taste freedom and enjoy himself.
This is what happens when the rules are broken. This is the consequence of insubordination.
Every single time. When would he stop this sad attempt to make his life have meaning? His life was worthless.Hewas worthless. He was worse than worthless, because by trying not to be, he had hurt the only thing he cared about.
He climbed out of bed, black spots flaring in his vision from the searing pain in his neck, and pulled on his pants in a daze. He remembered Lily’s curious expression as she tried to figure out how to take them off. He remembered watching her bring him to climax, feeling her wet mouth around him, her fingers stroking him, her moans of delight, her taste on his tongue…
It was the best thing that had ever happened to him. It was far better than anything he deserved. He would hold onto those memories for the rest of his days… however few remained.
17
Between Two Fires
Lily flicked off the stove, turning when she felt a presence behind her. She smiled at the powerful form of the demon filling the room, still not quite believing he was real. His gray skin was lighter in the morning sun, the brands visible where the light hit them.
Her smile evaporated at the look on his face.
“Mist? What’s wrong?”
“You said your parents were killed by an arsonist.”
Her fingers tightened around the spatula. It was a heavy topic for morning conversation. “Yes…”
“Who can confirm this? Did anyone see the human?”
“Why are you asking me this right now? I’d rather not discuss—”
“Did they?”
“No! Well, I— I don’t know for sure.” She fidgeted with the utensil’s plastic handle. “Iris dealt with the police since she was a witness. She never let me get involved, even when I asked. I guess she wanted to protect me, I don’t know. But she told me they confirmed it was an arsonist, and that they never had enough information to find him. That’s all I know.”
It felt like his stare would burn a hole through her skull.
“Can we please eat breakfast? I don’t want to talk about this right now. I just wanted to have a nice morning with you, and—”
“It’s my fault, Lily.” He dropped into a chair, and his shoulders and wings slumped in the most hopeless posture she’d ever seen.
“What’s your fault?” She set the spatula down and approached warily.
“I should never have walked you home that night. I should never have talked to you.”
“What are you talking about? You’re scaring me.”
“Paimon knows about you, and she is hunting you now. Because of me.”
