And it was working already if the state of his cock was anything to go by. The damn thing betrayed him every time he saw her.
“It’s been a while, Belial.” Her voice was sultry and soft. Like fingernails on a chalkboard. “You’re looking tense. Why don’t you come into the circle, and I’ll help you relax.” She glanced down at his lap and licked her lips. “You know as well as I do that I’m the only one who can soothe your wrath.”
In the past, the only thing that had helped him get a hold on his temper was sex. But not some nice, vanilla human sex. No, he needed some real kinky shit, and Naiamah was always happy to deliver.
But he had cooking now. He loved cooking. He was going to make a six-course meal after this, fit for a King of Hell, if it meant he didn’t touch her.
He planned the meal out in his head to distract himself.For the amuse-bouche, we’ll do an herb-infused cream cheese spread on a slice of toasted crostini, garnished with parsley. The soup will be a creamy lobster bisque with a slice of fresh sourdough and aged cheddar on the side. The appetizer will be fried ravioli with—
“I hope you didn’t summon me here just to stare at me,” Naiamah drawled. “Though I am flattered by the attention.”
“I need Nephilim blood,” Bel said, getting straight to the point. The sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could start cooking.
Naiamah blinked. “You’re that desperate already? I thought you’d last at least a few months before it came to this.”
Belial scowled. “Mishetsumephtai is onto us.”
He wasn’t worried about Naiamah betraying him. He didn’t trust her as far as he could throw her—which would actually be pretty far considering how strong he was and how much he hated her, so maybe that wasn’t the best analogy—but she couldn’t sell him out even if she wanted to.
Naiamah had needed his help long ago, and he’d trapped her into his service with an open-ended contract that was valid to this day. The Queen of Hell owed him one thousand favors, of any nature, collectable at any time. It had been one of the finest and most ruthless bargains he’d ever struck, but he would have released her from it ages ago if she wasn’t so useful. He hated her that much.
Unfortunately, she was too well connected and influential to let go. She had eyes and ears everywhere, and her servants were loyal to the point of groveling. Bel needed her, and he couldn’t deny it.
“The Hunter has been sent already?” She scoffed. “Impossible.”
“Not impossible. Got word from one of my legions that he’s been dispatched.”
Naiamah’s lips pursed. Lips that were made to be wrapped around a cock. Lips that had been wrapped around his many a time and drove him to distraction just by being in his presence. He could still see the obscene stretch of her mouth as she fought to work her jaw around him, and it sent a pulse of heat down his spine.Damn her.
“You trust this source?” she asked.
Bel rolled his eyes. “The informant was from one of my legions that’s been plotting to get me back on the throne for forever. I keep telling them to give it up, but they never do. They’re dumbasses, but they’re loyal, and they have way too much to lose if I’m caught.”
“Maybe youshouldplot to take over the throne.” Naiamah’s eyes lit up. “Lucifer is a useless twat, and everyone knows your power rivals his.”
“I’m not interested.”
“No, the great and legendary King Belial, whose name is synonymous with evil itself, would rather hide in human form on Earth.” She gave him a reproachful look. “How the mighty have fallen.”
He shrugged. Once upon a time, he would have roared a mighty roar that shook the foundations of the underworld with his rage at such an insult. Now, he was just wondering what sauce he should use with the ravioli.
Ash had been smart to plot their escape from Hell. None of them belonged there anymore, and it was only a matter of time before they were found out. Running had been the only option.
“So can you get the blood or not?” he asked.
Naiamah looked disappointed that she couldn’t get a rise out of him. Maybe the mighty had fallen, but he was glad he had better control now. “Probably. I think Naberius has some, and he owes me a favor.”
“I thought his Nephilim was killed a hundred years ago.”
“It was, but not before he harvested a lot of blood from it. He’s been using it sparingly, selling it for a fortune. I’d hazard to guess there’s not much left now. It’s going to cost you.”
“I can pay.”
“It’s a temporary solution.”
“I know.”
“You won’t be able to hide forever.”
