Page 80 of Their Offering

Ida stood still, her face expressionless as she took in my rant.

“Sorry,” I mumbled.

Ida chewed on the inside of her bottom lip, her eyes darting around the room like she was searching for something. “I have an idea,” she said with a grin.

I nodded enthusiastically. “I like ideas. Whatcha got in mind?”

“You have to promise me that this stays between us, Lilly. The boys would kill me if they found out.” Her eyes went wide, her head tilted as she waited for me to promise.

“Why would they kill you? Is it drugs or something?” I asked, more excitement in my voice than I intended.

Did Hell have drugs? Fuck, that would be amazing. If I could trip a little, I could get by with being trapped. Just a little.

She shook her head and scoffed, offended by my guess. “Absolutely not. Your human form would not survive the intensity, dear. Now, promise me you won’t tell the boys. This will be our little secret. You’ll like it, I promise.”

I was still thinking of the drugs and the possibility of trying Hell’s variety, but I was also intrigued by Ida's untold plan. My curiosity got the best of me, and I decided I was going to have a secret of my own to keep from the princes.

“I promise,” I said as I stood from the couch and walked to her. “Now, tell me! What is it?”

Her face brightened, and her grin turned mischievous. “How bad do you want to leave this flat?”

At first, I was so stunned, I couldn’t move my mouth to speak, but I screamed with delight after what she’d asked sank in. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” I jumped up and down, probably looking ridiculous, but I didn’t care. I was going to get out of this hellhole, even if just for a little while.

She laughed and grabbed my hand, halting my jumping. “Okay, keep your head down the entire time.” I nodded. “And wear this.” She took off her shirt, leaving her in just a bra, and handed it to me. “Give me yours.”

“What? Why?” I asked as I looked at the shirt in her outstretched hand.

“You smell like a human. Anyone within smelling distance of you would know in an instant. If you wear my clothes, it’ll help mask the scent.”

“But… you’d be wearing my clothes, ones that smell like me.”

“I’m a demon. My scent will cover it fast.” She shook her shirt impatiently. “Come on! We don’t have a lot of time. Pants too.”

We traded clothes hurriedly, both eager to get going.

I was surprised when Ida’s clothes fit me. The jeans were a little loose, but not fall-to-my-feet loose. The shirt was a little baggy around the chest, but not as much as I imagined it should have been.

Ida was curvier than I was, something I’d been jealous of when I first arrived but could appreciate since she was a friend. I guess all the eating I’d been doing since arriving in Hell was making a difference.

Ida winked at me as a whistle left her lips. “Damn, you look hot in that.”

The maroon shirt with a smiling gold devil’s emoji design was cropped to meet the black, high-waisted, ripped skinny jeans. She was right; Ididlook good.

My clothes seemed to fit her, too. She looked odd but cute in my baggy sweater and leggings. I never had a reason to dress like I was going out, since I stayed in the flat all day. I chose comfort over style.

“You look good in anything, Ida, so don’t even start with me,” I laughed.

She shook her head dismissively. “Oh, stop it. You always look great… and comfy.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the elevator. “Let’s go. Quickly, before I come to my senses and change my mind.”

We got into the elevator, both laughing, high on adrenaline from the heinous crime we were committing against the brothers. My heart was thumping so loud, I could hear it in my ears. I was practically shaking from the excitement coursing through my veins.

I began to feel a little guilty for disobeying them, but I got over it quickly. Serves them right for locking me up in here. Surely, they didn’t seriously mean for me to be their sweet little princess, locked away in her tower?

They had to have known I wouldn’t sit tight and wait for their permission. They knew me better than that. At least, I thought they did. I was finally getting out of this place, even if only for a short time.

We were on the bottom floor when the elevator doors opened up again. Instinctively, I turned the way the boys had brought me, but Ida grabbed my arm and pulled me the other way.

“We have to go through the front. I parked out there. Just keep your head down, don’t make eye contact with anyone, and try to act casual.” She dropped my arm as we reached the lobby.

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