Page 92 of The Devil's Dilemma

“I don’t have to answer to you. Austin knows his own mind.”

The temptation to prolong the punishment and keep Freddie here was definitely alluring, but I’d promised.

I stalked towards him, letting my horns grow, and released my inner devil. Something I hadn’t done for some time.

The distinct smell of shit and piss hit me, but I ignored it.

One by one, I broke every bone in his body, starting at his toes and working my way up to his fingers. His cries bounced off the soundproofed walls, but I didn’t blink. He wasn’t worthy.

Finally, I snapped his neck and left him in the dark room. Conrad would know what to do.

I stepped into the side room and cleaned myself up, washing the dirt and grime from my hands.

I took a deep breath, feeling oddly satisfied and at ease.

It was time to put this behind me and return to the man in my bed.

Austin was still sleeping. I undressed, climbed in next to him, and pulled him close.

We had an eternity to spend together.

I lay and listened to his steady breathing.

I’d always thought I was unworthy of love, that I’d never find it. Who could love a devil? Who would lovethe devil?

But it just went to show that the right person was out there for everyone, no matter how evil or bad you were.

Love definitely conquered everything.

Epilogue

One Month Later

Austin

We stood outside theshop, which looked exactly like the first time I’d seen it, with the glossy red door and sparkling windows.

“I don’t understand this place. Every time I walked past before, the door was boarded up, the windows grimy.”

I looked over at Dante, who regarded me with a twinkle in his orange eyes.

“It appears to you when you need it and not before. The first time you came here, you needed the protection of the chip from me more than anything. You no longer need that, and now the chip needs to come home.”

“He said I’d pay once the time was right. I still don’t know when that is.”

“Then let’s go inside. See what he has to say.”

I pushed open the door. Nothing had changed, not the interior nor the man standing behind the counter, a huge smile on his face.

“Ah, you’re back, and I see you have a friend with you. An old friend of mine, actually. Dante, how are you?”

“I’m good. Really good.”

I looked between them. “Did everyone know he existed except me?”

The Magic Shop owner threw his head back and laughed.

“You didn’t need me before. Now, what can I do for you, gentlemen?”

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