Page 10 of Sins of the Succubus

6

NEELA

Ican't shake the feeling that Dremlor's presence in our bar is more than mere coincidence. A demon of his caliber, and I assume he has plenty of rank by the way he carries himself, doesn't just stumble into a place like this without an agenda.

The way his eyes follow me, it's clear he wants something. Probably just looking to get laid, like all the rest. But there's something different about him, something that makes my skin prickle with a mix of fear and... excitement? I push the thought away, disgusted with myself.

I force a smile and continue my rounds, refilling drinks and dodging wandering hands. It's all part of the job, but tonight, the routine feels heavier than usual. My skin crawls with each lewd comment, each unwanted touch. The air feels thick, oppressive, like it's trying to suffocate me. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

"Another round for table three," I mutter to myself, loading up my tray. The glasses clink together as I balance them carefully, my hands shaking slightly. I've done this a thousand times, but tonight, everything feels off-kilter.

As I weave through the crowd, I catch sight of my husband. His face is twisted in anger, eyes boring into me. Great. What now? My stomach drops, and I feel my heart start to race. I've learned to fear that look.

He storms over, grabbing my arm and yanking me close. The tray wobbles dangerously, and I struggle to keep it steady. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" he hisses, his breath hot on my face. I can smell the alcohol, and I fight the urge to gag.

"My job," I snap back, pulling away. "What's your problem?"

"My problem?" He laughs, but there's no humor in it. "My problem is that high-and-mighty demon over there hasn't so much as touched you. You're supposed to be entertaining him, not playing waitress."

I glance over at Dremlor, who's watching our exchange with mild interest. "He hasn't asked for anything else," I say, keeping my voice low.

"Then make him ask!" My husband's grip tightens. "Go over there and offer him a private dance. Show him what you're good for."

The words sting, but I'm used to it. "And if he's not interested?"

"Then you're not trying hard enough." He shoves me towards Dremlor's table. "Don't come back until you've sealed the deal. We need his business."

I stumble, catching myself on a nearby chair. The patrons nearby laugh, thinking it's part of the show. If only they knew.

Taking a deep breath, I straighten my clothes and plaster on my best fake smile. Time to see what this demon really wants.

I saunter over to Dremlor's table, my hips swaying with practiced allure. My stomach churns, but I force a coy smile. "Can I interest you in something... more personal?" I purr, trailing a finger along the edge of his glass.

Dremlor's eyes flicker with understanding, but he simply lifts his empty glass. "Just a refill, if you don't mind."

I blink, caught off guard. "Of course," I manage, grabbing his glass. As I turn to leave, his voice stops me.

"You don't have to do this, you know."

I freeze, then slowly face him again. "I don't know what you mean."

He leans back, his gaze intense. "I think you do."

I rush back to the bar, Dremlor's glass clutched tightly in my trembling hands. My heart races, knowing I've failed yet again. Before I can even reach for the bottle, Thaelar's there, his eyes blazing with barely contained fury.

"Neela! A word."

I flinch instinctively, my body tensing as if preparing for a blow. With a resigned sigh that feels like it's dragged from the depths of my soul, I turn to face my husband, steeling myself for the inevitable.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Thaelar hisses, his fingers digging into my arm as he yanks me close. His breath, hot and reeking of cheap liquor, washes over my face. "I told you to seal the deal with him, not get him drunk! Are you really that fucking useless?"

"I'm trying," I protest weakly, attempting to pull away from his iron grip. My voice sounds pathetic even to my own ears. "He's not interested in anything else. I swear, I've done everything you?—"

Thaelar's face contorts with rage, his features twisting into something truly monstrous. "Bullshit. You're sabotaging me, aren't you? Trying to ruin my business? Is that your pathetic little plan?"

"No, I—" I stammer, fear closing my throat.

"Don't lie to me!" He shoves me against the bar, the edge digging painfully into my back. His fingers dig deeper into myshoulders, and I know I'll have fresh bruises to hide tomorrow. "You think I don't see what you're doing? You're holding back on purpose! You ungrateful little bitch!"

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