Page 16 of Wicked Dreams

“Well, well, well. What do we have here?” Lucifer asked standing from his black throne and walking around us in a circle, coming to a stop directly in front of us. When my eyes met his, I could see the truth. He knew everything.

“Donovan, do you not value your position here?”

“Very much so, my king.” My head dipped forward in a bow.

“I gave you an easy task!” he yelled, his voice echoing off the stone walls around us. “And you betrayed me.”

My head popped up, my eyes meeting his. “I didn’t —”

“Do not lie to me, Donovan. I trusted you to watch over her, and instead, you defiled her.” He bent down and grabbed Olivia by her hair, yanking her head back and forcing her to look at him. Even though I knew it must hurt, she didn’t make a sound or show any signs of pain.

“And you…” he spat out, “…I gave you everything, and you discarded it like trash.” He was so close to her their noses were almost touching. “I was going to make you a queen.”

“Let her go,” I ordered.

He jerked his head up, his red eyes locking on mine. “You think you can give me orders?” He released her hair with a jerk as he walked closer to me. She fell forward, catching herself, a tiny whimper escaping her lips.

“You did this, Donovan. You had everything you could ever need here. You were practically royalty yourself. But you threw it all away. And now, you must be punished.” He pulled his sword from its sheath.

“No!” Olivia screamed, her green eyes wild.

Lucifer threw his head back and let out a menacing laugh.

“Don’t hurt him. I’ll do whatever you wish. I’ll marry you,” she pleaded, crawling to him on her knees, tears streaming down her face. Her red dress fell open in the back, and the satin ribbons from her corset pooled on the black stone floor. It was the first time she’d ever shown him any emotion.

His black eyebrow arched as his face turned to one of disgust. “You think I want you now? After he’s already pillaged your innocence?” He aimed his sword at her chest. “I should end you now. Turn your soul to ash so that I have more to step on. You’re worthless.”

“Stop!” I yelled, trying to get to my feet, but I was pushed back to my knees by the guards on either side of me.

I couldn’t get up, but I did, at least, take his attention off of her. He kicked at her, knocking her sideways. I didn’t care if he killed me, turning me to ash, as long as she’d not be harmed.

He walked back over to me. “Why should I honor any of your wishes after your betrayal?”

“I beg of your forgiveness, my king. I will do anything you wish. I will serve a thousand years in the hole. Please just spare her soul,” I begged like a cowering dog.

“Anything?” he mumbled, thinking it over as he began pacing back and forth in front of our kneeling bodies.

He paused in front of me. “Are you willing to do anything to save her?” His red eyes squinted, causing his normally smooth skin to wrinkle.

“Anything,” I agreed passionately. He seemed to contemplate something for a moment before a wicked smile was carved into his features.

“We shall see. I think a bit of incentive will work.” He gave me a wink that made me want to vomit. He was up to something. Something bad. “Olivia Ryan, show me your gratitude.” He stood in front of her.

“M-my king?” She stared up at him with fearful eyes. He offered her his hand. Her eyes flickered to me momentarily before she tentatively put her hand in his. He brought her to her feet, so she was face-to-face with him.

“What are you willing to do to keep Mr. Weaver from being turned to ash?” He raised an eyebrow at her. “Surely, there’s something you could do for me to help persuade me to keep his worthless soul.” His fingers brushed against her cheek causing her to visibly tremble. I gnashed my teeth as all the wicked possibilities flooded my mind.

“Livvy, don’t,” I whispered painfully. “It’s OK, baby. Let me go.”

Her eyes traveled to me quickly, a heartbroken expression on her face. Her hands shook as she rested them on the devil’s chest. He regarded her with an even expression as she stepped closer, her body touching his.

Leaning in, she pressed her mouth to his causing me to growl in anger. The king’s hand moved forward, and he fisted her hair, tugging her head back roughly. She let out a painful gasp as his hold tightened, his mouth finding the sensitive skin on her neck, his tongue flicking out to taste her.

“Don’t,” I called out, my voice trembling. “Don’t you touch her.”

A wicked laugh escaped the devil’s maw as he pulled away from her neck, his hand still clutching her hair tightly.

“Sucks when you give a command, and no one listens, doesn’t it, Donovan?”

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