Page 50 of Half Dead

“I can pinpoint the exact moment, if you’ll indulge me.” A faint smile crossed his lips. “I was making the rounds in the torture pit when I saw a woman chained to a rock. You could tell she’d been a beauty once upon a time. Time and torture had ravaged her fine features.”

“Please don’t tell me it was the love of a beautiful woman that kickstarted your transformation.”

“Goodness no. She loathed me with the fire of a million ACOTAR fans. It was like really looking at a Monet painting for the first time. All those tiny little dots that create a work of art.”

I cringed. “You’re comparing the torture of this woman to a work of art? That’s next-level freak show. I don’t think you’re as reformed as you believe.”

He waved a dismissive hand. “I’m not explaining myself very well. Forgive me. Jack of all languages and master of none.”

“Your tongue is as silver as they come. Keep talking.”

“Oh, I’m glad you think so. That’s kind of you to say.” He sighed. “Suddenly it all felt so pointless. What did I care whether this woman was punished? Her actions on earth had naught to do with me. I’d formed a co-dependent relationship with my identity, if that makes sense.”

“If what you say is true, why haven’t we heard about yourreformation? I would think it qualifies as big news, even in this realm.”

“You know how people are. They believe what they want to believe. It’s almost impossible to get them to see you in a different light without a massive PR campaign.”

My mind was whirring with questions. “How did you find Kane? As far as I know, your spies were killed before they could send word to you.”

He compressed his lips. “Is that so? Unfortunate collateral damage.”

No mention of Canto, which didn’t necessarily mean the lesser demon had kept his vow of silence.

“Melinoe, my darling, I would be eternally grateful if you would persuade Kane to meet me. Our reunion is long overdue and the only way to do this right is to have an intermediary.”

“Why me?”

“According to my intel, he trusts your judgment.”

“He does trust her judgment,” Otto agreed.

Lucifer’s eyes implored me. “Convince Kane to meet me. You’re welcome to join us, of course. I’ll make reservations at this lovely Italian restaurant I discovered. A jewel…”

I barked a laugh. “You want to have dinner with us like we’re old friends?”

“Kaneisan old friend. One of my very oldest.”

“If that’s how you treat your friends, I’d hate to be your enemy.”

“Yes, you certainly would,” he replied, dark eyes gleaming with hatred.

Finally, a glimpse of the real Lucifer that lurked beneath this charming facade. In a strange way, it was comforting.

“We’re not going to meet you in the town’s favorite Italian restaurant.” I wouldn’t risk the lives of the humans whohappened to be enjoying a quality pasta dish that evening. People celebrated anniversaries and birthdays there.

“Then where do you suggest?”

“I heard you’re fond of making deals. Is that true?”

“Bargains are considered my specialty, yes. What do you have in mind?”

“Meet me at One Oak. It’s a local speakeasy.” It was underground and limited to supernaturals, which would limit the damage Lucifer could do.

Lucifer smiled. “I love a good speakeasy. I assume there will be fun and games.”

Fun was out of the question. “There will definitely be games,” I said. “Care to play?”

“Absolutely. If I win, I’d like a civilized dinner with Kane.”

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