Page 20 of As Devils Love

Simone and I were so enamored with his story, when he came to our college looking for volunteers, that we signed up on the spot and we’ve been here every Wednesday night since.

“Who’s the newcomer?” Joe asks, once our pleasantries are over. “Is he helping or hungry?”

I’m stunned that he knew anyone was with us. Tomas hasn’t made a peep since we entered the building, and he isn’t all that close to us either. It’s as if Joe’s been gifted with vision we normal folk will never understand.

“A bit of both,” Tomas answers in a drawl. “But don’t mind me, I’m just taking in the sights.”

“Ain’t no one sightseeing on my watch. You’re either in the kitchen or you’re out the door.”

“A blind man playing watchdog? Now I’veseeneverything,” Tomas’s snarky jab causes Joe to furrow his brow in frustration. “I’m neither, and you’re going to accept that.”

“Holy shit, is this guy for real?” someone shouts from across the room. He isn’t a big guy by any means, and he doesn’t look much older than twenty, but he’s storming toward us, with total disregard for his own well-being, and fixing to knock Tomas’s head off his shoulders.

His words speak volumes about the loyalty that the folks around here have for Joe Davis.

“You don’t want to do that, kiddo. Go back to your station,” Joe intervenes. “He ain’t worth the time, and I don’t want the paperwork.”

I scowl at Tomas, as Simone and I follow Joe into the kitchen. He just grins the same yellow grin he gave me the night this arrangement was set. I’ll have a word with Father about this. Tomas is supposed to be unobtrusive. Just standing by in case of emergencies and nothing more.

Insulting my friends is beyond disrespectful.

“I’m sorry about him.” I mutter under my breath, afraid that even from this far away, Tomas might hear me.

“Nah, Fi-Fi, don’t lose a minute of sleep over it. Whatever has him chasing you two around is more important than an old man’s ego.” Joe’s back to all smiles, as if nothing happened.

“I’ma station you ladies on serving tonight, if it suits? The cooks are cooking, but plates aren’t moving. Need as many hands in front as we can get.”

“Anything you need, boss,” Simone says, raising a hand to her head in salute. I giggle and do the same.

“We’re expecting more folks than usual here tonight, with that big ass storm rolling in. Not as many as double, but close enough. So, get those arms and legs ready for a workout.”

“Yes, sir.” We manage to say it in unison, as if he actually were a drill instructor. The bright, goofy smile returns as he catches on to our joke.

“Then hustle, ladies. This ain’t your grandpap’s army. Hop to.” You can tell he’s never been in the military. Hell, I’m pretty sure he hasn’t even watched an accurate war movie given his lack of understanding of how a drill sergeant would bark orders.

But the fact that he’s trying is beautiful in its own way. Crafted in darkness, Joe returned to the light. It gives me hope that there’s still a chance for my father to find his way out of it.

That someday, we may live as a proper family, and not as this nightmarish bastardization of one.

Chapter Seven

CRUE

Asoup kitchen?

You’ve got to be kidding me.

I’ve spent three days tailing Fiametta. Trying to crack her code and see what makes her tick. And every time I’ve seen her face, the two sides of my internal war have battled for supremacy. Some glances give me the same feeble bodily response as the night we met, with angst-driven sweat on my brow, clammy palms and an inability to think straight. I feel a sick yearning that makes my cock throb with want – scratch that – need.

Then there’s the other reaction. Pure, seething hatred. Seeing her face becomes the perfect reminder of why I’m stalking her. The thrill of sticking my blade into her heart makes me stiff enough to rival the bleeding-heart bullshit.

Huh.

I wonder what all of that says about me. Getting off on the idea of revenge for my mom. Maybe it’s something to explore with whoever winds up in my kill chamber next.

Until then, focus.

My quest for information about Fiametta has come up surprisingly short. She leaves the house at seven sharp and heads to work. Afterward, she spends an hour in the gym with her ginger, firecracker friend, Simone, before they share a snack for dinner or head their separate ways.

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