Page 58 of Conflicted

Except that cell with Emilio wielding his whip.

Forcing that from my mind, I focused on what Nox had told me.

“What happened? What did you risk in exchange for your freedom?”

He gave me a tight smile. “I helped the mates of the sons of Lucifer escape from the ninth circle. Well, not just me, obviously. Dahlia was one of the guards on duty on the room where Oscar, Bailey, and Lucky were imprisoned. They bargained with us for our protection.”

“And they guaranteed your freedom?”

Nox nodded. “That, and the protection of their mates if we’re in danger while topside.”

I gave a low whistle. “You’re saying that, if I tried to kill you, I’d be dealing with the sons of Lucifer? Good to know.”

Nox winked at me. “Aren’t you glad you didn’t kill me in that casino now? Can’t imagine you would’ve enjoyed having to explain that to those particular demons.”

I flinched. Yeah, that wouldn’t have gone down well, especially seeing as it wouldn’tjustbe the sons of Lucifer. This deal meant Dimitri would’ve come running too.

If I could make it through a century or two without seeing him I’d be all the better for it.

“Can I ask you something?”

My brows shot up. “Since when do you ask permission? Usually you just say whatever shit’s on your mind without considering the consequences.”

“It saves a lot of time that way. But this is…personal.”

“You’ve already seen me at my lowest. You might as well ask.”

“Are you upset that I saved Lucky?”

My nose wrinkled. “Upset? Why the fuck would I be upset about that?”

“Because he’s Dimitri’s mate.” I felt like Nox waspurposefully not looking at me now. “I know you’re in love with him, Micah.”

How the fuck does he know that?I leaned my head against the glass of the window. “I…I don’t know what I am anymore. But I do know that I’m glad you saved Lucky. If Lucky had died, Dimitri would’ve too.”

“So that’s the reason you’re glad? Because Dimitri’s still alive?”

I closed my eyes, confused as to why Nox was pushing this. “Yes and no. I’m happy he’s alive, obviously. My feelings for him aside, Dimitri was part of our unit for centuries. We were friends, almost like brothers…before I went and fucked it all up.”

“Hey.” Nox’s voice was gentler than I’d ever heard it before. “You can’t help who you fall in love with, Micah.”

“I should’ve tried harder,” I said hollowly, staring at the road racing past us. “If I’d done that then maybe we’d all have a relationship with him still. I know the others miss him, but he won’t come around. Not while I’m here.”

Nox rested his hand on my thigh—not in a sexual way, but to offer me comfort. “I think he will, eventually. I saw his reaction when he said goodbye to you all. I don’t think it was easy for him either.”

My throat thickened. I didn’t like to think of that day. Of how I’d finally realised all the ways I’d fucked up, and what I was going to lose as a result. “We’ll see. But even if it weren’t for all that, I’m still glad you helped Lucky escape safely. He makes Dimitri happy, and he deserves happiness.”

“Even if that happiness isn’t with you?”

I turned my head to give him a tight smile. He wasn’t watching the road, his intense amber eyesfixed on me.

“It wasnevergoing to be with me, Nox. My feelings aren’t on Dimitri, and he’s not responsible for how I feel.”

Nox’s lips pursed. “I think you’re right.”

“About what?”

“About angels being better than demons.”

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