Page 283 of Castings & Curses

“I am listening,” I breathe.

“To assist Mercedes in her final choice, you must do whatever you can to pull her to our side. Make her see an eternity in Hell is… desirable.” Roche’s breath is hot on my neck, and the way she says the last word—desirable—sends a shiver down my spine.

I don’t like her implication. I glance across the room to Valory, and I can almost bet Matthew would likely tell her the same thing, that it is her job to make Heaven the be-all, end-all for the afterlife of your dreams. Which already puts us at a disadvantage. Everyone is told their wildest dreams and wishes are in Heaven, and Hell is full of assholes, evil demons and sin.

Sure, it is full of all those things, but not everyone’s version of Heaven is white walls and gray Home Depot flooring with a standard ficus in the corner.

Some people dream of the dark, the depraved, and the deadly; and judging from Mercy’s messenger bag pins and contents, I’d say our sweet Mercy isn’t as sweet as she pretends.

Which means Hell and I have a good chance of carrying out such a request.

My gaze falls back to Roche’s ruby red lips. “And what is in it for me, hmmm? Or do I just get to live another blissful day in the office dealing with incompetent demons who can’t draw a proper dick?”

Roche brings her lips closer to my ear, close enough that their silky texture brushes my skin. “Do this for me, Endor, and I will see to it you never set foot in an office again. I will write the glowing recommendation to the Contracting department myself, andthatis a promise.” She pulls away.

“Can I have that in writing?” I ask, knowing full well what she is implying is beyond anything I could have hoped for. A shot, a real shot, at leaving HAD. Something I thought wouldn’t happen because I submitted the reports and did what needed to be done for Mercy.

Roche moves to take my hand, turning it over so my palm faces the sky. She whispers words I know all too well, and I fight to keep my face expressionless. I can’t let her see such a thing move me, let her see that she holds an inkling of power in her hands over me. Just as she brings my palm to her mouth, brushing her lips across it, I feel the stoney gaze of the angel across the room.

I look up, catching her amber eyes staring again. When I give her the slightest hint of a smile, I can’t help but smile back when I see her cheeks flush. Though she doesn’t look away, just… bites her lip. This makes my cock instantly harden, my mind flooding with images that make no sense, given the fact I’ve just met the woman.

Images of her looking up at me from below, on her knees, those big brown eyes begging me for—

Roche lets out a contented sound, bringing me back to the reality of the moment. Her lips pull up into a sultry grin, probably figuring my twitching cock against her thigh is because of her. But her lips are the cold shower I need to rid me of my momentary lack of control.

I feel the searing edge of fire as her lips burn the seal into my blood.

Though most contracts are for the ownership of mortal souls, it isn’t completely uncommon for demons to make contracts and pacts with one another for certain things. We all have our vices, and we live in Hell. Trust is not afforded easily.

I drop my hand just as Matthew speaks up, and we both turn to face the angels and the lost soul in question.

“It will be an hour or so until we get everything in order, and as you know, time is of the essence. I ask, given this time, that you two get whatever affairs in order you need.”

Roche tosses her hair behind her, which smacks me in the face.

I purse my lips, feeling irritated by her attitude. She acts as if this is all some big joke.

“Our arrangements have been made. Endor is ready to assist the lost soul and your angel, and I am confident if I leave him in your care, he will come back to me in one piece,” Roche says, raising an eyebrow at Valory, who takes a moment to realize it is she Roche is talking to and not Matthew.

“Oh,” she stammers, blinking with fresh understanding. “Of course.” She straightens, holding her hands in front of her. Her long blonde hair is straight and sleek as it falls over her shoulders, her tanned skin standing out amidst the bright ivory of her garment. I can see the anxiety in her eyes, but she stands tall, determined.

I do not need anyone to mind me. I can take care of my fucking self and Roche knows it.

“Then it is settled. Valory must make her own arrangements, however. It is up to you, Valory, if you wish to let the demon and lost soul accompany you while you do so.” Matthew turns to her, his expression softening.

She smiles slightly, and the momentary burst of confidence seems to diminish in the presence of the man before her. Her eyes dart to the side before she looks up at him demurely, and I can’t help the twitch in my chest.

I have never truly witnessed innocence. The meek, shy, quiet appeal of someone so… pure. And it is plain to see the angel I’ll be spending however long this quest is to last, is all of those things.

And though it should disgust me, irritate me… it only intrigues me. It only makes me want to see how far her innocence, her purity, is rooted and if I could perhaps, sway more than one soul to the dark side.

CHAPTER14

Valory

“Before you head backto your humble abode, I wish to speak with you.” Matthew’s words are whispered, his hand lightly grabbing my arm.

Something about the touch feels strange, but I brush it off. Endor and Mercy are talking, and I watch as he points something out to her, and feel a surge of concern, of worry.

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