Page 28 of The River of Hatred

Sariel’s chuckles mix with Jessica’s muffled moans.

Chapter 15 – Jessica

The Malebolge:The Trench of Grafters

“Is it me, or is it getting hotter again?” I wish I could pull my armor away from my skin, get some air in there.

“We are entering the bolgia of the grafters,” Ithuriel says as if that alone was an explanation.

I roll my eyes. “I haven’t read Dante since high school, have mercy on me.”

Sariel snickers. “Corrupt politicians, baby.” I flush at the nickname. “The trench is filled with boiling pitch.”

I boggle at him. “We’re not swimming through boiling tar as well, are we, Sariel?”

He flicks the tip of my nose and I stick out my tongue.

“No, Jessica,” he says, mimicking my serious tone. “There’s a path through the cliffs and bridges.”

“Then how are they keeping the sinners, you know, tortured?”

“You will meet some of Hell’s most nefarious demons,” Ithuriel chimes in. “The Malebranche.”

I shudder at the ominous-sounding name. “What are they like?” I ask.

“Sick and twisted,” the angel replies without hesitation, making Sariel snort.

“Most demons are sick and twisted in their own ways, blondie.” I’m not quite sure which of us the Fallen is referring to. “These just happen to take the cake,” he finishes.

“They are grotesque,” Itha supplies. “Their wings are gnarly and hooked, their hands are armed with large, serrated claws.”

“And they just love torturing the sinners they’re babysitting,” Sar adds.

“Great,” I mutter. “I can’t wait to meet them.”

Sariel steps closer. While I note the shrinking distance between us with a raised eyebrow, he winks at me and places his hand on the back of my neck, under my high ponytail.

“What are you doing, Sar-Sar?” I murmur. I know Itha can probably hear me, though.

Sariel’s reply is a silky whisper. “I missed feeling your skin under my fingertips, poppet.”

Goosebumps race down my spine, both from his words and the touch; so gentle yet so domineering, predatory. My heart rate picks up as I remember how his touch felt between my legs, the skillful way he made me come. I think about the insane amount of experience he must have, all the males and females he pleasured, and jealousy twists my stomach.

Oh, no, Jess. Don’t go down that path. He’s not yours and he’s one point five thousand years old. It’s not like he could have been a virgin…

I look at Ithuriel, the angel casting furtive glances back at us as he walks ahead. Okay, so hecouldhave been a virgin. But do I really want him to be? Not that I think Itha is any less sexy for being inexperienced. Quite the opposite. The things I could teach him.Wecould teach him.

Oh God, stop it, Jessica.

Sariel’s strong fingers squeeze the nape of my neck. “Penny for your thoughts?”

I roll my eyes up at him. They’re both such tall bastards. “I thought we determined you don’t have a penny on you, hot stuff.”

“What else can I trade to get inside you?” He smirks at my scoff. “I mean, get inside your head,” he clarifies and I burst into laughter.

“You’re a big baby,” I tease him.

His lips twist into a wry smile. “If I say I’m a baby, can I nurse at your bosom?”

---