Page 139 of Wicked Believer
“Which one?” I ask, batting my lashes innocently.
He gives me a pointed look.
There’s onlyoneamong the seven Originals who’s ever been in charge.
Until now.
Things are going to change.
At least if I have anything to say about it.
“Lucifer will likely be in, well, you know.” I nod toward the floor, expecting Z to understand. I’ve noticed there’s a rhythm to the days and times Lucifer “pops downstairs,” as he calls it. It’s like a second work schedule, really.
Some days I’m not certain how he manages it all.
Though now that I’m thinking about it, I haven’t caught him smelling like brimstone in a few weeks.
“And does he know?” Z asks, his eyes narrowing like he already senses I’m up to something.
I shrug. “Not unless you want him to.”
Z smirks wickedly. “Tell Farouq to have the kitchen ready for me.”
I grin victoriously. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that he knows our personal chef by name.
Chapter Forty-Five
Charlotte
When I return to our table a few minutes later, I’m panicked to see Jax gathering her purse, prepared to leave.
No.
“Jax!” I call out as she starts to walk away.
She rounds on me, her expression not only hurt, but like she’s disappointed in me. “I’m done, Charlotte. I’m done trying to be your friend when all the effort’s been one sided ever since you and Lucifer started dating. You never come home anymore. You don’t answer any of my texts. You haven’t even checked in to see how me, or Evie, is doing. We—”
“Would you just listen to me for a moment? Please?” I take hold of her hand, trying to edge her back toward the table.
She looks at me reluctantly, but finally she gives a tight-lipped nod.
We both collapse back into our seats.
“I know I’ve been a shitty friend lately.”
She scoffs. “That’s an understatement. Do you know all the shit the general populous has been going through? The subway keeps shutting down as they move all that rubble in Washington Heights to find moreof the victims, andeveryoneI know has been calling in sick at work. Not to mention, you didn’t tell me that you and Lucifer areactuallygetting married now. I had to find out from Ian, who overheard Az talking about some engagement-turned-play-party at the penthouse this weekend while he was at work, which I didn’t even get an invite to.”
I wince. “I know. I know I should have told you, but ...”
But what?
I’ve been just as dishonest as Lucifer’s been.
And that’s when I finally decide to confess everything to her. The truth about the Met Gala. God’s redemption. Being immortal and fated. The anthrax. The PR firm. Olivia. God’s blade. The impending apocalypse. Lucifer opening the first seal. Pestilence. My stupid jump. Azrael.
Everything.
By the time I’m finished, Jax’s mouth is hanging open slightly, and most of the color has drained from her face, the usual brown of her skin turning a pasty shade of tan.
