Page 146 of Wicked Believer
“I’ve known your Lightbringer since longer than you are capable of perceiving time, little siren, and neveroncehas he pleaded for me to not reap a soul the way he pleaded for you.”
“I wouldn’t exactly saypleaded.” Lucifer loosens his tie like he’s suddenly uncomfortable with this level of vulnerability.
“Would you preferbeggedthen?” Azrael shoots him an agitated look.
Lucifer’s eyes narrow, his lip curling slightly, but if how he allowed Azrael to manhandle him is any indication, Azrael doesn’t have anything to fear from him.
Especially not in his current state.
“And Michael? The apocalypse?” I ask, steering the conversation back on track.
Lucifer is the one to answer. “I intended to play both sides. Convince some of my angelic siblings to come to the aid of humanity. We’re severely outnumbered, you see, and with Michael having the blade.” He shakes his head. “I knew opening the first seal would require a sacrifice, a trial, but I ... underestimated what my Father’s punishment might ask of me. We’re playing the long game. I fully intend to get my power back, but I needed everyone, you included, to believe I was the villain they expected, so I could—”
“Undermine him,” I finish. Which means he didn’t tell me for my own protection. For my own good. Because Michael, or anyone else for that matter, could have used me as a tool against him until I was properly trained and able to better defend myself. “You planned to save the whole of humanity, go against everything you’ve ever stood for, for me?”
“Of course, Charlotte.” He cups my cheek. “Flawed as your kind may be, they gave me you.” He lays a gentle kiss on my hand, cradling it against his cheek. “And I’ve never loved anything more.”
I throw myself into his arms, only to realize my mistake when he lets out a sharp hiss. “My ribs are still a bit tender, darling,” he groans.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, easing back. “I’m sorry I ever doubted you.”
My eyes fall to his bare stomach, his stitches. No wonder he’s been keeping most of his clothes on every time we play.
“I didn’t want to worry you,” he says.
Like he’s been thinking of me. Considering me every step of the way.
Like I’m his equal.
Like he’s finally ready to share all the parts of his life with me.
My resolve softens.
It’s time to come clean.
“I could’ve died the other day.”
“Youwhat?” Lucifer’s rapid blinking is the only sign I’ve shocked him.
I turn away from him, standing and walking toward the other side of the room. “I could’ve died, and you didn’t know it.”
Lucifer sputters. Legitimately sputters.
Before his eyes narrow. “Who do I have to—”
“The night after you used my employment contract against me, to put me on lockdown,” I say, cutting him off before he launches headfirst into a full-blown murderous rampage. “I ... stepped off the top of the building.”
His furious snarl is his only response.
I have a feeling I’ll be getting punished for that for the rest of my immortal days. “If it weren’t for Azrael, I ...”—I look toward him—“I would’ve hit the ground.”
Lucifer casts a sideways glimpse at Azrael like he mightactuallymurder him for not disclosing that all-important detail.
“I was trying to see if you or your Father, I’m not really sure which of you honestly, would catch me. I’m guessing I would have survived it, considering I’m immortal now, but I don’t think that—”
“Matters?” he finishes for me. “Of course it matters. You matter. You have always mattered to me.”
I shake my head. I don’t know exactly why I feel more confident confronting him about everything that’s been keeping us apart with Azrael standing right here, but it’s like his presence acts as a shield for me.
