Page 27 of Wicked Believer
“You really think pushing him on this is a good idea?” She quirks a brow at me.
But the question doesn’t faze me.
I know she values my opinion. She always has.
It’s one of the many things I admire about Imani. Even when I was nothing more than a fresh-faced intern with no idea what was in store for me, she still considered me and my opinions, treated me like I was a valuable member of the team.
Though we both knew I didn’t deserve to be there.
It’s the most grace anyone has ever given me.
I look down, dropping my hands to my sides as I realize I’ve been wringing them together repeatedly. The whole thing feels a little pathetic in the face of an impending apocalypse. Futile, if Lucifer doesn’t put a stop to everything his family’s doing. But I can’t help but think this is the one thing I know how to do, the one thing I know I can control.
“I’ve had to prove myself to him before. What’s one time more?”
Imani’s face softens. “I think you’ve forgotten how that first time went.”
No doubt she means my very first executive meeting, the one where, following my presentation, Lucifer embarrassed me like never before. But in retrospect, it washimwho was truly embarrassed.
By his own private admissions, since he wanted me even then.
I blush slightly at the memory.
“Hindsight is twenty-twenty.” I shrug. “My idea worked out in the end.”
“But at what cost?” Imani lifts another brow.
She means the leaked press release. The one that sealed my fate.
The one that eventually led to my lost humanity.
“Worse things have happened to me than having to fake date Lucifer.” I offer a small smile, but it fades quickly.
How I feel about him has never been anything close to fake.
Would he say the same?
I glance down at my hands, suddenly ashamed of the doubt that fills me.
“You say that now that you’re sitting on the throne he’s given you.” Imani shakes her head, but then she takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “He’s trying to protect you, you know. With this branding thing. In his own twisted way.”
His “own way,” meaning Lucifer calling the shots on my future career.
Without consulting me.
Another choice that should have been mine to make.
Fate be damned.
I shouldn’t be surprised, I guess. Our Dom-sub dynamic is now a twenty-four seven thing, bleeding into all parts of our lives, our careers included. But I took for granted the idea that he would have consulted me on something as significant to my future as this.
Communication in our lifestyle is key.
I bite down on the inside of my cheek, struggling to fend off tears.
At least he’s giving me the chance to say my piece. Convince him my ideas are worth the investment. Itishis money, after all. Even if I’ve more than earned every penny he’s given me.
“Just bring those investor proposals we talked about on Thursday,” I say to Imani, giving her a tight smile. “Please?”
