Page 69 of Wicked Savior
The upper class of the Underworld is decked out in its finest tonight. Dresses of silks and satins, iridescent scales, demon skins in a variety of color, glitter, and paint everywhere. Old jewels laden with enormous stones are draped over every inch of their bodies, some barely covering the necessary parts. Lords and ladies with color coordinated ensembles compete against each other with a ferocity usually reserved for battles.
The ballroom is lit with millions of red and black candles to lend ambiance to the event and showcase the vignette designed by each House of Sin. Lust is a lush red boudoir, complete with a bevy of beauties from Cormal’s brothels. Envy is dark green and filled with the rarest luxuries of life like Unicorn tears. Fluffy beds with downy white comforters and soft pillows fill the sloth area where patrons can lie down and be waited on hand and foot. Wrath is a boxing ring only the most fit dare to enter. Gluttony is the finest of restaurants where everything is on the menu. Greed is a gambling hall only open to the wealthiest patrons. Last, but certainly first, is Pride, where showcase is the name of the game. Lords and ladies use their most powerful talents to compete with each other until one is crowned the best.
Where is she?
Speculative side glances at the chair beside me tells me where my guests’ interest lies, as if there were any doubt. I’d hoped to arrive with her on my arm, but her note begged me to go without her. Unable to sit still any longer, I stand.
A familiar red catches my eye, and I swing all my attention to the center of the dance floor. The music starts, and the crowd immediately moves away from the couple, a tinge of fear on their faces. Evren’s companion twirls her into a polished waltz, and she laughs. Astonished, I narrow my eyes, wondering who I’m going to have to kill tonight. Everybody knows she’s mine.
I step off the dais and walk intently toward them. The crowd scrambles to get out of my way. But when I get to the edge, a big green brute of demon refuses to move. His eyes are locked on the couple in the center, and when I try to push past, he raises his arm. A guttural growl comes from deep inside me.
Brows lowered, he turns and shoves me. The crowd collectively inhales, riveted to the scene happening right in front of them. The demon’s small beady eyes widen in his large face when he sees me, and he drops to his knees.
“Your benevolent Majesty.”
Intent on getting to Evren, I rein in the urge to flatten him. “You want to fight?” I ask him, flashing my pissed off smile. “I’m sure the Duke of Furor would love to see you in the Ring of Wrath.”
His eyes dart nervously to the ring where the Duke lounges against the ropes. “I’m not much of boxer, Your Majesty.”
“You are tonight. Go,” I order him. When he’s gone, I look around at the crowd gathered and raise an eyebrow. They quickly find other things to interest them.
With a clear view of Evren, I inhale sharply at the sight of her. The magnificent blood red dress she’s wearing enhances every curve of her bewitching body.
Tearing my eyes from her to focus on her asshole dancing partner, I meet the laughing dark eyes of my most loyal commander and friend. “Vargas?”
He bows. “Sort of. Myself and… more.”
On our private channel, he tells me he found a Chameleon and shows me the true Fae version of himself. “So you won’t kill me if I forget to change into this one.”
I pull him into a tight hug and slap his back hard. “Have you been to see Arden?”
He nods. “I went first thing this morning, but we decided not to tell Solandis. I’ll explain more later.” His eyes dart to the crowd listening nearby. “Would you like to cut in?” He slides Evren’s hand from his arm to mine. “I’ve made my point.”
Acceptance and protection. The same thing I did for Arden when she came to the Underworld. I incline my head in gratitude.
He stalks off toward the Ring of Wrath, an irritated look on his face.
“Is he okay?” Evren asks softly.
Staring into her green eyes, I find myself. “He’s going to make sure the demon I sent over there receives a good beating or two.” My fingers caress her bare neck, and seconds later, a ruby and gold necklace graces her throat. “A goddess with or without it, but it goes perfectly with your dress.”
She reaches up and places a hand on the elaborate necklace. “Between the dress and necklace, I’m feeling lavishly spoiled. Thank you.” Her lips meet mine, and the entire ballroom goes silent.
When she’s done kissing me, she leans into me and whispers, “Faux pas?”
“Staking a claim on me in the middle of my ballroom?” I tease her, wrapping my arms around and pulling her close. “Completely acceptable. Dance with me.”
She locks her eyes with mine, and the world narrows to the two of us. Head held high, her body moves sensuously to the music. The goddess in her is on full display.
“Magnificent,” I murmur, enthralled by this side of her. I get the feeling she rarely allows herself to be a goddess, preferring to hide behind the science.
When the dance ends, her chest is heaving, and I glance down at the creamy globes propped up by her dress. Temptation.
She laughs up at me. “What are you thinking?”
“That there are too many fucking people in my house tonight,” I growl, reining in the urge to throw them all out. “I need to make an appearance at each of the showcases to give them a token. Care to join me?”
She takes the elbow I offer. “So, who decided there would be seven sins?”
