Page 213 of Crimson Promises
There was no valid reason for me to find solace in his company or to be affected by his proximity, yet it defied explanation.
The Prince of Hell was my enemy, but he was also something else.
“I can sense how badly you need me. I bet you are soaked between your perfect thighs.” He ran his tongue along my neck as he inhaled deeply. “I believe you have some truths to own up to before I take this further.”
Relief and frustration warred within me as he leaned away.
“What are you talking about?” My fingers trembled as I raised them and pushed against his chest. I needed space. I felt disoriented and unsteady on my feet.
“Your confession, in the arena.”
I gawked. I had convinced myself I confessed my feelings to a reflection of Lucifer. “You were there?”
Lucifer rubbed the side of his jaw, his scruff chaffed against his hand. “Not exactly. It was as if my body was here, but my mind was astral planning to where you were. It was an experience I would rather not relive. And without my consent. It was powerful magic. Chamuel must have worked alongside another archangel to cast summoning spells should the relic require other angelic presences as part of the trial’s magic. Though, hearing what you had to say made it all the more worth it,” he added smugly.
“Anything I said was under the influence and not said with any rational thought or mind.”
“Under the influence of a Truth Serum. I don’t think I need to reiterate what that does.”
I scoffed. I wasn’t going to dignify that with an answer.
His eyes danced. “To answer your question, Aurora.”
“I never asked a question. And now isn’t the time to discuss this.”
“I’d have to disagree.”
“Of course, you would,” I muttered. "Everything with you has to be combative."
"I'd disagree with that."
I rolled my eyes at him.
Lucifer continued, “There is more to me than meets the eye. You’ll find out soon enough.”
I arched an eyebrow.
He pulled back, his gaze searching mine. “Soon enough, I will ravish you, Aurora. You'll be ruined for any other. If Bennett thinks he can touch you like that, he’ll die.”
“I am not an object Lucifer. Neither you nor Bennett canhaveme. If I want to be with either of you, it’s my choice.” I crossed my arms. Every time I thought I saw something more, he would ruin it by acting like an imbecile.
“You would choose a man who betrayed and lied to you.”
I shrugged my shoulders. "And what is my other option, the one who kidnapped me?"
“You will never be his. You will never belong to him.”
“I belong to no one.” My heart wouldn’t allow that kind of pain again.
His eyes blazed. “We both know that’s a lie.” His tongue darted out and he licked his bottom lip. Chills ran across my skin. “But for now, I will continue to allow yourself that delusion.” He took a step back, giving me space to breathe.
“Finally, you see reason.”
“It is not I who continues to lie to myself. Who ignores your impulses. Who would rather be meek to fit in than show the fire you have burning within. Always live a life doing things you are told to do, never things you want to do.” He gestures between the two of us, his finger poking my sternum. “We are far from over. Or did you forget you are to be my queen.”
“Never. Going. To. Happen.” I snorted and poked him right in the square of his chest. “We are?—”
Amid our heated exchange, the room shivered. Abruptly, Ben materialized in the corner of the room, as if plucked from the air. He fell onto his ass only a few paces from Lucifer and me.
