Page 34 of Her Deadly Angels (The Seven Sinners of Hell's Kingdom 2)

I clench my jaw, forcing my face to stay in check instead of frowning. I can sense the dozens of gazes penetrating me as both demons and Hell-bound souls alike try to eavesdrop on our business. No one must look at me fully, watching the devils instead, because I spot Gia keeping watch over the crowded bar like she’s antsy to make more heads roll.

Stroking my cheek with his tail, Kase grabs my attention away from the room. “Try not to test Dante too much. I like this bar and would prefer not to see it crumble into the fiery pits of Hell because he couldn’t control his envy in regards to you asking for someone to teach you something we’re plenty capable of handling.”

I stand in silence, letting his words hang in the air. I can’t believe the bastard called me out. They both damn well know that they don’t want to share their demonic affairs with me. This is the first real outing I’ve been on that wasn’t chasing angels. I had no idea that demons like Gia worked for them. They have entire legions that work for them, Hell-bound souls, and who knows what else.

Kase leans over and kisses me, cutting off my argument. Dante grabs his tail and makes him jump and back away like he thinks if Kase starts something, neither of us will stop. It wouldn’t be the first time Kase did as much with Dante in the middle.

“If Elias gets hurt, I’m restraining you to Dante’s bed and screwing him in front of you, Kase,” I say, sucking in my bottom lip to stop from reacting. “I mean it. I know he’s your least favorite, but take it easy on him.”

“Good luck following through, angel-girl,” he quips, giving Elias a nudge forward. He peers at Dante from over his shoulder. “Take our soul to the new place. I’ll meet you two there later.”

Dante doesn’t give me a chance to say anything and blocks my view of Kase and Elias leaving. Like the demons around us finally give up on their nosiness, voices pick up again, blending with the pulsing music. It grows louder in volume, proving I was right. Fucking demons.

Dante sits down and pulls me onto his lap, hooking his arms around my stomach. “You have no idea how frustrated I am with you. I want so badly to bend you over my knee and spank you until you lose feeling in your ass.”

I shiver at his words. “The humiliation of getting spanked in front of your minions might be worth it if it helps you get under control enough to have a conversation that won’t make you spit acid on anyone who looks at me.”

Dante groans deep in his chest at the thought, his body awakening beneath mine. “Don’t tease me like that.”

A figure moves in the edge of my vision as Gia struts up to the booth. “My king, can I—”

“Get the fuck back to work,” Dante snaps, slapping his hands on the table. “I know what you’re doing, and it won’t work. I think you’ve forgotten your place. This soul is mine.”

I scrunch my nose. “Dante.”

Dante covers my mouth with his hand. “Do not argue, Raven. Gia is a demon of deception and manipulation. She is excellent at her job for a reason. Just because she doesn’t try to get to you the way others have tried doesn’t mean she doesn’t plan to. I swore to protect you, and that’s what I’m doing.”

“Are you sure it’s not about controlling me, Dante? Because that’s what this feels like.” I swivel to look at him. “You got pissed off because I was giving her my time.”

His eyes flash green, and he drops his gaze away from mine. “It’s more than that. It’s not about controlling you. It’s about controlling them. Yes, I’m jealous that you chose to give her time doing things you didn’t seem interested in before, but if Gia thinks she can take something, she will. Whether it’s your time or attention, she is a demon of my domain and will always want what others have.”

“But she can’t have me,” I say, touching his chin to get him to look up. “I belong to you.”

His hard features light with the fire of lust. Dante might be a tough-ass. He might push boundaries and do psychotic things. But even through the fire and envy, there is a part of him that needs the reassurance only I can give. I don’t know if it’s our bonding of souls or what, but with him being my soul keeper, it’s like my humanity prods at him. Instead of pointing it out or making him resent it, I tend to it. I work with it and use it to grow our relationship beyond me being a possession. I want more, and it’s obvious so does he.

“Damn straight,” he confirms, combing his hand into my hair.

I bend my neck slightly, exposing my throat to him. “Why don’t you show them? Give me a mark that they can always see.”

“My perfect soul,” he murmurs, kissing my neck. “You’re the one with the power over me, you know? It’s you who controls me.”

I exhale a small breath, my body tingling with anticipation as he teases me with his fangs, preparing to bite me. I shift on his lap and squirm, wishing we weren’t in this booth in the middle of a crowded club. I can’t stop my curiosity from getting the best of me, and I glance toward the bartender serving drinks. I catch sight of Gia glaring at me, her once friendly demeanor now gone with the blazing fire dancing in her dark eyes.

“Relax,” Dante murmurs, tugging me by the hair more, positioning me how he wants to bite. “It’ll be a little pinch. I’m not going to bite you with venom either.”

“You’re not?” I ask, almost whiny. The reminder of how he can get me high blooming front and center in my mind. It’s strangely exciting.

“I want you clear headed for me.” He kisses my neck again. “All I’ll do is drink. Taste you as I crave. Feel you as I’ve always wanted.”

I moan at the pressure of his bite as his fangs sink into my throat. I expect him to pull away, but he doesn’t. He loosens his mouth enough to retract his fangs and molds his lips over his bite mark, sucking hard enough to drink my blood. The act sends pleasure shooting right between my legs.

“And I thought you were worthy of the kings of Hell, but here you are acting as prey in the snake’s grip.” Gia appears at the booth with her hands on her hips. “I knew I should’ve grabbed you when I had the chance, but I’m willing to fight.”

Gia unsheathes a dagger before Dante has a chance to react. She slashes it at me, but Dante’s arm gets in the way and she cuts him. My body kicks into action, and I kick my leg, knocking her blade away. Lifting me up with him, Dante gets to his feet, towering over Gia. She freezes and raises her hands in surrender, and the awe I had for her vanishes.

Something dark and deadly comes over me. The world hazes red and it’s as if my soul separates from my body. I watch myself launch from Dante’s arms at Gia, landing on top of her. Instead of dragging me away, Dante strolls to Gia’s head and grabs a long sword from somewhere hidden on his devil form breaking free.

“Do not underestimate me, demon,” I say, my voice seemingly snapping my soul back to my body. “Dante is my king. Mine. I should cut you to pieces.”

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