Page 19 of Mortal Desires

“I’m not concerned about that so you shouldn’t be either.”

“What will you do with her soul?” I asked even as my voice quivered.

Vicious shrugged, not interested in replying to me. His eyes focused on the Brumas by the door before he rudely said, “Bring her.”

I shook my head. “She has nothing to do with this.”

“What is this, little witch?” he asked. “What do you think this is?”

“For whatever reason, you hate me.”

“Hate you? I think I just proposed.”

“Vicious…” I let his name soil my tongue.

“Tell me.” He chuckled. “Curse me. I want to hear it all from that little mouth of yours.”

And I did want to curse him. My hands closed into fists, my brain working fast on a spell that could be hurtful to someone who already called himself Vicious?

But before I could work something out, I heard her crying my name. “Pilar!”

I barely turned from him when the impact of her body crushed into me. She was touching me. Her full body was in my arms as we hugged close.

“We are touching,” she cried. “Oh god, Pilar. I can touch you.”

She moved from my arms and brought her hand to my face framing it. I was crying again and so was she, the jasmine scent not bothering me this time.

“Are you ok?” I whispered. “Did anyone hurt you?”

“No.” She shook her head. “Look, I changed my clothes!”

Long gone were the Ugg boots. She was wearing a black dress and heels, her hair pinned up and away from her face, practically a different woman.

“You look great. I miss the boots though.”

“You cow!” She slapped my arms but with a laugh.

I went for a hug again, having her in my arms was the biggest miracle of my life.

“What’s happening?” she asked in my ear.

I refused to look back at Vicious, my answer trapped in my mouth as she kept talking.

“I followed you all the way as you asked me but then you disappeared,” she whispered. “I was so scared.”

Did she follow me?

Dread washed over me. Penny thought I led her here. Not only was she kept from ascending to be used as a bargaining chip, but she was only here now because he made her believe I asked her.

I held her hand in mine, feeling protective of this beautiful spirit. I couldn’t let Vicious punish Penny.

I looked over my shoulder, his monstrous form relaxed on his throne of lies.

“Pilar, why are we here?” Penny asked again.

I turned to face her, keeping my voice level. “We’re here for my wedding.”

“Excuse me?”

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