by Claire Marta
Guiltless gold eyes dart up to meet mine. When her bow shaped mouth tilts up in a flirty smile, I down some more of the ice-cold beer to douse my raging desire.
“Hey rainbow, why are you hanging out with an arsehole like that?”
Twisting, I find the owner of the slurred husky voice. He isn’t far.
The guy is taller than me by a couple of inches. Naked, tattooed, and muscular, he’s dripping water all over the floor. From the look of the ash piles around him, he also dispatched a handful of vamps.
My gaze slides to the tank wall behind him. The oriental chick who’d been playing with the octopus when I’d arrived is just climbing out, and the beast itself is missing.
A fucking shape-shifter that’s all I need.
“You know this guy?” I ask Tink suspiciously as she reaches my side.
She throws me a look as if I’m crazy. “What? No! I wish he’d put some clothes on though. Does everyone around here have to be naked or half-clothed?” She looks anywhere but his crotch.
A chuckle rises from my chest at her prim indignation. “It’s a strip club, sweetheart, of course they do. What’s the matter his tiny cock offends you?”
“My dick is bigger than yours, fly boy.” Swaying precariously on his feet, the stranger stares at us through a mop of messy long corn-blonde hair. “Come here.” He gestures at her crooking one long finger. “You want a big cock? Come ride mine and compare it to that tooth pick your boyfriend has in his pants. I bet you anything you’ll be leaving here with me tonight instead of him.”
Anger smoulders. Just the thought of him pawing at her has my blood heating. “Touch her and you won’t have to worry about visiting here again because you won’t have the equipment left to satisfy a female, let alone find relief with your hand.” If he wants a pissing contest, I’ll give him one. My threat isn’t empty. I’ve been trained in multiple ways to castrate an enemy.
Blood shot eyes swing back my way, swirling with anger. “Do you know who the fuck I am?” Puffing out his chest, he goes for a show of intimidation, that doesn’t quite work, as he wobbles from side to side.
“Walking sushi if you keep running your mouth.” I’m aware of Tink taking a few steps behind me, her smaller figure vibrating with nervousness.
The drunk laughs. “You’re funny and no match for me, Angel.”
Placing my bottle on the bar top, I roll my head from side to side, loosening my neck muscles. “And you’ve just reached my zero fucks of patience.”
A cocky grin spreads across his mouth. “Let’s dance.”
I’ve been in plenty of fights before. Titianna’s is legendary for them. The throng around us turns our way in anticipation. They’ve scented entertainment. Whoever this freak is, I’ll leave him a bleeding mess tossed out in the snow by the time this is over.
“Fifty on the shifter,” Someone calls out eagerly.
“Twenty-five on Raz.” A feminine voice joins in.
More bets are hollered and money exchanged into the keeping of the bartender.
Readying myself for another battle, I watch the him take one step toward me. “I’m offended some of you’d be so low. You know my reputation, and no giant octopus is going to win one over on me.”
Raising his fists, he takes a swing at me. It’s clumsy and uncoordinated. Before I can even retaliate, his knees give out. Tumbling forward, he face plants the ground with a painful thud, which has me wincing at the sound.
“What did you do?” Tink’s voice is filled with astonishment. Booing rises around us. Grumbles at the fun cut short.
Snatching up my beer, I flash her a grin at her question. It’s a boost to my ego she thinks I can take someone down with the power of thought. “Someone obviously can’t hold his liquor. He’s going to have one hell of a hangover in the morning.”
Dropping to her dainty knees beside him with a sound of distress, the ebony-haired oriental chick strokes his spine caressingly. Leaning over him, she checks he’s still breathing, but it’s easy to see the drunk idiot is out cold.
“Who the fuck is this guy?”
Bright jade green eyes flick to mine briefly as she continues petting him gently. “A new VIP regular who pays well.”
“From the shit I saw you both getting up to, he’d have to. That was just nasty.”
Sauntering toward the bar, Ginger interrupts us. “Lotus is into that kind of kink. She specialises in water play.”
The mistress of Titianna’s is slim and elegant. Sheathed in a tight black dress, a mass of fiery red curly hair frames the demoness’s exquisite countenance. Like a sixties movie starlet, nothing is ever out of place.
The oriental female has to be new because I’ve banged my way through the women who work here. Interest piqued, I examine her wiry, attractive body. She looks like the athletic type. Limber enough to bend into different positions like a pretzel while being fucked.
“You enjoy getting screwed by a fish?”
My question is met with a look of haughtiness from Lotus. “Octopi are cephalopod marine mollusks, not fish, and don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. We have plenty of other shapeshifters we cater to, and some of them also like to fuck in their animal pelts.”
Raising my bottle, I give her a little salute. “I think I’ll pass. Ginger, the place is yours again. If you have any more problems, you come to me, got it?” Drinking deeply, I don’t stop until I’ve drained it.
Pouting, her red eyes do a slow sultry perusal over every inch of me with sexual awareness. “Thank you, Raz. If there’s anything we can do to repay you…”
My answer is a grunt as I discard my empty drink. “Sex or cash. I’ll accept both.”
“You’ll be getting more than that.” She purrs in a promise with a knowing wink that has my lust rousing.
I ignore the funny, hurt, strangled sound Tink makes in her throat. I’m not about to apologize for who I am. Me and Ginger have an understanding. Women like this know nothing comes without something in exchange. It’s the way of the world, and that will never change.
Shoving Tink impatiently toward the exit, I nod. “Good, I’ll be back to collect soon.”
Chapter Ten
Jane
I shiver as the cold breeze seeps through the thin material of my tattered dress. What happened to my coat, I have no idea. The landscape lays draped in darkness. Somewhere to my left, the sound of the waves hitting the frozen beach can be heard. Snow falls soundlessly around us in a white, wondrous flurry.
Raz’s large hand pressed against my spine spreads needed heat from its touch. I curb the desire to sink back into him. “Thanks for getting me out of there.”
Muscles bulging, skin slick with sweat, he’d been like a gladiator or other hero from one of my beloved books.
“You talk non-stop in that little voice, which makes you sound like a mouse on Prozac,” he snaps angrily.
Blinking rapidly to dislodge the snowflakes that have settled on my lashes, I tilt my head up. “Excuse me?”
He meets my gaze with eyes empty of pity or mercy. The same look he had when he’d killed.
“Look, Tink. I’m not a hero, so don’t get the wrong idea. You work for Lucifer, and if he’d found out I’d let you get yourself killed while I was in the same building, he’d take my balls. That’s the only reason I got you out. Now do us both a favor and don’t be so dumb to come somewhere like this again because I won’t be saving you next time. You’re forbidden from leaving the fortress. You sit your pretty spoiled arse down in there, and if you so much as stick your nose outside, I will spank you red.”
Spluttering in indignation, I move free of his touch. “Now hang on a minute, you can’t do that!”
He has no idea what I’m capable of. Just because I didn’t fight doesn’t mean I can’t handle myself. Then again, standing on the side lines, I hadn’t proven myself capable. Raz thinks I’m a feeble female, but isn’t that the image I want to project? The thought niggles my irritation.
Snow decorat
es the length of his long saggy brown hair, giving him a halo of glittering icy diamonds.
“Oh, I can. I’m the Devil’s second in command. My word is law to you. Got that, Tinkerbell?”
Glaring down at me, he gives me a look as if daring me to challenge him.
A frission of excitement zinging through me, I experience a moment of giddiness. I’ve never been spanked before, but strangely, the thought turns me on. Would he do it if I defied him?
My attention dips to Raziel’s firm lips. “You aren’t my employer.”
“No but I’m the next best thing. I have enough shit to deal with without running after you, which is why I state again it’s not going to happen. Stick to what you’re good at. Watching the baby, baking pretty cupcakes, and whatever else fairies do.”
Before I can protest at the stinging retort, his mouth covers mine in a hungry, hot kiss. Stepping into me, Raz’s larger body comes flush against my own. His heat is scolding. Venting his anger on my lips, he nips and bites until I have no choice but to open to him.
I moan and my hands abandon the edges of my ruined dress to slide to his shoulders. He’s rock hard beneath his t-shirt. Muscles solid and bunching as I explore.
Cupping the back of my head, he plunges his tongue deep, discovering every secret my mouth will yield. Thoughts obliterate. Crushed together, only sensations rule. He’s out to punish me, and I have no thought to stop him. It’s seducing and ruthless. As if with some grim purpose he can force me to comply with his demands.
Warmth washes over my limbs.
Raising his head, Raz stares down at me with a smoldering, lustful look that has my knees going weak.
“Do as you’re told, Jane. Look after Juliana like your being paid to do. Hell isn’t kind to creatures like you. If you’re unlucky to be burned by hellfire, it never heals.” Stepping away, his arms desert their hold around me. Light flashes around him so brightly I have to turn away. Blinking dazedly, I find myself standing in a familiar hallway in the Devil’s fortress right outside the door to my bedroom. Turning back, Raziel is nowhere in sight.
Chapter Eleven
Raziel
Fucking three bitches last night back at Titianna’s is a blur. Just a hook up to scratch an itch. Yet it still doesn’t rid me of the image of Tink’s slender limbs and mouth swollen from my kiss. It’s left me with a burning need. One I know I shouldn’t want, but nothing I do can eradicate the hunger to make her mine.
The crack of the whip gives me a small amount of satisfaction. Licking along supple flesh, it marks the area it touches with a pleasing slash of red. I know from experience the welts will hurt for hours, even days. It just depends on how generous I’m feeling.
Rosella whines, tears already streaking her trembling cheeks. Arms bound out either side of her as she hangs naked and vulnerable. What’s left of her sexy dress is in tatters on the stone floor. Her spine bears her punishment. Signs of my displeasure. We’re tucked cozily away in one of the bleak empty cells in the dungeon. Grey walls stained in places with the misery and blood of the occupants who’ve been tortured and died within this place over time.
No one is down here. It’s just the two of us, and I intend to keep it that way.
Bringing my arm back, I give the demoness another quick lash. “We don’t sell other members of the Fortress to shady scum bags unless the Boss orders it. Do you understand?”
Her slender body jerks with the impact. “She asked me to take her there. I just took advantage of an opportunity. You don’t even like her!”
Cock already hard and throbbing in my trousers, the sound of her suffering just makes it harder. “You expect me to believe that?”
“It’s the truth.”
Why would Tink be interested in a bar like that? It’s no place for a la-de-da Fae. From her reaction she had no idea what it was.
“Why?” I ask, suspicion at the Devil’s ex-mistress’s motives feeding the edge of my anger.
“I don’t know.”
Burying my fingers in her auburn hair close to one of her horns, I yank her head back. Mouth quivering, Rosella stares up at me through water-logged eyelashes framing frightened eyes. Dragging the handle of the whip along her trembling cheek, I let the leather, which bit into her delicate skin, rub against her lips. “If I find out your lying to me, a whipping will be the least of your problems. Understand?”
Nodding jerkily, her breathing comes out in harsh pants. “Please, Raz. I’m telling the truth.”
I don’t know if I believe her. Demons are full of deceit. Females more so than the males. They’d cut the throat of a competitor if they thought it would grant them favor with their masters. I’ve seen it numerous times in Lucifer’s throne room.
Discarding the whip, I unchain her.
Dropping to the ground, Rosella rakes a handful of long auburn hair from her face. Her writhing and bucking at each blow had been sublimely beautiful. Made for pleasure, she even makes pain look desirable. Whatever sexual desire you harbor, she knows how to craft it. It’s why the Devil kept her and her sisters around for so long before Mavi appeared on the scene.
Crawling into my personal space, Rosella tips up her pointed little chin. The heat in her eyes conveys what she wants; there’s no need for words. We’ve fucked enough times for me to be able to interrupt her wants. When she wasn’t being banged by the boss, she always came to me for sexual release.
Remaining still, expression passive, I watch as she submissively slinks gracefully to halt at my feet.
Licking her lips, her gaze is glued to the front of my crotch. “Fuck my mouth, Raz. It’s been so long since I’ve tasted you.”
“Now you want sex? You’ve been holding out on me for weeks. Why the sudden change?”
“I miss the way your cum coats my tongue. It’s been so lonely in my bed.” Her hands find the front of my jeans. I don’t resist as she unbuckles my belt, lowers the zipper, and frees my semi-hard erection. “Lucifer may not want me anymore, but I know you still do.”
Fingers tangling in her silky hair, I position her mouth at the tip. Her warm breath dancing over the crown makes me shudder. She’s a pro at giving head. It’s one thing she’s been taught well to do.
Rosella falls on my cock greedily. Engulfing my length into the wet, heat of her mouth, she hollows out her cheeks as she sucks and gags. It doesn’t feel right. The feeling hits me hard. These aren’t the lips I want wrapped around my dick. This isn’t the female plaguing my dreams just as the whores I fucked last night aren’t the woman I’ve become obsessed with.
“Enough.”
Releasing me with a little pop, she stares up at me in confusion. “What?”
“I said enough. I’m not interested.”
“But…”
Grasping her tresses tightly, I toss her easily away across the windowless room. “Your already on thin ice, Rosella. If you screw up again, Mavi will have no problem taking your head.”
She hits the discolored wall of the cell with a thud crumbling to the stone floor.
“So, it’s true then.” Her hiss is aggressive and dripping with venom. “It’s bad enough that our Master neglects me for that half-breed slut, but you forsake me, too.”
“Watch your tongue,” I warn her. “Mavi will be Queen, and you will treat her as such.”
“She’ll never be my Queen.” Sitting up on her knees, she gives me a scornful look. “I’d rather die than bend the knee in servitude to that bitch. He’s only keeping her around because she’s the only female to bare him a child and live. His pet breeder.”
“That can be arranged,” I tell her in a soft ominous promise, taking a step toward her the whip still in my hand. “Now, get the fuck up and go to your room before I follow through and slit your throat. If I hear you speak like that again, bowing to Mavi will be the least of your worries.”
Rosella’s confidence wavers. Finding her feet, she scurries from the room in fear of her life. She knows I’d do it to. There’s nothing I won’t do to
ensure Lucifer remains in power.
If she continues to be a problem, then I’m going to have to deal with her. A grin curves up my lips. Or Mavi will have that pleasure. I haven’t gotten her a wedding gift, yet, and when the boss proposes, I’ll need something special.
With a thought, I materialize up on the floor above. Early morning light is flooding in through the long, wide, panoramic glass window which looks out onto the miserable white ice-covered world beyond. Its fleeting warmth glides over my skin as I observe the owners of the room.
“You packed yet?”
Clothes strewn around her on the floor and enormous mattress of the elegant bedroom, the beautiful, deadly assassin shakes her head. “No. I’ve never taken a vacation before, and I don’t know what I’m supposed to take.”
“You won’t need your weapons where we’re going, my love,” Lucifer assures Mavi where he stands, regarding her with a look of amusement. Their relationship in the unholy court is the opposite in private. Here they can display their warmth and affection. The unfeeling, fierce facade they project to keep Hell’s minions in their place lowered.
Reaching down to the pearl handled gun laying on the bed, she caresses it lovingly. “It feels weird leaving them behind. I’m never without them.”
“Trust me. All that’s waiting for us is a stretch of white sandy beach, with an azure ocean, and the heat of a hot sun beating down on our naked bodies.”