“Maybe I’d be able to find peace if you’d quit your sanctimonious rambling.”
Another gorgeous, ethereal man steps around an adjacent tomb, looking equally out of place in his suit the color of a cloudless midnight sky and his sun-touched hair meticulously styled.
“You’re late,” the blond one deadpanned.
“You’re one to talk. I served you Uriel on a silver platter. All you had to do was kill him on my signal, but you surely took your time. I had to stall while our beast of a brother nearly leveled the entire city.”
A dismissive wave of a hand. “I got the job done, didn’t I? Besides, don’t pretend like you didn’t enjoy it.”
“What kind of sick, twisted masochist do you take me for?”
The blond shrugged. “Um, the worst kind.”
The shockingly handsome stranger returned the sentiment. “Fair enough.”
“Your performance was quite impressive, by the way. Your death was equal parts gruesome and disturbing. Bravo. I especially enjoyed your little heartfelt routine with the Nephilim girl.”
“We are not talking about her, Michael.” A dark storm began to brew within the man’s violet eyes.
“Oh, come on, Lucie. Don’t be terse. I never realized you were such a talented actor. Even I was convinced for a moment.”
“It wasn’t an act. And as I said, we are not talking about Eden.”
With that, he turned to walk away, headed for the cemetery’s exit. Michael was right on his heels.
“Then what was that? Don’t tell me… Don’t tell me you were being honest. You…love her?”
The one Michael referred to as Lucie pursed his lips. Not a confirmation, yet not a denial either. But Michael knew his brother’s tells. For more than millennia, he hadn’t been enamored by much more than amassing as much power as inhumanly possible and defying their father. Yet, this half-breed girl had managed to drive him to distraction. She was his brother’s weakness. And up to this point, the Devil considered himself invulnerable.
Which was why he had to let her go.
Michael knew all of that, of course. That was also his job.
“So just like that. Just like that, you’re willing to walk away. Your empire, your zealots, this girl. You are Lucifer, the ruler of all evil and king of the underworld. You truly think you can leave it all behind?”
“For now. Besides, the world is changing. It’s time that we change with it.”
“What do you have in mind?”
The corner of Lucifer’s full, almost feminine mouth curled, casting a smirk that was equally sinister and seductive. His beauty was a gift and curse, which was useful considering what he had in store. He would need to utilize all his gifts, especially the visceral ones.
“This is a new dawn for humanity. Maybe it’s time we give them a new religion.”
A couple years ago, I sat in a diner with a friend, and over a boozy brunch, I told her about an idea I had for a book. There were demons, angels, sleeper cells for the devil, and girls who kicked ass and didn’t apologize. She didn’t tell me I was crazy or that I was going straight to hell. I took that as a good sign, and created the world of the Se7en.
I never thought I’d write paranormal romance again. I had grown weary and discouraged with this industry and I honestly just wanted to write something I could fall in love with. And since I’d always had an odd fascination with biblical themes, the decision to embark on this journey just made sense. And, Thank God, it kept making sense.
There are quite a few people that have been an integral part of this series, and I am forever grateful for their support, love, and encouragement. They have truly helped me through the toughest times of my life, and I cherish their professionalism and friendship.
Kristina Lowe, my brunch bestie, my cover model, my glam squad, and my vision for Eden. I love you.
Mo Sytsma, the best damn PA/editor/handler/cheerleader in the world.
Hang Le, one of the most talented cover designers in the business.
Stacey Blake, the sweetest, most patient, most amazing formatter I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.
Kara Hildebrand, the nicest, most supportive proofreader I could ask for.
Emily Smith-Kidman and the Social Butterfly team, such sweet, supportive professionals who have been a Godsend.
My reader group, Jonesin’ for S.L. Jennings, the most incredible group of readers anyone could ask for. Love you all!
The Unicorn Squad, I couldn’t have done it without you. You all are the tits.
The readers, the bloggers, and the authors who have supported and encouraged me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My family and friends, your love, patience and understanding are what got me through. We did it. I love you.
And if you made it to the end of this, thank you. This book is for you.
Most known for her starring role in a popular sitcom as a child, S.L. Jennings went on to earn her law degree from Harvard at the young age of 16. While studying for the bar exam and recording her debut hit album, she also won the Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking invention of calorie-free wine. When she isn’t conquering the seas in her yacht or flying her Gulfstream, she likes to spin elaborate webs of lies and has even documented a few of these said falsehoods.
Some of S.L.’s devious lies:
Ink & Lies
SE7EN SINNERS
Born Sinner
End of Eden
Wicked Ruin
FEARLESS SERIES
Fear of Falling
Afraid to Fly
SEXUAL EDUCATION SERIES
Taint
Tryst
THE DARK LIGHT SERIES
Dark Light
The Dark Prince
Nikolai (a Dark Light novella)
Light Shadows
Fallen Reign (Se7en Sinners Book 4) Page 25