“Son of a bitch!” He threw up his hands and fell back against the tile wall.
“Out!” I dropped the bottle to shove him away from me. “God! God! God! Get away from me!”
Lucifer grabbed a washcloth and wiped his red and streaming eyes. “Not a problem.” He looked me over. “What was I thinking? Your kind doesn’t belong in hell. He can have you.” With that he vanished. A simple now you see him, now you don’t.
I reached back and found the spigots, managing to turn off the water before I collapsed into the bottom of the tub. I leaned my head on my knees. The bathroom reeked of the expensive lavender gel I’d bought as a treat for myself at the mall. Not a problem that several dollars’ worth decorated the tile wall and had gone down the drain. Not a problem that the Devil himself had touched me intimately and almost . . . I shuddered and knew my legs wouldn’t support me if I tried to stand. My center still quivered and, if I’d dared touch myself, I knew I’d go off. I hated that, hated that I’d responded to that creep. I trembled, disgusted and nauseated.
I pushed my wet hair out of my eyes when I heard the bathroom door open.
“Glory, not finished already, are you, sweetheart?” Jerry pulled aside the shower curtain. “Why didn’t you wait for me?”
I started sobbing and couldn’t stop.
“Glory? What in God’s name is wrong with you?” Jerry tried to pull me into his arms but I shook my head and pointed at the fogged up mirror.
Written in the steam was a smiley face and one letter—“L.” I couldn’t speak.
“Lucifer? By God, are you telling me Lucifer was in here?” Jerry crawled into the tub with me and wrapped his arms around me. “Did he . . . ?”
I shook my head. “He, he came up behind me.” I felt Jerry’s arms tighten around me. “But somehow I, I knew.” I turned to look at him. “He didn’t smell right.” I leaned my face into Jerry’s neck and breathed in his essence. “I’ve been with you so long. He could have made himself look like you, I guess. But your smell.” I kissed the side of his neck, my shaking finally gone. “I stopped him before . . .”
“How?” Jerry brushed my wet hair back from my face. “This is the king of hell we’re talking about. He’s so powerful.”
“Surprised him.” I reached for that bottle of gel that lay next to the drain and capped it, carefully setting it on the rim of the tub. “He thought he had me. Stayed behind me so, so I couldn’t see.” I buried my face in Jerry’s neck. “Take me out of here. Please?”
“What was I thinking?” Jerry stood, grabbed a towel to wrap me in, then carried me to the bed. There he piled blankets on top of me. “Better?”
“A little. Don’t, don’t leave me.” I felt raw, vulnerable. No matter what Lucifer said, he could come back, decide to finish what he’d started. I didn’t say it, tried to be brave about it. But Jerry sat on the side of the bed and kept one hand on mine.
“I won’t.” He pulled out his phone and I heard him tell Penny to come upstairs. Then she was there, staring at me from the doorway. He issued orders like the commander he’d once been, telling her to clear out the rest of the rat paraphernalia and drive his car to San Antonio. That the destination was already programmed into his GPS.
“But what’s wrong with Glory?” Penny hadn’t moved out of the doorway yet. I was aware of her, but didn’t look at her directly. I couldn’t seem to quit doing an instant replay of the shower scene. Why hadn’t I known immediately that it wasn’t Jerry behind me? I’d let it go too far. I should have . . . It was an endless tape of what ifs and if onlys that made me crazy.
“She slipped and fell in the bathtub. She’ll be all right but I don’t want to leave her alone right now. Just go. I’ll take care of her.” Jerry’s voice was calm, but I knew him well enough to sense the rage he was barely holding inside. Apparently the idea that Lucifer had tried to rape me, and that’s what I was calling it, made him as crazy as it was making me.
Moments passed as I counted spots on the ceiling and tried to make my mind blank. Didn’t work of course. By the time I heard the hall door close and Jerry was back beside me, I had tears running down my cheeks again.
“Gloriana, love.” He pulled me into his arms and held me close. His warmth soothed me and I knew I was safe. But for how long?
I opened my mind to him and let him see exactly what had happened. No secrets. He stiffened and bit back a curse, then laid me carefully on the bed.
“I’ll be right back.” He stood and pulled out his cell phone.
“Jerry, what are you going to do?”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to kill anyone.” He took my hand while he used his thumb to page through his numbers, then hit speed dial for someone. “Get over here. Gloriana needs you.” He was silent for a moment. “Her place.” He ended the call.
I sat up. “Jerry, quit blocking your thoughts. I can’t—” “I am only doing what you asked me to do. Putting aside my personal feelings and letting you have your life. I called a friend for you. Someone who can help.” He sat beside me on the bed. His eyes were hot, his fists kept clenching and unclenching like he ached for a broadsword. Yet how could he fight the king of the Underworld? How could we?
I put my hands to my head. That question seemed to roll inside my brain endlessly. How do you fight a being so powerful, so impossibly evil? Just by being good? I could almost hear Lucifer’s mocking laughter in my head at the thought.
The hall door opened and Jerry jumped to his feet. He strode to the living room and low voices kept me from hearing what he said. Then there was a crash.
I jumped up and wrapped one of the blankets around me. I staggered to the doorway and saw Rafe, his fist bleeding as he pulled it from a hole in the Sheetrock next to the hall door. He looked at me with bleak eyes.
“I thought . . .” I took a shaky breath.
“That we’d got into it again?” Rafe glanced at Jerry. “No, we have a common enemy now.” He had a sheen of tears in his eyes as he walked toward me. “Damn me, but I’d have done anything to spare you this.”
“I know, Rafe. Please don’t blame yourself.” I fell into his arms but kept my eyes on Jerry, sending him a message, thanking him. “Shit happens. Am I right?”
“Not this kind of shit.” He said it into my wet hair and I felt a shudder go through him. “I will carry this guilt with me for the rest of my life.”
I saw Jerry nod, as if this was right and proper. I couldn’t get into that. Who understood the workings of hell or demons? But I knew now why Jerry had called a man he would rather I never touched again. I eased out of Rafe’s arms.
“Give me some credit here. I actually stopped that creep from crossing the finish line and I bet all of hell has a nice lavender scent now. If they weren’t afraid of getting sent down to test the latest torture device, the demons would probably be laughing it up at Luc’s expense.”
“Not much laughter down there, Glory. And you can’t fool me.” Rafe didn’t crack a smile. “You’re reeling. He invaded your privacy. Not crossing the finish line is a technicality. Blade and I figure the asshole’s gone way too far. Way too far. This is war, baby, and we’ll do whatever it takes to see that something like this never happens again.”
“Now, Rafe, don’t make me worry about you. Calm down. Let me get dressed. I need to call Simon and get moving on our plan. I’ve been stalling. Maybe we need more information.” I managed a smile for both of them, though I was sure it was a poor effort. “Rafe, you must know something about Lucifer and the workings of that world. As Jerry would say, we need to know the enemy to defeat it.”
“Exactly.” Jerry stared at the hole in the Sheetrock. “Need to get someone to repair the wall. Gloriana’s supposed to have company tomorrow night, Penny’s parents.” He glanced at me. “Unless you plan to cancel.”
“No, got to do that.” I sighed. “Business as usual. I can’t let Lucifer think he got to me. And—” I looked down at the hardwood floor. “If you’re listening, asshole, you�
��re pathetic, needing to sneak up on women who don’t want you.” I shook my head, tears coming and not wanting the guys to see them. “Forget it. Taunting him is probably stupid. Am I right, Rafe?”
“Afraid so, Glo.” He glanced at Jerry. “Go, blow your hair dry. Do something to make yourself look pretty. We can wait.”
“Yeah, I’ll do that.” I smiled at Jerry, meaning it this time. “Good call, Jer. I like seeing you two work together.” I gestured toward a black-and-white photo of Ray that hung in my shrine to him near my CD player. I’d set it up long before I’d met him, a total fangirl. Since it bugged Jerry and Rafe, it had stayed. “Move that over and cover up the hole while I’m getting dressed. It’ll do for now.” I staggered off to my room.
Once there I shut the door, then collapsed on the foot of the bed and just stared at my reflection. Yep, still had it. I was tempted to throw something at it and shatter the mirror. Anything that reminded me of hell right now left a bitter taste in my mouth. But Glory St. Clair is a survivor. And if I moped around, cried bitter tears or railed against fate, it would only please Lucifer and make him think he’d won points in some kind of sick game.
So I got up and attacked my drying hair. When I was made up and dressed in jeans and a loose black tee, I walked back out to join the men. They jumped up, both of them with the light of battle in their eyes.
“Any conclusions?” I walked over and got another bottle of synthetic out of the fridge. I needed something to get me pumped up. Sure I was a survivor, but that didn’t mean I still wasn’t an inch away from crawling back into bed, pulling the covers over my head and staying there, permanently.
“Like you say, we need more information. I want to know about Lucifer’s powers. How hell is set up.” Jerry patted the seat next to him on the couch.
“The demons told you it’s like intramural sports down there. With each of the gods and goddesses of the Underworld having their own turf. That Lucifer has his section and there’s this competition going?” Rafe had pulled out a beer and took a swig. “They made it sound like it’s all in fun, everything even Steven. But, trust me, Lucifer is actually the big boss. The head of the whole shooting match. His power is off the charts.”
“Surely he has a vulnerability.” Jerry’s arm tightened around me.
Rafe shook his head. “Don’t know of one. And of course cheating’s expected, even applauded.”
“I bet rules mean nothing in hell.” I wondered how on earth you fought against an enemy like that. Especially one who thought anyone with honor was weak and stupid.
“They mean nothing in hell, but, when the demons are here on earth, they do have a few rules they have to abide by. The man upstairs takes exception to some of their dirty tricks. They aren’t allowed to bug a good person indefinitely and I have a feeling they’re about to wear out their welcome with you, Glory. God’s bound to take notice and put the hammer down.” Rafe met my gaze. “Not sure how much control He has over Lucifer, but what really blows my mind here, Glory, is that Lucifer’s even bothered taking a personal interest in you.” His mouth twisted in a bitter smile. “Sorry, sweet thing, but you’re absolutely a tiny blip on his radar.”
“Sure, I can see that. He’d usually be all about immoral dictators or instigating horrible things like genocide or a famine. Focusing on the big picture.” I snuggled up to Jerry and wished for a blanket. I felt chilled as I thought of all the evil in the world. Jer read my thoughts and grabbed a throw from a basket next the couch and draped it over my lap.
“Seems like time might be on our side then,” Jerry said.
Rafe set his bottle on my magazine. “From what Blade told me, Glory, you pretty well let Lucifer have it tonight. I doubt he’ll bother you again.”
“I can hope. Seems like his male ego wouldn’t stand for him making another try. He did seem pretty disgusted with me.” I held the throw around me. “But maybe his male ego doesn’t let a rejection stand without payback either.”
“Like I said, you’re not that important. Let’s just concentrate on getting this deal with Simon done.” Rafe picked up his beer again. “Call him. See if he’ll agree to meet.”
“In a minute.” I frowned at him. “Got to say, Rafael, you need a twelve-step program for anger management. Forget hitting the wall. The worst was using your demonic powers just because you had a disappointment. Look at the serious fallout it’s caused.” I shook my finger at him. “You really don’t want this to happen again, do you?”
Jerry choked out a laugh. “You’re right, Gloriana. Sign him up. I saw the list you left for me on the coffee table.” He actually gave Rafe a sympathetic look, man to man. “Our girl is big on twelve-step programs. Next thing you know you’ll be going to meetings in church basements.”
“Don’t mock. That kind of program got me through a terrible time.” I still didn’t use a credit card. Had a debit card and that was it. “Now be quiet while I make this call.” I hit speed dial for Simon. Yes, I had his number programmed. Don’t ask.
“Gloriana. How interesting to hear from you. What could you want?” Simon’s deep voice really didn’t go with his usual weasel face.
“To talk. Freddy told me you aren’t allowed to have a female Energy Vampire. And I was all primed.”
“Really?” Simon cleared his throat. “Doubt it. Rumor has it you lost any special abilities when you lost your demon visitor. Bet you didn’t think I knew about that, did you?”
“Nothing you know surprises me, Simon.” I frowned though. Did Simon still have video cameras hidden in my shop somewhere? I hated the way he sneaked around. “But seems like Honoria really enjoys pulling your chain.”
“It’s the price I pay for power.” Simon chuckled. “Nothing for you to worry about.”
“But it’s costing you your son. How does that feel?” I waited as silence stretched. “Freddy’s pretty torn up about it. He moved to Texas to get to know his father, but he just can’t deal with the whole Energy Vampire thing. Bet that was a major disappointment to you.”
“What is this? A therapy session?” Simon’s voice hardened. “I don’t need it.”
“Don’t hang up. I get that you probably can’t talk out there. Not about this. But I may be able to help you shake loose of you-know-who. I have some connections. Because of my recent demonic possession. Meet me in my shop and we can discuss things. If you really want to see Freddy again.” I said this in a rush, pretty sure Simon had been close to ending the connection.
“When?”
I did a gut check. “Tuesday night. Back room of my shop. Nine o’clock. Can you make it?”
“Be alone. I don’t want to deal with your friends.” He ended the call.
“Good job, Glory. He actually bit.” Rafe gave me a high five.
Jerry squeezed my shoulders. “I know why you couldn’t meet him tonight. Go rest, sweetheart. We’ll talk about the actual meeting later.” He looked at Rafe. “I think Penny’s room needs a thorough cleaning. What do you say we prove to Gloriana that we can work together on a project, Valdez?”
“Sure. I can get behind that. And we don’t need to leave Glo alone either.” Rafe winked at me. “Should do you good to see Blade pushing a vacuum cleaner. Am I right?”
“That’s not necessary. I can do it. Later.” I struggled to my feet. Jerry kept his arm around my waist to steady me.
“No, we’ve got this. Take care of yourself.” He settled me in bed and strode back to the living room. I heard Rafe tell him where he could find that vacuum cleaner.
I lay back and thought about calling Flo. No, it would just upset her. She was safe in Richard’s hands and didn’t need to be anywhere near me and my angst. Instead, I called CiCi and gave her an update about my meeting with Simon. It felt good to be proactive instead of waiting for something else to happen to me. I fell asleep to the roar of the vacuum, glad that a vampire couldn’t have nightmares.
Sixteen
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay, Glory?” Penny asked me
for the fifth time. She still thought I’d just suffered a fall in the bathtub.
“Yes, I’m fine. Healing sleep does it every time.” I wished that healing had done a job on my soul; it still felt violated. But the fact that I’d sent Lucifer away short of reaching his goal had to count for something. At least that was the positive self-talk I was using to try to get through this night.
“That’s amazing. So if I broke a leg or got shot, I’d heal overnight?” Penny settled on the couch.
“Yes, as long as you’d fed well. It can take a couple of nights if you’re severely hurt, but that’s part of the miracle of immortality. The healing thing. You saw some of that with Ray, though his alcoholism slowed the process.” I smiled. “Now I’ll ask you for the umpteenth time. Do you need another bottle of synthetic? Are you okay to be around mortals?” I had finished my second bottle and was eyeing the vial Ian had given me. Was it worth the risk? I’d wait and see if Penny’s mom’s food looked tempting enough. I’d never forget the side effects from Ian’s diet drug. Of course Ian had sworn I was the only vampire to ever experience those. Surely I wouldn’t be that unlucky twice.
“I’m good to go. Jenny will be here any minute.” Penny inhaled. “Can’t believe you got rid of the rat smell. The lavender is a nice touch. And then there’s my room. Spotless!”
“Thank Rafe and Jerry. They worked like maniacs. It became a contest, apparently. To see who could do the most, get things the cleanest.” I laughed. “Everything between those two ends up a competition but at least no blows were exchanged. I’d like to see them go head-to-head over getting my sheets white enough.”
“Yeah, but how did that hole get in the wall?” Penny lifted the picture of Ray, which I had to admit was in an odd spot. “A blow that missed?”
“No, Rafe heard something upsetting and hit the wall. Since the guy he was mad at wasn’t in the room. He’ll get it fixed.” I adjusted the picture. “Hey, Ray looks good anywhere. You can throw his name into the conversation. Tell how it was with him here for a while. Make Jenny jealous again.”
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