by Karen Kelley
“Good,” he said, then smiled as he glanced at the saleslady who was beaming.
Of course she beamed. The woman knew she had a sale. Destiny didn’t care. With a determined stride, she marched to the small partitioned changing room in one corner. A dark blue sheet on a string closed it off from the rest of the shop. A hundred and twenty-two dollars for a hat!
She turned once more and let her gaze fall on the mirror. For just a moment, she felt as young and carefree as the young woman staring back at her. The girl next door.
Where had the seductress gone? The demon-in-training? The girl who stared back at her looked innocent and pure. As if she finally got to play dress up. As if she’d had loving parents. As if nothing bad had ever happened to her.
But none of this is real, her mind screamed. She wasn’t the girl next door. Was she ever innocent? She was a troublemaker in school because that was the only attention she ever got. She was the girl who would do anything on a dare. She didn’t care about anyone but herself. Why should she? This person staring back at her wasn’t who she was. Her hand trembled as she reached to remove the hat.
Chance grabbed her hand. “I like the way the hat looks on you. What would it hurt to just enjoy the day? One day. That’s all I’m asking.”
She looked away from the mirror, closing her eyes tight. “I don’t think I can.” She didn’t know how to be the girl in the mirror.
“I’ll help you. I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll never leave your side. Just one day, that’s all I’m asking, Destiny.”
She sighed, the fight leaving her when she opened her eyes. Her glance fell once more on her reflection. She’d wanted to be that girl so badly. Maybe Chance was right. No harm would come if she took one day to just have fun. She raised her chin, defying anyone to tell her differently.
“Thank you for the gift,” she finally told him.
She stilled. Nothing happened. The world didn’t come crashing down on her. No one stepped forward to say she couldn’t do exactly as she wanted. She breathed a sigh of relief.
“You’re welcome,” he said. His gaze slid over her body.
The warmth from that one look made her body start to tingle. She could almost feel him entering her. Slowly moving in and out… caressing her with his dick…
She grew damp as her fantasy played out in her mind.
Her legs would wrap around his waist and pull him in deeper and…
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“What?” She quickly cleared her mind.
“I need food,” he told her, then laughed.
She was hungry too, but not for food. His stomach rumbled. She would let him satisfy his emptiness. Later he could satisfy hers.
After lunch, they watched as most of the children in the stands scampered to the arena. Whoever captured the ribbon from one of two calves turned loose would win a ten dollar bill. They cheered the winners and applauded the ones who didn’t win but seemed just as happy anyway.
They drank beer from paper cups until her head was spinning. They watched the barrel racing, rooting for Nevaeh when she raced out of the gate, then stood and clapped when she was awarded a silver belt buckle for second place.
“I’ll be right back,” Chance told her as he stood and made his way down the metal stairs.
Destiny leaned against the step behind her and smiled. The day was perfect: exactly what it would have been like if she could have led a normal life.
If she’d had the opportunity.
But she hadn’t had that choice, and she hadn’t been one of the good girls.
Chance made her feel as if everything would have been different if she’d met him first. There was something special about him. She couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was, but it was there, and she’d loved spending the day with him. She wasn’t ready for it to end.
But did it have to? Every day could be this wonderful. She sighed when she thought how it could be for the rest of eternity. She only had to convince Chance they could have this much fun all the time if he agreed to give up his soul.
She would talk to him soon. He liked her. She was certain of that, and she didn’t think it was just about the sex. Convincing him to leave with her wouldn’t be that difficult.
Then why did she feel so sad? Why did she delay talking to him about Hell?
As her thoughts tumbled around inside her head, she barely paid attention to the announcer when he told the crowd the main event of the day was next—the bull riding competition. But when he called Chance’s name as the first rider, the blood in Destiny’s veins chilled.
“No, don’t do it,” she whispered as she sat forward. Her gaze searched until she spotted Chance. He was just climbing on the back of a bull. Three other cowboys leaned over the chute, helping him get settled on the stomping, snorting beast.
He was going to get himself killed! The bull would throw him to the ground and pummel his broken body!
The announcer began to speak again. “Chance Bellew is one of our top bull riders. He’s taken home more first place awards than any cowboy here.”
“I don’t give a fuck,” Destiny said, but the cheering crowd drowned out her words. Were they all crazy? Now she remembered why she never went to rodeos when she was alive!
“This has got to be fate,” LeAnn said as she plopped down beside Destiny. “I went by the apartment to ask if you wanted to go to the rodeo, but you weren’t at home.” Her smile was as big as Texas. “And here you are.”
Fate? She didn’t think so. “I thought you had to work.”
“Water leak. The owner of the Cow Patty closed for the day. I went by your apartment, but I’d missed you.”
“Chance has made a special request,” the announcer continued. “He’s dedicating his ride to Destiny Carter. Just goes to show everyone this must be one special little lady.”
“Oh great, he’s making me the reason he’s about to die.”
LeAnn’s eyes grew round. “That’s you!”
“He’s going to get himself killed,” she moaned.
“Wow, you’re really worried.”
Destiny took her eyes off Chance long enough to meet LeAnn’s gaze. “Wouldn’t you be worried?” And why was she encouraging LeAnn? Oh hell, maybe she did need her right now. Destiny had never been to a freaking rodeo before today. The only thing she knew about bulls was the fact they were big and ugly.
“You’re absolutely correct, I probably would be worried too, but if that announcer is right and he’s a champion bull rider, I’m sure he’ll be okay. I mean, he didn’t get a rep for being a top rider not knowing what he’s doing.”
“She’s right, you know.” Charles Dickens sat on the other side of Destiny. He planted the heel of his boot on the next seat down. “I love rodeos. Never had them in New York.” His normally pale cheeks turned ruddy. “That’s where I’m from, but I got to Texas as fast as I could. I figure livin’ here since I was ten is almost as good as being born here.”
Oh hell, she was surrounded by mortals. They weren’t helping her, either. Their words didn’t ease her worries at all. “He’s about to ride a bull that doesn’t look happy about the whole thing. I can’t believe he’ll be fine.” Why was she even having this conversation?
“I’ll stay right here with you,” LeAnn vowed.
“Me too,” Charles told her, then reached over and patted her hand.
The gate slammed open and the bull came charging out. Destiny didn’t have time to think about the consequences of mingling with mortals when she wasn’t planning to steal their souls. No, her attention was fixed on the arena, the furious bull, and Chance as he gripped a rope in one hand. His other arm was high in the air. Destiny wanted to yell at him to hold on with both hands, but she doubted he would hear.
“Ohmigod, where did you meet this guy? He’s some kind of hot!”
“LeAnn!” She was supposed to be giving moral support, not drooling over Chance.
“Oh, sorry.” She cleared her
throat. “He only has to stay on eight seconds. Everything will be fine.”
“Yee-haw!” Charles flung off his hat and waved it in the air. “That’s a real cowboy for sure! Ride ’em, young fella!”
“Give me strength,” Destiny muttered.
It would only last eight seconds. Not long. Then everything would be fine.
The raging bull twisted and turned, kicking up dirt and creating clouds of dust. Chance was sweating, his lips pressed together as he anticipated each move the bull made. The crowd cheered. Any second now she was going to puke. Everything didn’t look fine. Not one bit!
And eight seconds was a hell of a long time!
The buzzer sounded.
She breathed a sigh of relief.
The bull continued to twist and spin.
“The buzzer sounded,” Destiny said. “Why isn’t it over?”
Charles looked at her and shrugged. “The darn bulls never pay attention.” He guffawed at his own humor.
“That’s not funny.”
“Sorry.” He had the grace to look duly chastised.
Chance suddenly jumped off the bull and landed on the ground. It was over. Finally! Except the bull turned, with evil in his eyes. The enraged beast dug his hoof into the loose dirt, stirring up more dust. Then, like thunder crashing across the sky, the bull’s hooves pounded the dirt as he charged Chance.
Without missing a beat, Chance ran toward her and the fence. He took the fence in front of her in one leap. The bull ground to a stop as Chance levered himself onto the metal walkway.
He was laughing when he took the metal steps two at a time, then grabbed her up in his arms.
His mouth found hers and she forgot all about the fact she would’ve aged ten years if she was alive. She lost herself in his kiss, oblivious to the crowd’s applause. Why did being with him feel so right?
“Were you worried?” he asked when he ended the kiss.
“You know damn well I was worried.” She frowned at him.
When he grinned, she couldn’t help but forgive him. How could she not when he made her world feel brighter?
Someone cleared his throat, and Destiny remembered LeAnn and Charles. Chance definitely had the power to make her forget about everything except him.
“These are my—my neighbors, LeAnn and Charles.” Hell, how did she introduce them? They weren’t really friends or anything. She just couldn’t get rid of them.
“Hi, LeAnn, Charles.” Chance drawled, his arm still around Destiny.
LeAnn didn’t say anything, only stared.
Charles stood a little taller. “Mighty fine ridin’ there, young man.” His expression turned sad. “I always wanted to be a cowboy, but by the time I decided what I wanted to do with my life, it was too late. Now I just go to rodeos and cheer the cowboys on.”
Chance stuck his hand out. Charles looked at it for a moment, then grasped it. “And we’re glad there are people in the stands to cheer for us.” Chance told him as Charles enthusiastically pumped his hand. “Helps us stay on the bull a little longer.”
“You can count on me.”
Destiny glanced toward LeAnn who was still slackjawed. She nudged LeAnn.
“Oh yes, it’s nice to meet you, too.” LeAnn’s face turned a bright red. “Uh, we’ll leave you two alone. Charles, I’m really thirsty. How about if I buy us an ice-cold lemonade?”
“A gentleman never lets a pretty woman pay. Got my social security check on Monday, so I’ll be doing the buyin’.” He crooked his arm and winked at Destiny. LeAnn slipped her arm through Charles’s and they left.
Destiny only shook her head as LeAnn and Charles left. Her attention was drawn elsewhere when Chance squeezed her waist.
“I think I like that you were worried,” Chance said.
She returned his smile. How could any day be more perfect? Just as suddenly as the thought crossed her mind, dark clouds blocked the warmth of the sun’s rays. A shiver of foreboding ran down her spine. She looked at the sky. An omen? Maybe so.
Would Chance still look at her as though she was someone special if he knew the truth? Would he still care that she worried about him?
Would Chance still want to be with her if he knew she murdered her lover?
Chapter 9
Chance watched Destiny from the corner of his eye. She was happy for a little while. He knew she made a concentrated effort to forget who she was and why the demons had sent her back.
He clamped his lips together. But then she’d apparently remembered. Once more, she brought up her protective shield. He wasn’t ready for that to happen.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her along with him. There was something else he wanted to buy her.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“You’ll see.” He hurried down the stairs. Most of the booths were closing as the rodeo came to an end, but he knew there was one that would still be open.
Nevaeh’s booth looked pretty much like all the rest. Same weather-worn, wooden front, as if it had been around for a hundred years or more, and in fact it had. Her booth only appeared when someone needed something special. Like now.
Nevaeh’s smile was a little wistful and a little sad when they stopped in front of her booth. Not that many years had passed since she lost the battle, and the soul of a man she cared deeply for. Her lover chose the wrong path. She was unable to save him.
“What is this booth?” Destiny asked as she nervously glanced around. She hugged her waist as if she was afraid she might brush against something and, thereby, be tainted.
“They’re angels,” he told her. The whole booth was filled with them. Angel ornaments, angels to place above the bed so the person would have sweet dreams. Old angels, baby angels, flirty angels; necklaces, bracelets, and rings; angels with soft, furry wings, and angels praying.
“Why are we here?” Destiny nervously looked around. “It smells funny.”
“Don’t you like angels?” he asked.
“Umm… I’m not a fan.”
“The aroma is a mixture of different flowers,” Nevaeh explained. “Honeysuckle, roses, and many others that complement each other.” She studied Destiny, then said, “Angels can give peace when your heart is troubled.” Her words were as soft as a whisper on a breeze.
“I’m not troubled.”
Nevaeh continued as if Destiny hadn’t spoken. “I’m sorry life has been so difficult for you.”
“My life is not difficult.” Destiny turned to Chance. “Can we go?”
“I just need to buy something, then I promise we’ll leave. Nevaeh makes all her own stuff. It’s very special.” He dragged her forward to a shelf where jewelry was displayed and chose an angel necklace. It was perfect. “We’ll take this one.”
Nevaeh smiled. “A good choice.”
He paid for his purchase, then moved behind Destiny, undoing the clasp on the necklace as he did. He slipped the chain around her neck and fastened it before she could offer a protest.
“The charm has special properties,” Nevaeh told her. “Whenever you’re in need of anything, just hold tight to the angel and he’ll be there for you.”
Destiny fingered the charm with a grimace. “I don’t really believe in that kind of stuff.”
Chance tucked the angel between her breasts. “No one has to know except me and you.” He felt her tremble just before he moved his hand away.
She hesitated before finally nodding.
“Take care, Nevaeh.”
They left the store, strolling through the streets. The day was drawing to a close. People were moving to their vehicles. Some started loading their horses in trailers.
Destiny brought the necklace out and fingered the charm. Chance felt a tingle along his spine.
“Nevaeh seems very nice,” Destiny casually commented. “But sad.”
“Not long ago she lost someone she was very close to.”
“I’m sorry. I know how that feels.”
She suddenly looked afraid she’d opened
up too much and clamped her lips together.
“Nevaeh may seem quite fragile, but she’s the most resilient person I know.”
“She’s quite beautiful. Almost looks like an angel herself.”
He dropped an arm across her shoulder. “I think you’re even more beautiful.”
She turned her face up to him. “Now you’re lying.”
Her words faded. His focus locked on her mouth. He couldn’t resist and dropped what was supposed to be a quick kiss on her lips but damn, she was so delectable. He turned slightly until she was wrapped in his arms and deepened the kiss. His tongue explored her mouth, stroking her tongue, tasting her. She was sexy and hot all at once. How could any man not give up his soul for her?
His senses returned as quickly as if someone had hit him with a bolt of electricity. He ended the kiss, but pulled her close as they started walking again. He wasn’t just any man. He was immortal, and he wouldn’t lose his soul to her or to any demon.
“I’ve enjoyed spending the day with you,” he told her. That was the truth. He had, and he felt as if he’d gained precious ground.
“All good things must come to an end,” she said on a sigh.
“Not if you don’t want them to.” He didn’t look at her, but held his breath.
“I’ve enjoyed today, but it’s almost over. We all have to face our own realities.”
Maybe this was the opening he’d needed. “What would you do if you could change your world? Make it something better?”
When she didn’t answer, he glanced down. She raised her gaze to his and Chance saw a wealth of sadness. Life must have dealt her some pretty hard blows for there to be so much dejection in that one look.
“My world will never be more than it is right now.”
“But if it could be?” he pressed.
“I think I like my life the way it is. I wouldn’t ask for anything more. You’re in it, what more could I want?” She suddenly gave a shaky laugh and looked around desperately.
She was so beautiful. For a moment, she’d faltered. He could tell by the look in her eyes that she was having second thoughts about becoming a demon. For Chance, time was running out. He had to keep chipping at her armor; only if he broke through could he set her soul free.