AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I clicked the last number into place and opened the top.
White-hot rage streamed through my veins.
Empty.
Only one man would have reason to be suspicious of what I had stored in my jewelry chest.
A string of Gaelic curses flew through my lips.
Better the devil you know ...
I dragged on a pair of leggings and a sweater before shoving my feet into worn runners. My mind was dulled from drugs but still sharp enough to be cognizant of cameras and witnesses as I made my way through the mansion. I’d scour all the main living areas first before storming the devil’s lair.
Somewhere near the kitchen, I crashed into Liam. He caught me by the shoulders and peeled me back from his chest. “Whoa ... easy there, lass. Shouldn’t you be in bed?”
I scowled up at the behemoth of a man. “Where is he?”
Liam inclined his head slightly and rubbed his knuckles against his stubbled jawline—stalling. There was a question there, but for some reason he didn’t want to ask it. Probably because he’d be guilty by association if he knew the answer.
Two could play this game.
I curled my index fingers and propped them on top of my head.
Liam swallowed a choked laugh, then jerked his head toward the glass doors that led to the garden.
Of course.
It was the middle of the night—why hadn’t I thought of that?
I patted Liam’s massive bicep in gratitude, then went in search of the devil.
The waxing moon and the glow of the interior mansion lights streaking through the windows illuminated the garden. That’s where I found Lucifer by the apple tree wearing joggers and a hoodie.
“Hey, you,” I called out as I approached. “Did you take my stuff?”
He turned around, and I drew up short a few feet away from him, taken aback by his appearance. The athletic attire he wore softened his features, making him look boyish and innocent.
To the casual observer, we resembled a couple of college kids hanging out. No homicidal influencers here.
Lucifer raised a curious eyebrow. I felt the heat in my cheeks. I’d been caught fangirling.
A gust of winter wind whipped through the garden, slicing into the thin material of my leggings. Pulling my hands into my sleeves, I wrapped my arms around myself to stop the shivers that had taken hold. “My sharp stuff.” I whisper-yelled, aware of the cameras and possible prying ears.
His eyes raked me up and down. “Why all the knives?” he asked.
I suddenly felt exposed. My body was covered, but my soul was bare.
A raw ache spread through my chest.
I had to look away from Lucifer’s gaze for a beat, afraid he’d see the guilt that lived there. The throb in my ankle increased, and I balanced on one foot as I tried to come up with an answer that wouldn’t send me straight to hell. But before I could reply, he bent down and swept me off my feet and into his arms.
The air whooshed from my lungs, strangling my words. “W-what do you think you’re doing?”
A subtle tenderness washed across his face. “This may be the only chance you get to tell your side. Why all the knives, Willa?”
The use of my name accompanied by the masculine drawl was intoxicating, but I wasn’t ready to tell Lucifer the truth, no matter how badly I wanted him to be the keeper of my secrets. My confidant.
I crossed my arms tighter in defiance.
