Page 20 of Trust the Fall

I squeeze my eyes shut and will positive thoughts to chase away the horrifying images currently playing on a loop in my head.

I look like the queen of the underworld, and I while I should be mad as hell and ready to claw someone’s eyes out, some small part of me is more focused on deliberating whether Lucifer would find this version of me more appealing.

Good grief, I’m losing my grip.

He has gone back to Lilith time and time again, so clearly there’s some draw for him.

I tried to act as though I had their relationship figured out, but the truth is, I don’t. Not even close. My understanding was that Lilith was practically a slave here in Hell, but she’s out running around free, while I’m the one caged. Is that Nolda’s doing? Or are the stories I’ve been fed about Lilith and Lucifer incorrect? Regardless, this should be the least of my concerns.

The demon women usher me toward the door and I dig my feet in, trying to stop them.

“Where are you taking me?” I bark.

The redhead purses her lips at me, while the raven-haired demon bares her teeth.

“Victoria. You look … ravishing.” Nolda says from the dark hallway.

I rip my arms out of the demons’ grasp and lunge toward Nolda. His hand raises and I stop in my tracks, bound by his demon magic.

“Why am I dressed like this? Where are they taking me?”

His eyes gleam as they scan my body. “You’re to be the entertainment tonight. And oh, how you don’t disappoint, Victoria.” His chuckle grates on my nerves and I send a silent promise out into the universe that as soon as I’m able, I’ll end this demon’s life.

“I’ve arranged for a few friends to join us for dinner.”

I wonder who else is here and immediately my thoughts stray to the stoic reaper. Aside from Luke, he’s the only other man whose presence is almost suffocating. He’s too raw. Too masculine. Too damn much.

I cringe just thinking it.

His condemnation of Luke and his utter confidence in his criticism was bold. Reapers may not be of Heaven or Hell, but they’re not immune to Lucifer’s wrath. If River took on Luke, it would be a fight to the death, but my feelings for the devil aside, Luke would likely come out on top.

“Move,” Nolda barks. “We’re running late. We can’t keep our distinguished guests waiting.”

“I’m not going out there in this,” I grit through my teeth, looking to the redhead who appears to be kinder than the others.

She growls and I take back the semi-kind words I’d just thought about her. She’s every bit as evil as the others.

“You will, or I’ll give them permission to whip you naked in front of the entire party,” he smiles, motioning to his demonic sluts.

I offer my own growl. “I. Dare. You.” I enunciate every word slowly and with as much warning as I can muster given my current state of power-bound uselessness.

Stop, I internally scold myself. I’m not useless. I trained for this.

“I might not have my powers, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still kill you with my bare hands.”

Nolda smirks. “Try your best, angel.” He spits angel out like a curse. And I guess here, it probably is. “I’d love a reason to take you sooner than planned. That outfit … well, dare I say you look … divine.”

“It’s interesting how all of these powerful men can’t seem to pull themselves away from you,” Lilith says from the doorway.

She sashays in, sporting not much more than I am. Wearing head-to-toe black leather that fits so tightly over every curve, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were magically placed on her body.

“You look … passable,” she jabs, as she twists toward the demon women. “Most of our guests are going to be quite happy, girls. I dare say you may be given a prime lord to pleasure tonight.”

I cringe at the crude topic, but immediately land on her use of the word most. What could that mean? Could there be people amongst us who might find what they’ve done to me repulsive? Who would dare to help me escape?

Locking that away, I level Lilith with a glare.

“Come. We’re late and Nolda, you have plans to share.”