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I stepped back out onto the clubs main floor and glanced at the bar, expecting to
find Layla sitting there, looking as uncomfortable as an angel dining in Hell. With her
whitish-blond hair and wide, innocent eyes, thats exactly what she looked like. But she
wasnt there.
What in the Hell? I stopped, scanning the surrounding floor.
Cayman glanced up from behind the bar. Shes dancing.
My body tensed. What? You were supposed to watch her.
I watched her. You didnt say anything about stopping her.
Oh, for the love of all that was unholy in this world and beyond. I shot him a dark
look that promised retribution and then made my way around the raised danced floor,
scanning the darker recesses of the club. A handful of seconds passed before I found her.
What I saw brought me to a standstill.
To the outside world, it would look like Layla was acting out a teenage boys
fantasy. She was raised up on her tips of her toes, her head angled in a way that made it
appear like she was kissing. Another womans head was lowered, their mouths too close.
Layla was feeding.
An odd mixture of emotions swirled through me. The demon part of me, my true
nature, approved of this. It was sitting inside me, grinning from ear to ear. It was thrilled,
and yeah, a little bit turned on. But the other parta part I didnt even fully recognize
felt fear. If Layla fed and the other Wardens found out about it, it would be over for her.
Still, there was a part of me that wanted her to indulge her demonic side, wanted
her to be bad and wanted her to enjoy it. The corners of my lips turned up
Then I saw the incubus.
The male was behind her, his hands gripping her arms, and the look on his face
smashed through whatever approval had been simmering in my gut. He was touching her,
and I did not like that. Rage was like a wave of fire.
There wasnt a single part of me that missed the fact that I was stopping this
because of the incubus and not because of what Layla was doing.
Crossing the distance, I grabbed a hold of the womans shoulder and yanked her
away from Layla, breaking the connection. A cursory glance told me the womans soul
was mostly intact.
I gripped her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. The moment the woman did, she
couldnt look away, so what I said would not be undone. You will remember none of
this, I said. Leave this place. Go home and never come back here again. Do you
understand me?
The woman staggered to the side when I let go, and without a backward glance,
she shuffled into the thick crowd surrounding us.
A giggle rattled like dry bones from the succubus. She inched closer to Layla.
You ruin all the fun. She said she didnt belong to you.
My gaze swung to Layla. She doesnt belong to either of you.
Layla sighed like a kitten after a belly rub. It was oddly adorable. Where have
you been all this time? Its been hours and hours.
Exasperated with the turn of the events, I barely managed not to yell. Ive only
been gone ten minutes, I said, and when Layla poutedactually, poutedI thrust my
hand through my hair. Shit, Layla .. Didnt I tell you to stay put? Not to dance?
She giggled, but hers sounded like wind chimes. They made me.
We invited her, the succubus corrected. We didnt make her do anything. We
know the rules.
She just wanted a taste, added the incubus. We didnt hurt her. Did we, lovely
little sister? He reached out, touching Laylas arm.
Oh Hell no.
Snapping forward, I wrapped my hand around the incubuss throat and lifted him
off the floor. I dug my fingers in, right where it counted. What did you just call her?
I heard the female hiss, and I smiled coldly into the males eyes. You take one
step toward me, I will snap your brothers neck. Do not ever touch her. I added pressure,
driving the point home. Youre not welcome here any longer.
You cannot banish us, the female shrieked. You are no King.
I almost laughed as I dropped the male and faced the female. Maybe not, but I
can rip your heart out and feed it to Hellions. How does that sound? Like a party you
want to join?
The female drew back, clutching her brothers arm. They knew I was not bluffing.
As they backed off, I turned toward Layla. Shed drifted toward the raised stage.
Oh Lord.
I walked up and circling an arm around her waist, stopping her before she got up
and started taking off her clothes. Then again
I sighed. Bad Roth. Where are you going, shortie?
She leaned into me, and my heart did something funny in my chest. I dont
know. I feelreally good.
You do, I said. God, she felt great against me, trusting and soft and warm. But
she was high, so freaking high, from feeding on that womans soul. You almost killed
that girl, shortie. I shouldnt have left you alone.
Her shoulders rose as she waved her hand in front of her face.
I arched a brow. What are you doing?
She wiggled around until she was facing me. I think I can see my soul.
Can you? I asked. Can you see anyone elses now?
No, but mine is white. She smiled up at me, and it was a beautiful smile. That
means my soul is pure.
I couldnt help it. My lips tipped up at the corners. Demons cant have pure
souls.
Layla studied me for a moment and then planted her face in my chest. Then I
cant be like you.
Oh, wow, youre so off the charts right now. I needed to get her out of here,
before she got herself in any more trouble. I lifted her up, just in case she decided to
make a wild dash. Up you go.
She tossed her head back, laughing loudly. What are you doing?
Taking you someplace you wont get into any more trouble. I moved through
the crowd as she rambled on about people walking on the ceiling. I readjusted her, and
answered her questions as I carried upstairs to my loft. I figured at least there she
couldnt be sucking people souls out.
There was no small part of me that was greatly amused by the way she kicked her
feet and chattered on. I kept glancing down at her, realizing that Id never seen her so
relaxed and happy. It was a damn shame that it took sucking out a soul to see her this
way.
When I reached the hallway that led to my loft, she squealed as she clapped her
hands, her gazed fastened on the two hellhounds guarding the door. I do want to pet
them! Theyre so tiny!
I sighed. Right now, they looked like teacup dogs. Ive been told size doesnt
matter.
Someone lied to you, she retorted.
Ah, that may be the case. I gently placed Layla on her feet, but kept an around
her. Do keep in mind that looks can be deceiving.
She grinned. I could carry it in a purse, like like one of those expensive
purses.
Both hounds had risen and were standing, their ears back and growling.
Admittedly, they looked ridiculous. I dont think they like they sound of that.
Layla laughed. What are they going to do? Bite my ankles?
I tucked her into my side, unable to ignore the way she seemed to fit perfectly
under my arm. I sensed the moment she realized that too, and my jaw locked down. She
turned sideways, her pale blue eyes hazy as she placed her hands on my chest. My heart
jumped.
My dogs did not like that.
One squeaked and the other let out a Godzilla-sized roar. Layla whipped around
as the hellhounds quickly revealed their true form. They were huge, the size of bears,
with jagged fangs.
Holy shit, Layla whispered.
Sit down, I demanded, blocking Layla. Vos mos non vulnero suus!
Immediately, they backed away and sat. The hounds were a wee bit frightening
looking, but they were smart and loyal.
I looked over my shoulder at Layla, smirking. Youre right. Size does matter.
They wont harm you. Come on. I offered my hand.
Her small hand folded into mine as I led her to the door. Bluebelle, the goofier of
the two hounds, flopped onto his back. I knelt, rubbing his belly. Thats a good boy.
Whos the good boy?
Whatre their names? she asked.
This one is Bluebelle and that one, I gestured at the one that had been smelling
her leg, is Flower.
She wrinkled her nose. What is it with you and the movie Bambi?
I stood up. Its an American classic.
Her eyes closed as she smiled widely. Youre ridiculous.
My gaze drifted over her upturn face, and I stepped forward, my hands rising to
clasp her cheeks. The desire to touch her, to bring our mouths together, slammed into my
gut. With great effort, I lowered my hand to hers again and squeezed it. Open your eyes,
shortie.
Thick lashes lifted. Why?
You need to see where youre going. I pulled her into the room, flipping on the
light as I closed the door behind us.
Layla floated away from me, kicking off her shoes, and then off went her socks.
My brows rose at that. Cute. Hell, it was cute, the way she wiggled her toes in the carpet.
I think Im hungry, she announced.
I was starving, but not for food. Ill have the food sent up here. My voice
sounded gruff as I turned away, absently pulling my shirt off and tossing it aside. I had a
little bit of everything made. Hamburgers. Fries. Chicken tenders Noticing that Layla
was just standing there, I stopped. A warm shiver tip-toed over my skin. The way she
looked at me got under my skin. The hunger I felt was in her stare.
I smiled. See anything you like?
Without realizing what I was doing, I ended up standing a few feet in front of her.
My skin tingled with the possibility of contact. Sorry. I cant stand the smell of smoke.
Does it bother you?
She shook her head. No.
Then you wont mind shedding this? I knew I shouldnt, but when did I ever not
do something I wanted? I wrapped my fingers around the strings dangling off the
neckline of her sweater. It reeks of Sucky and Inky.
That much was true. Sort of. I just really wanted the sweater off.
What I was doing was dangerous and stupid, and I knew that, but I worked the
zipper down. The back of my hand brushed over the skin below her throat and her breasts
rose with her deep breath. I let the sweater fall to the floor.
And then I looked my fill.
Layla was wearing some sort of thin tank top that clung to every swell and dip. If
I thought I was hungry before, I was famishedfamished for her. Sometimes I didnt
even know why she affected me so much. I could have anyone I wanted and thered be no
strings, no worries. But with Layla there was everything.
Pretty. I dragged my finger over the lace edging. What is it called?
I knew damn well what it was called.
A camisole. She paused. Roth?
I dragged my gaze to hers. An eternity stretched out. Layla?
Her mouth opened, but then she jerked and looked down. Nitro was at her feet
and distracted, she reached for the kitten, stopping seconds before she picked it up. No.
I remember you. Bad kitty.
White fur stood up on Nitros back. The kitten hissed and then flew under the bed.
I see youve learned from your previous mistakes, but I think youve upset Nitro.
Those kittens have rabies. She rose and then stumbled to the side.
I caught her by placing a hand on her shoulder. Concern flashed through me.
Are you okay?
Yeah Im fine. This happens after She trailed off, staring at the bed.
After feeding? I finished for her. Her gaze swung back to mine, and she
shivered, not in a good way. You didnt take her soul, shortie.
Her lower lip trembled. She was okay, right?
Yes.
And if she was down there, that meant she was bad, right?
Somehow I was closer, my lips near her cheek. Yes.
I dont want to think about this.
You dont have to. Why dont you sit down? I offered.
Layla danced away from me, practically power-bombing the bed. She
immediately curled up, and I busied myself with ordering the food, chuckling when she
rolled onto her back and starting singing.
Take me down to Paradise City where the grass is something and the boys
are pretty
Shaking my head, I leaned against the wall as I waited for the food and just just
watched her. Laylas version of Paradise City was a hot mess, but Hell, in those
moments, I felt well, I didnt feel like Prince Astaroth. I wasnt sure how I felt.
When Cayman showed up with the food, he shot me a look. I promptly showed
him my middle finger and then took the food from him.
Whatever, he muttered, whirling around. Its her funeral.
The words chilled me as I brought the tray over to the bed.
Layla sat up, frowning. Did I fall asleep?
I laughed as I set the tray between us. No. You were sitting here singing.
I was?
Yep. Paradise City. I smiled. I think Im rubbing off on you.
Layla smiled back, as if we were sharing some kind of great secret. After I
removed the lids, we demolished the food and while I cleaned up, Layla lay back and
patted her stomach. My belly is happy.
I bet it is. I washed my hands and then came back to the bed. Her eyes were
closed again, pink lips parted. Sitting down next to her, I placed a hand on her shoulder.
How are you feeling? I asked, because I knew that she usually got sick after feeding. It
had yet to happen.
She rewarded me with a wide smile. Good. Great. Happy. Maybe a little tired,
but I feel like
I get the point. I laughed. Damn, I wished I wished she was like this when.
None of it mattered. Not anymore. I tilted my head as I picked up the strands of her pale
hair, spreading them across the pillow. I liked they way they looked there. I wish you
would feel this way later, I said, mostly to myself. But you wont.
My gaze tracked over the long length of her hair. Youre going to hate yourself
after this, even though you didnt hurt that woman. To her, it will be like having a
hangover after a bad night of partying. And she wont miss that tiny part of her soul that
you took. Not that she missed any part of her soul that she willingly gave for every
atrocious sin she committed. An invisible force settled on my shoulders as I looked at
her. It had a name. Guilt. What a shitty feeling, I realized. I didnt mean for you to do
this when I brought you here. Sucky and Inky shouldve stayed away from you. I
shouldve made sure of that.
I took a deep breath as she stared at me with those wide eyes of her. I just
wanted you to see how the other half lives. Not those two bastards. They are bad news,
but not not all of us are like that. I wanted you to see that. For you to see that whats
inside you I lowered my hand, tapping my finger on the center of her stomach. Isnt
bad, no matter what that asshole of a clan leader says to you or how he makes you feel.
Same to you, she replied immediately.
What does that mean?
She lifted her hand and tapped her finger off my chest. You are not as bad as you
like to think. You are capable of acts of great kindness.
I snorted. Youre high.
Am not. Her tap turned to a poke. Youve done things that humans with souls
wouldnt do. You
I caught her wrist, pulling her hand away. Everything I do is for a purely selfish
reason. Trust me on that. She had no idea. Like right now. I couldve taken her home. I
couldve called Zayne. But Id brought her up here, under the guise of keeping her out of
trouble, because I was selfish. Even Cayman saw that.
With a burst of strength, she tugged on my arm, pulling me down so that I had to
catch myself before I toppled over. We were close now, and a small smile crossed my
lips as Bambis head appeared on her shoulder. I missed that damn snake, but I liked the
idea of something that had been a part of me now being a part of her. I lifted my gaze to
hers.
Kiss me, she said.
Taking a punch in the face wouldve been easier to deal with. I tensed against my
bodys immediate reaction. Layla
She tugged my arm again, and I let herI let her draw me closer, so close that
when she spoke the two words again, our lips nearly touched. Kiss me.
I closed my eyes. You dont know what youre asking for.
Yes, I do.
I needed to put some distance between us. I could only deny this for so long. I
wasnt good. I wasnt even freaking human. I was going against my nature. That would
only work for so long. You dont. Youre really
Layla flipped meactually flipped me. I was stunned as I hit my back, the bed
bouncing under me with the force. Before I could blink, she swung a leg over my hip and
straddled me, her hands pressing down on my chest.
The weight of her and where she decided to sit sent of bolt of pure lust through
my veins. It knocked a hole right through my chest, seized my heart and stole all the air. I
gripped her hips to lift her up, but I ended up holding her there.
God. I kicked my head back. I really, really like you this way.
Then whats the problem?
Layla rocked her hips as she trailed her fingers down my bare stomach, and a
groan rolled out of me. What was the problem with this? My grip tightened. I cant
really think of one right now.
Good. She lowered her head.
Common sense returned at the last moment. I captured her wrists, using her arms
to hold her. The words were painful to utter. This... this isnt going to happen, baby.
She tried to get closer, but I held her back. Some of the giddiness faded from her
expression. You you dont want me?
I was done for.
Turning the tables, I rolled her onto her back and followed, stretching her arms
above her head. Dont want you? I pressed the lower half of my body between her legs,
letting her know and feel exactly what I wanted. I think you know the answer to that.
Her cheeks flushed.
This this was a bad move. She hooked her leg around mine, and that brought us
closer together. Sparks exploded over my skin, and I groaned again. She was going to be
the final death of me.
But it was a death Id run face-first into.
I want you so badly its like a hunger that gnaws at me endlessly. It doesnt go
away. I dipped my head to her neck, inhaling deeply. You have no fucking clue.
Then do something about it, she whispered.
I lifted my head and my chest rose and fell rapidly. Layla. Please I didnt
even know what I was pleading with her to do. To stop? To act?
Layla acted.
She stretched up and her lips brushed mine. That was all. A slight caress, and my
control snapped like a band pulled too tight. My mouth was on hers before the next
heartbeat and I kissed her like Id been dying to do from the moment I was let out of the
Hellish pit.
I kissed her. I tasted her and she tasted me as I slid my hand down her arm and
then down her side. My fingers found their way under the hem of her camisole. The feel
of her bare skin was like the lick of flames. She moved under me, both legs around mine
as she lifted her hips. Sensation pounded into me. It was mindless and it was full of
pleasure and anticipation, but damn, it rode deeper than that as we moved our bodies
together on the bed, as our breaths mingled and our hearts thundered.
You feel too good, I told her, kissing her again. You taste too good to be true.
She pulled against my hold at her wrists, and I knew she wanted to touch me, and
I wanted to touch more of her. I wanted to strip away everything separating us. I wanted
to gather her close and to keep
Its her funeral.
Caymans words were like being doused with a bucket of ice. What in the Hell
was I doing? Layla was the closest thing to high thanks to Inky and Suckys little feeding
frenzy. Not to mention that fact that I literally held her life in my hands.
I tore myself away from her, breaking the hold of her legs.
Roth She rose, having no idea what a dangerous temptation she presented.
Dont. My hand shook as I raised it. God, I cant believe Im even saying this,
but dont come closer. Dont move.
I stood and stalked away from the bed, thrusting my hands through my hair. What
was I doing? I was a demon. I did what I wanted, and Layla she wanted me. High or
not, she hungered for me just as badly as I died of want for her. Lowering my arms, I
looked over my shoulder at her. Her camisole was pushed up, past her bra. She looked
thoroughly kissed and she looked like she wanted so very much more.
Even as the baser part of me clamored to get out and take control, I spun around
and went into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me. My legs gave out and my ass
hit the tiled floor and my back was pressed against the cool door.
I closed my eyes, my head hanging from my shoulders, my arms limp on my bent
knees. Most days I didnt even know what or who I was anymore, but I did know one
thing. Like like Zayne, I would do anything to protect her. I already had.
Id given her up and I couldnt forget that, no matter how much it killed me.