Page 21 of Hell-Bound

“Mmmmm. I saiiiid whoooo are yoooou?”

He batted his long eyelashes but didn’t break his wide smile—teeth shining brightly, cuspids slightly pointed. His delicate black horns were adorned with rings that glittered in the candlelight, and he was wearing brightly colored pants and a black silken shirt.

“M’lady, are you lost? I don’t recognize you—hmmmmm do youbelooongto someone?” he demurred as he looked Renata up and down, seeming genuinely curious.

Renata steeled herself.

Leo said flattery worked so...

“Oh dear me.” Making a show of twisting her fingers. “I had no idea this was such an intrusion. You see, I am here for someone, but I’m not entirely sure how to find him, sir. But I’m sure you’re so important and can help me? I am simply positive that you know your way around.”

Renata looked down at her feet coyly and attempted to feign innocence.

The Devil threw back his head and guffawed.

“You can’t be serious!” He laughed, grabbing his sides. “That is the most ridiculous display I’ve seen in a while! Darling, I love a good compliment as much as the next ego-driven fiend, but you’ve got to do better thanthat.Perhaps start with complimenting my manly prowess?”

He waggled an eyebrow.

She ground her teeth together and narrowed her eyes.

“Fine, yes! Iamlooking for someone, so if you wouldn’t mind!”

She tried to shove her way around the Devil.

“My myyyy dearie, don’t get your tail in a knot.”

She felt it pointless to mention that she didn’t possess this particular appendage, unlike him.

“I’ll say this for you, little lady, you are interesting. I can see why he likes you. Not many get to sign a contract with him these days. So picky picky picky.”

He tsked, shaking his head with each word for emphasis.

“He?” Renata was suddenlyveryinterested in talking. “You know who it is?”

“No, no. First introductions, then information. That’s called decorum.”

The Devil spun on his toes and flipped backward, jingling the bells on his mask. He landed flawlessly with aswish of his hand, bowing deeply.

“I am the royal jester to the High Devils, Demons, and Monstrosities here in The Hells. But you may call me…Jester!”

He smiled, obviously pleased with himself.

Renata wasn’t sure she understood the joke. She also couldn’t recall if she was allowed to share her name with this creature.

Was it Devils you can’t tell your names to? Fairies? Gnomes? Ah. Screw it.

“I’m...Ren,” she replied, remembering the nickname that Benji had given her.

Huh. Yeah. That’s it. I’m Ren.

Renata felt like a stranger.

“I am here looking for the Devil I signed a contract with. I need to see him immediately. We have... important business to go over.”

Jester breathed an overly dramatic sigh.

“Oh, Mortals. All the same. They sign contracts withDevils, which everyone warns themnotto do, and then get all vexed when they regret it. Why is that, do you think?” he said with a pause.