Page 16 of A Monstrous World: The Complete Series

“It appears you arrived in one piece tonight,” the vampire says, smirking at me. He's wearing tight, dark jeans and a long-sleeve t-shirt. His long hair is up in a bun. His fangs flash in the low light as he bites his plush lower lip.

“I arrived in one piece the other night, too,” I grumble.

Laithe laughs, shaking his head. “Barely, from what I heard. But I'm more surprised you survived Ryktus.”

“Are you my partner again? Because, if not, I'm pretty sure I need to get inside,” I grumble to avoid telling him where to shove it.

“Sorry, little human. I have a hot date with a naughty little number who enjoys biting and has a knack for pulling hair,” he says, laughing. His eyes sparkle with mirth in the low light.

I'm not sure why my stomach drops at his words. It's not like we have any type of connection. It still sends an uncomfortable ache to my gut.

I plaster on the best smile I can fake. “Have fun,” I say, spinning around to head back to the door.

Laithe laughs, and his cool hand grips my wrist, pulling me back to face him. “I'd love another taste before I head out,” he murmurs close to my ear.

I scoff. “Ask your date. I've got work to do.” I know he could hold me in place if he wanted to, but he lets my hand slip through his.

“Have fun, Em,” he says, and with a whoosh of air, he's gone.

Aline's long, pinkish-blonde hair bounces as she guides us through the building.

“I'm actually a little jealous of you,” she says, marching down a long hallway I've never been down.

“Yeah? Why's that?”

“Arsyn is one fine hunk of demon,” she says in her melodic tone.

Demon? Shit, the word sends a shiver down my spine.

“You did agree to exhibitionism and voyeurism, correct?” she asks, studying my face.

I give a clipped nod, and my curls tumble around my shoulders.

“And to demons,” she continues.

“Yeah, I'm good,” I say, but don't think either of us buy my words.

Aline pulls me to the side of the walkway.

“Arsyn will be good to you,” she assures me. “I get it, you're practically human, so the word has nefarious connotations. He's not a customer per se, but he does frequent the gambling rooms. He’s close friends with the owners.”

I square my shoulders. “I've got this.”

“You're ultimately in charge. If you feel uncomfortable, call it.” She shrugs, like I really have a choice.

I mean, I guess I would have if I had been honest with Dread about Alpha Brayden, but I don’t like the idea that he could get caught up in my mess and possibly end up hurt or worse.

I enjoyed my date with Laithe and it didn’t even feel like work. My time with Ryktus was surprisingly easy in comparison to working a serving shift. This job isn’t the end of the world.

“Let's do this,” I say, giving her a smile.

She continues studying me for several long seconds and finally nods. Spinning around, she heads farther down the hallway. The corridor dead-ends at a set of huge wooden doors.

Aline pulls one open and strides inside.

The sound of music and mingling immediately fill the air.

I'm shocked we couldn't hear all the noise from the hallway.

There are couches filled with people, others standing around talking, and a small bar in the back corner.

Aline ignores everyone and follows a runner of dark purple carpet leading to a door on the right side of the room.

We head inside, and the noise from the previous room disappears like it was never there.

They've got stellar soundproofing or spells to keep the noise from cross-contaminating.

The room is small and seems like a sitting room. There's a huge coffee table, and old chandeliers frame the room, casting a warm glow.

Aline turns to the right and nods at a massive man lounging on a couch.

He's even paler than Laithe, his skin practically glowing in the low light.

He almost seems iridescent as he moves, but when I study him carefully, it becomes clear that's just an illusion.

I've never seen a skin tone like his. It's pale bluish-pink, and even though it doesn't sparkle, it seems to shimmer when the light catches it just right.

“Ali,” the demon says, hopping up and coming over. A disarming grin crosses his face.

“Arsyn, this is Emerson. Emerson, Arsyn will be your date for the evening,” Aline says, shoving him away as he tries to hug her. “No way, asshole. Last time you hugged me, I ended up in a threesome with an orc and a kraken.”

Arsyn laughs. I take a step back as he refocuses his attention on me.

I swear something flutters behind him, but when I blink, it's gone.

He's wearing a black t-shirt that stretches over his broad chest, but it's strange, and I can't point out exactly why.

It's just a weird tickling in my brain when I study his form for too long.

“Emerson, you are delectable,” he coos.

“Right,” Aline says, clapping her hands together. “I'm off. Remember what I said.” She directs the last part at me.

“Thank you,” I say, swallowing thickly.

The door closes quietly behind her.

Arsyn swipes long, floppy white-blond hair away from his dark eyes and grins. He circles me like a tiger poised to attack, and my panic ratchets higher.

“You spent the night with a murderous vampire and the only gargoyle I know who hates humans,” he murmurs close to my ear. “And yet, you fear me? Silly girl. I think your survival instincts have failed you.”

“I'm not afraid of you,” I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest and spinning in time with him so I'm always facing him. His eyes are pure black; the longer I stare, the more I realize there's no distinguishable pupil.

Pointy canines dig into his lip as his eyes take me in from head to toe. His long fingers stretch out. He grabs a curl, lightly tugging, and chuckles.

“This should be fun.” He runs a finger over my cheek. His powerful shoulders flex underneath the t-shirt. “Would you like something to settle your nerves? Hard liquor, wine, a shot of pure lust to lower your inhibitions?”

My mouth falls open. I feel like a total idiot. He's an incubus. I really should have guessed that the second I saw him.

He twirls in a move so fluid, ballerinas would be impressed. Gently gripping my shoulders, he guides me to the couch. There's a mirror on the wall above the back of the couch.

Arsyn gives a look of confusion when he spots us. I glance at him over my shoulder, but he directs me to take the middle seat.

He sits next to me, but his large frame seems to take up all the space.

“Should I throw you right into the fire, or would you like some idea of what I need from you?” Arsyn asks.

I have no idea what to make of this place. The Monster's Den is a business that sells sex, so why is it even a question? I mean, shouldn't it be obvious what he needs from me, especially since he's a demon who feeds on lust and sex? Or maybe not?

He glances down at a large watch on his wrist. “Come on,” he says, standing. “Unfortunately, we've run out of time.”

He leads us through a door across from where Aline brought us in earlier. Arsyn's huge frame warms my back as we head down a hallway and eventually step into another small vestibule.

A beautiful demon with bright red lips smirks when she spots us. “Arsyn,” she says, giving us a once-over. “Who's your companion?”

“This is Emerson,” he replies, wrapping his arm around my lower back. He pulls me in close to his side. “She's Dread's personal guest.”

“I'll let them know you'll be joining the next hand,” she says, heading into a door behind her desk.

Once she's gone, Arsyn tilts my head up to his. “Your job is simply to look beautiful and make them all believe you're absolutely delighted to be in my company. Things tend to get a bit violent from time to time, but I assure you, I won't let anything happen to you.”

“Oh yeah, that's extremely comforting,” I say, snorting a laugh.

“The violence never extends to guests,” Arsyn says against my ear. “However, just to be safe, I made it clear you also belong to Dread. Some might be stupid enough to challenge me, but none would dare touch a hair on your head after my declaration.”

He spins me and pulls me flush with his front.

My eyes blink rapidly as I try to focus on his features.

Those dark eyes of his are like black pits.

It feels like he could stare right inside my soul if he wanted to.

Something moves at his back, instantly catching my attention, but it's gone in a blink.

“Do you have wings?” I ask, staring at his shoulders where I swear I just saw a pair of wings flutter.

“Mmm, I do. You should not be able to see them, though,” he says, brushing a finger over my cheek.

“Focus on what I'm saying.” He stares into my eyes, and I give a nod to let him know I'm listening.

“If you play your part correctly, you'll keep my opponents distracted. If you do that, then violence is highly unlikely.”

I swallow thickly. “Okay, what, exactly, do I need to do?”

Arsyn bends down, brushing his lips against mine.

They're incredibly soft and plush. “Look at no other man as you're now looking at me—that would be a good start.

Otherwise, I'll have to kill them myself.” He laughs at the look of horror that covers my face.

“I'm only joking. Worry about nothing, try to enjoy yourself, and let me do the rest.”

My heart feels like it could beat right out of my chest. I'm so confused, but I need this job. I'll do whatever has to be done to ensure I succeed.

“Okay.”

“Good girl,” he murmurs as his lips ghost over mine. “Perhaps just a taste.” He pulls me closer with his hand on my hip and shoves his tongue in my mouth.

My neck twists, giving him easier access as his hand slides to my ass. He cups my bottom over the dress and groans into the kiss. His tongue swirls against mine, causing desire to pulse through my system with staggering force.

A soft pinkish-blue silvery smoke flows out around our lips when they meet.

His teeth scrape over my bottom lip as he pulls back, and I follow his mouth like the thirsty bitch I suddenly am.

My knees clench together, trying to settle the throbbing in my clit, but it only makes it worse. My legs feel like jelly.

Glaring at the sex demon, I hiss, “You asshole.” I jab my finger at his chest. “You dosed me with lust.”

“I did. It will allow you to relax and truly enjoy the experience.”

I grumble under my breath, but the door opens and the demon returns.

“You're all set,” she says. “Good luck.”

It suddenly feels like I'm really going to need it.