Page 10 of Deviled Eggs (One Handed Holidays: Crossed Swords Edition #4)

Xalreth

“Put your wings away.”

Though he tries to hide it, Micah’s excitement is written in the subtle details—the crinkling of his eyes, a slight upturn of his lips. They’re barely perceptible under his practiced mask of composure, but it would seem I’ve been paying more attention than I’d like to admit.

That excitement melts away, replaced by a nervous apprehension. His purple eyes cloud with a raw, unfamiliar vulnerability I imagine he doesn’t allow many to see. “What?”

I reach down and drag my fingers through the downy feathers of his wings. They’re enormous, pushing fifteen feet when extended, but even when he draws them close, they are bulky. It has to be an inconvenience, but aside from the times we’ve been glamoured, I’ve never seen him without them.

“Put them away.”

He subconsciously flexes them in a ripple that cascades through the pure white. “Why?”

My brow lifts at his uncertainty. “Why do you always have them out?”

He diverts his gaze as he chews on his bottom lip. “In the Angel community, wings are a declaration of power. By keeping mine out…”

“You show them who’s the boss,” I finish for him, and he gives a sheepish shrug. “Well…” I lean closer and press my lips to the hinge of his jaw, and he shudders underneath me. “You’re not the boss here, are you?” I kiss a path up his jawline until I reach his ear, and he shivers as I nip at the lobe. “I have plans for you, angel, and they might get in my way. Now, be a good boy and put them away.”

A heavy breath saws from his nose as he nods, and his eyes close as they disappear. Without them, he feels so much smaller beneath me.

Softer.

Fragile, almost. Breakable, despite his powerful body.

“Let’s find a more comfortable spot, shall we? Take us to my home.”

“ Your home? I can’t be spotted gallivanting around Hell, I—”

“Micah.” It’s all I say, just his name, but his jaw clenches shut and his eyes flicker closed as he inhales deeply, a tremor running through his shoulders. “Don’t be a brat by making me ask a second time.”

He must be more flustered than I realize, because he doesn’t even stand before the tingling of his magic surrounds us. The world fades, and humid air blankets us as the darker landscape of Hell appears. A deep chuckle rumbles from my throat as I press my lips to his jaw again, and his head twists as he catches my mouth.

“Didn’t take you for an exhibitionist,” I murmur against his needy kiss, “but there’s not much I won’t try.” His eyes shoot open as he pushes me away with a violent shove. I land hard on my back with a thud, and a few surprised gasps ring from the onlookers.

Micah has never been inside my home before, so he teleported us outside my building. It’s a busy market square, and where we normally meet.

Only this time, we were making out like a couple of horny teenagers on the ground.

It’s late enough in the evening for the streetlights to be on, and they cast a warm glow on the cobblestone streets. But this is Hell, and it never sleeps. People mill about, and the foot traffic has stopped to stare.

Micah’s angular face twists in panic, while his already pale skin becomes almost ghostly white. He scrambles to his feet, and his wide eyes sweep over the demons that have gathered, staring at us. I jump off the ground and bolt over, snatching his wrist before he can disappear.

He’s a cornered animal as I back him against the stone of the building. “They don’t know who you are,” I whisper in his ear, but he shakes his head as he tries to wrestle from my grip. I use every bit of my strength holding him in place, my muscles screaming in protest. “Listen to me, Micah. Clear that pretty head for me, okay? They don’t recognize you, because your wings are not out, and you’re wearing… different… clothes…”

Reality slams into me in an instant as I trade his panic for my own. I stare in horror at the shredded leather bodysuit in tatters on my body. The seams are only intact around my ankles. A few stray threads cling desperately at my hips, threatening to unravel completely.

Everything is exposed.

Everything .

My ass, legs, and chest are naked for the world to see. If it wasn’t for the top half of the suit hanging down like a loincloth, my cock would be on display, too. Still in shock, my wide eyes move up to Micah’s.

And this motherfucker laughs.

For the second time tonight, peals of laughter roll from deep in his belly, only this time they’re hysterical. Arms hugging his stomach, he pitches forward as he howls. He laughs so hard he has to take a gasping breath in, and the noises only draw more eyes to us.

“Come on,” I snap as I grab his arm and yank him after me. His manic, unrestrained laughter follows as I push through the glass doors of the lobby.

My doorman, Dyzan, lazily flips through a book as he spares me a glance. “Good evening, Mr. Xal… wow , what the fuck happened to you?” He does a double take, and I bare my teeth at him with a growl. Shrinking back in his seat, he cowers even as his eyes sweep over my body, and I continue to lead Micah through the building. The elevator is waiting at the ground level, and I drag him inside.

Agitated, I whirl to face him, but my annoyance sputters out when I find his gorgeous, radiant smile. Over the years, Micah and I have been in the same room plenty of times. Normally, it’s when I’m standing idly by or taking notes for The Lucifer, but he’s always been stony faced and serious.

Who knew the angel with the resting bitch face and razor blade tongue had a smile capable of eclipsing a thousand suns?

Crinkled with laughter, his eyes catch mine and something fundamental in my gut twists as I find it hard to breathe. My chest constricts and I fight for air, while my pulse dances in a dizzying rhythm under my ribs.

All because the most annoying Archangel on the planet is smiling at me.

Fuck, this is bad .

“Find this funny, do you?” Attempting to keep my cover from being blown, I lace my voice with malice, but his smile only widens. Two adorable dimples appear on his cheeks, and they seal my fate.

I know I’m doomed.

He wipes at the joyful tears in his eyes as he chuckles. “I didn’t think about us being exposed like that. Please don’t be upset with me, Xal. It wasn’t intentional.”

“You’re making it very hard for me to be mad at you,” I say as I step closer, pinning him against the side of the elevator.

“So don’t be mad.”

“You make it sound so simple.”

“Should I apologize?” There’s a light, teasing edge to his tone that makes me chuckle.

“I can think of a few ways you can make amends.” He’s still smiling as he closes the distance, and I don’t stop him this time as he finds my mouth. Our lips move together seamlessly, and he allows me to stay in control even as he kisses me back. His lips part, inviting me inside as I find his tongue with mine.

My hands land on his hips, and he lets out the most glorious whine as I tease my fingers inward. I reach his cock right as the elevator dings, and the firm metal under my grip makes me lift my eyes to his in surprise.

“You’re caged?” Micah bites his lip and reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a small silver key that he pushes into my palm. The elevator doors slide open and his gaze drifts to the demons waiting to enter, but I stay put even as they gawk. I refuse to move until he finally answers me with a shy nod.

I’m already busting out of a leather bodysuit. How much worse could it get?

“Don’t look at them, look at me.” His eyes flick over my shoulder, then lock back on mine. “Your attention belongs on me, angel, okay? No one else.”

“Yeah, alright,” he whispers, and I can’t contain my smile.

“God, I can’t wait to ruin you,” I murmur as I tap his cage and press a kiss to his jaw. That delicious flush deepens on his cheeks as I take his hand and lead him into the hallway, and he groans as a few giggles and catcalls follow us. As soon as we’re inside my condo, I pin him against the closed door. His eyes are half-lidded as he stares at me, his lips just barely parted.

“Hang your halo at the door, angel. You’re in my version of Heaven now, and you won’t need it here.” His tongue flicks out to wet his lips, and I take my time, allowing my eyes to roam over his nervous figure.

“You’re exquisite.” My fingers trace along the column of his throat. He lifts his chin, and my thumb rests over his Adam’s apple, feeling it bob as he swallows. “There needs to be a collar on this pretty neck. Then I could put a leash on you any time I want, lead you around like the slut you are. Would you enjoy that?”

“Yeah.” He draws in a tiny gasp as I squeeze tighter, my thumb pushing into his windpipe.

“I’ll have you all locked up, won’t I? Your neck…” I begin at his throat and slowly, deliberately, trace my fingers down his torso. They dip into every hard contour of his muscles, relishing the warmth of his skin as he writhes in response. “Your cock…” He bucks his hips as I palm his caged dick, pressing on the metal bars beneath his pants. “How long have you been wearing this?”

“Since you sent it to me.” A thrill runs up my spine at his gravelly confession, so intense it almost causes me to shiver. The cage was only half the package, though, and I wonder what else he’s been doing in secret.

“That makes me so very happy, angel,” I murmur as I slide my hands around his ass, finding the metal base of the plug snug between his cheeks. “You’ve been stretching, huh? Been attending all those important meetings while prepping yourself for me?”

His eyes close and his head thunks back against the door, nodding frantically as I push on the base. My cock gives an insistent throb at the thought, and I grab at the hem of his sweater and wrestle it over his head. As soon as his hands are free, his palms land on my cheeks and his mouth finds mine. Our bare chests meet as I lean into him, wedging my leg between his knees and smiling against his lips as he moans.

Kissing Micah is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s more than lips and tongues—he kisses me with his entire body, and I kiss him back with mine. I can’t get enough. Even in control, I’m a slave to him and starving for more.

I need to take until he has nothing left to give.

We break apart when we both need air, heavy breaths panting between us as I nip at his bottom lip. “Are you sure you’re ready to do this?”

He nods, pressing another kiss to my lips. “I… I want to turn it all off, Xal. Please… I want you to possess me. Own me.”

I take a moment to really look into the amethyst depths of his eyes, searching for any signs of insecurity. His pupils are blown, his long, fair lashes fluttering, but there’s no uncertainty hiding there. “Alright, angel. Pants off, on the bed, ass in the air.”

We walk into my bedroom, where he hesitates as he unbuttons his pants, nervously glancing at me with his fingers on his zipper. I lift a brow at his pause. “Not getting shy on me now, are you? Afraid to let me see that giant cock tucked away in its little cage?”

“No, it’s not that…”

“Then take them off, Micah.”

He swallows again, his defined cheekbones positively neon red as he unzips his black pants. As he works them lower on his hips, the unexpected sight of what’s underneath makes my blood tingle as my inner demon purrs.

“What do we have here?” I murmur as I palm my cock, unable to help it as my hips flex. “Did you dress up for me?”

White lace peeks out from beneath his slacks, forming the band of a garter belt that hugs his trim waist. The tiniest roll pushes over the top as he bends over, and I’m dying to drop to my knees and slide my tongue along that exquisite stretch of skin. His pants inch down further, exposing a lacy thong with his caged cock trapped underneath. When he finally lets his slacks fall to the ground, I hear a low growl rumble from my throat, out of my control. Lace-topped sheer stockings hug his thighs, clipped to his garter belt with satin ribbon.

It’s the most incredible paradox—the delicate, innocent fabric sitting against the dips and curves of his powerful physique, molded to it as though it’s painted on. He’s a masterpiece, a living painting, and the perfect canvas for each brushstroke.

Every single detail is flawless.

His porcelain, shimmering skin shining from behind the lace. The wispy white hairs on his legs that push through the weave of the fabric. The roll of his muscles underneath, and his nervous shifting as he steps out of his clothing.

“Jesus Christ, are you trying to kill me?”

His eyes hit the floor, and those long lashes rest on his skin as he flushes even deeper, the pink spreading down his neck. “Do you like it?”

“Did you do this for me?” He glances at me through his lashes as he nods, and that annoying ache in my chest spreads to a fucking wildfire as I fight to control myself. “No one else has ever seen you in this?”

“Only you.”

“Were you wearing this the last time we saw each other? At the park?”

“Yeah,” he admits, chewing on his bottom lip as he tries to glance away, but I grip his chin and force his eyes to stay on mine. “I… I wanted to look pretty for you.”

The words pierce me straight in the heart, and I tug him forward to leave a soft kiss on his lips. “Get on the bed, angel, and let me appreciate this.” Alabaster skin and white-woven hair contrast beautifully against my black comforter, and the mattress dips as I kneel at his feet. His abdomen muscles flex as he lifts his head, that roll of skin bulging over the top of the elastic again.

“Fucking perfect,” I mutter as I drag my fingertips up the stockings. “Funny enough, white is slowly becoming my favorite color.”

His eyes are hooded as they watch me explore, his stomach lifting with his heavy breaths. The sweetest moan tumbles from his throat as I drop my lips to the inside of his calf, kissing a line up his leg. Long fingers grip the comforter as his spine arches, his legs spreading further in anticipation.

By the time I reach his thigh, he’s trembling, and I withdraw to grin at him as he writhes. “Lift your knees and show me.” His powerful legs pull up and apart, displaying the base of a crystal-studded plug. “This is the biggest one?”

“Y-Yeah,” he whispers.

“How many times did you get off while you worked those in?”

“None.”

“Don’t lie to me, angel. We both know how easily you get overwhelmed.” I wrestle the remains of the bodysuit off until I’m standing naked, gripping my cock as I watch his ass flex, trying to pull the plug deeper.

“I didn’t… I haven’t, not since…” He trails off, and his eyes flicker between the art on the walls and the items on the dresser, looking everywhere but at me.

“Since the alley?” Micah nods, still refusing to meet my gaze. “You haven’t come since you had my cock in your mouth?”

“No,” he whispers, his fingers fisting in the sheets as I climb between his legs, running my palms along his thighs. He gasps as I drop my head, and his hips roll as I slide his panties aside, licking between the wires of his cage and pushing on his plug.

“Bet you’re fucking desperate, aren’t you?”

“Please, Xal,” he whimpers as I wrap my lips around the cage and suck. “Please fuck me. I need it.”

“Not yet, angel.” He whines and reaches for me as I climb off the bed and walk to a nightstand. Open curiosity covers his face as I pull out a handful of black nylon straps.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, this?” My tone is conversational as I dig deeper. “This is a harness, and this ,” I say as I show him a large silicone dildo, “is what I’m attaching to it.”

“Why?”

“Why?” I chuckle, glancing at his wide eyes as I attach the fake cock and toss everything on the mattress beside him before returning to the drawer. “Because we’re going to play a little game.” Micah’s eyes flare as he watches me pull out a set of restraints, and I do a double take as I take him in.

I thought I was prepared for this, but nothing could’ve prepared me for Micah sprawled out on my bed. Finger-tousled hair and flushed cheeks, white lace and pure, unadulterated need.

He’s mind-blowingly beautiful.

Another squeeze constricts my chest as I grab his wrist and place a kiss on his pulse point before wrapping the leather around it and securing the buckle.

“You’re allowed to keep one hand out for now,” I say as I walk to the foot of the bed and secure his ankles, attaching his limbs to the posts while leaving him some length to move. His gaze never leaves me, and I toss the fourth restraint aside for later.

He swallows hard as he nods at my hands. “Do I get to know what that is?”

I grin as I straighten the black straps. “This is your cock.”

“My… my what?” His brows scrunch as I work the harness around his waist and between his legs, until the pale pink silicone dick juts up from his hips, mere inches above his cage.

“Your cock,” I repeat, dragging my fingers along his cage. “Since this one is mine, it only felt right to give you one, too.” He frowns as I kneel between his knees and lean forward, letting a thread of my spit drip onto the dildo.

“Stroke your cock, Micah.”