Page 37 of Hell Fae King

Because this wholepicnicwas a ruse.

Well, not a ruse, necessarily. But a way to butter me up before my training with Lucifer.

“I know what you’re doing,” I told Melek softly.

“Oh?” His eyes twinkled from the dual suns shining overhead, his pale skin a shade pinker thanks to the reddish glow all around us. My limbs resembled a similar hue, the ember-like atmosphere here in the palace courtyard seeming torepresent all of the Hell Fae Realm. “And what am I doing, little angel?”

“Distracting me from thinking about Lucifer’s training.”

“Hmm,” he hummed, taking a sip from his cup. “Or maybe I’m simply here to prepare you.” He glanced around the courtyard, his irises lighting up from a nearby pillar of fire, one that was decorated with a variety of vibrant flowers.

I admired the colors for a moment, noting the way the vines trailed along the stone paths—paths that Hell Fae were openly walking while conversing softly amongst themselves.

“How is this preparing me for training?” I wondered aloud, watching as two Hellhounds sauntered up a path while tossing a flaming ball back and forth like a toy. When they took off at a sprint for a field of black grass, I winced, recalling the razor-like blades that had decorated the Midnight Fae Palace Courtyards.

Fortunately, this field didn’t appear to be the same as they ran across it with ease while continuing to throw the fiery sphere to one another.

“Because this is where Ty plans to meet you,” Melek said, snapping my attention back to him.

“What?” I glanced around the courtyard with renewed interest. Or maybefearwas the right word. “Here? Where everyone can see us?”

A shiver traversed my spine. The last time Lucifer presented me in front of his Hell Fae, I was dressed in chains.

Chains that barely covered my feminine assets.

I swallowed.What is he planning?I wondered, memories of that infamous evening in his club assaulting me from all angles.

That was his version of a punishment, Cami,Melek answered into my mind. “He wants everyone to see how powerful you are,” he added aloud. “That’s why he chose this venue.”

I glanced sideways at him. “How powerful I am?” I repeated aloud. “You mean he wants them all to see why he considers me a threat?”

Melek sighed and cut off a piece of the crêpe to bring it up to my mouth.

When I didn’t accept his offering, he ate it himself. Then he leaned back on the blanket and propped himself up on his palms, his long legs stretching to cross at the ankles.

I stared at him, waiting for him to reply.

Instead, he tipped his head back to bathe his gorgeous face in the sunlight, his blondish-brown hair flowing back in a majestic wave.

“Your beauty isn’t going to distract me, Melek,” I told him.

“You think I’m a beauty?” he replied, his lips curling as his eyes closed. “I think you’re stunning.”

“He says without looking at me,” I deadpanned.

“I don’t need to see you to know what you look like,” he murmured. “You exist in my mind. In all ways.” He canted his head to peek at me through his thick, alluring lashes. “Although, I am a fan of your outfit choice.”

I rolled my eyes. “I assumed training would require running or fighting or something athletic.”

Ignoring me, he went on by saying, “Your legs look a mile long in those little black shorts. And that tight tank top exquisitely frames your breasts. It’s too bad you’re wearing a bra.” His gaze turned devilish, his thoughts just as sinful. “Maybe I should fix that before Ty arrives?”

“Stop trying to derail the conversation.”

“Would I do that?” he asked, the picture of innocence. His expression, tone, and general soft aura gave me no doubt as to his angelic heritage. But a sensual demon lurked beneath the saintly veneer.

A sensual demon that was currently considering ways he’d prefer toderail the conversationand ensuring I overheard every thought and detail.

“Do you do this to Lucifer?” I wondered aloud. “Fantasize openly about him?”