Page 10

My mouth opens slightly, and I squeeze my thighs together to try and stop my body from betraying me. Instinctively, I grab his hips and pull him against me.

God what am I doing?

I need this man. I have to have him.

With a roaring laugh, he says, “I’m the only god in this room… so I’ll answer your question for you. You are doing exactly what you want. You already have me, Dani.”

My eyes widen as I feel his huge arousal against me. I smile, knowing I have the same effect on him as he does on me.

“You summoned us. We are now tied to you whether you like it or not. We belong to you. Now, take a bath like you want. I’ll send Amelia up with some clothes and your bag.”

I quickly cut him off, “Amelia? Who the hell is Amelia?” He takes a slight step back, “She is like my sister. Anyway, you can call Julia, but you are NOT to tell her any of this... Do I make myself clear? If you do, there will be consequences.”

I glare at him. “I love consequences.” I go to swat his hand away from my throat, but his grip tightens slightly. “Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?” He pulls away from my ear, and his blue gaze rips into my soul.

“Fine…” I say back calmly, shocked by my lack of outrage. I hate being told what to do, especially by a man, but this man… I have a feeling I’ll do anything he asks.

He flashes a smile, “Good girl. I’ll be downstairs.” His voice is firm as he releases his grip from my throat, the pressure is instantly replaced by a chilling emptiness.

Without another word, he spins on his heel and walks out of the room, the sharp crack of the door slamming echoing like a gunshot in the silence that follows.

There is no way I can unwind and fully immerse myself in the soothing warmth of the tub.

The water’s inviting nature holds no appeal, so I quickly opt for a brisk shower instead.

Once I finish, I vigorously wrap myself in a soft, fluffy red towel, the fabric providing a slight sense of comfort as I step back into the room.

A gentle knock interrupts the silence, and before I can respond, a woman sweeps in with an effervescent energy that fills the space.

“Hi! Oh, I am so excited to meet you!” she exclaims, her voice bright and cheerful. Her long, white, crimped hair flows around her waist.

With a flourish, she sets down a neatly folded pile of clothes and my bag on the bed; the dark hues of the fabric caught my eye. She rushes over to me in a burst of enthusiasm and envelops me in a warm, surprising, embrace.

“I’m Amelia! I’ll be assisting with anything you need while you’re here!

” she says, releasing me and stepping back with a wide grin.

Her big brown eyes sparkle enthusiastically, and I can already sense her vibrant personality.

“I’m a crappy cook, but luckily I still have some of my magic!

So just let me know what you like, and I can make it appear in seconds. Go ahead, try me!”

Her energy is contagious, and despite the whirlwind of emotions I feel, I find myself smiling in response to her infectious spirit.

“Uh, hi. Um, okay. Well, I don’t need anyone helping me... but I truly appreciate you bringing me some clothes. As for the food, how about a big cheese pizza?”

“Nonsense!” Amelia exclaims, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “You are going to be family! I’ll make sure you’re all set with outfits, dresses, and maybe even some sexy lingerie,” she winks playfully. Lingerie… why the hell would she bring me that?

Amelia wiggles her nose and snaps her fingers as a large cheese pizza appears. My mouth falls open. What in the actual fuck is going on right now?

“See? Anything.” She shrugs her shoulders. “I just wiggle my nose to be like the show Bewitched. I think it adds character. What do you think? ”

“Uh, yeah. I’m sorry, what are you?”

“I’m a celestial being, of course.” She says nonchalantly as if I should have known.

“I have no clue what that means,” I say.

She steps forward, reaching for the towel wrapped around me, but I quickly hold it in place. “Stop. That won’t be necessary. I can dress myself,” I reply, my voice firm.

This is so fucking weird…

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to offend you,” she rushes to explain, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I just haven’t had a friend in forever, and the men can be SO dull sometimes. Please, just get dressed, and I can at least help you with your hair!”

Her focus turns to the cascade of wet, auburn locks that spill over my shoulders. “What’s wrong with my hair?” I ask, pulling it to one side defensively.

“Nothing, dear girl! I just want to do something special for you. Now, get dressed!” Amelia insists, practically bouncing on her toes with anticipation.

“I checked your sizes last night when you were sleeping. Adonis said it was okay for me to do so. I hope you like what I picked out! I can basically summon anything you want to wear.”

With that, she eagerly grabs a pair of dark jeans from the bed, the fabric soft and slightly distressed, and hands them to me. “Thanks.” She stays there... staring at me. “A little privacy please...”

“Oh, right! I forget how modest you humans can be!” She turns around. “So… you’re a fallen angel, not a demon?” I drop the towel, grab the red lacy garments on the bed, and put them on.

“Goddess, no! A fallen angel, sure, if that’s what you want to call me.

I like the term, celestial being though.

Kind of like Adonis... but he was a god, so he was a much bigger deal than I.

But once we were both condemned to this place and out of the afterlife, we met Octavia and foolishly thought she could help us. Adonis was smitten with her. ”

“Octavia?” I ask with a hint of jealousy while pulling my jeans up. They fit perfectly. I grab the dark green long-sleeve shirt and put that on, too. The lowcut neckline showcases my tits nicely. I’m not going to complain about that.

“You have so much to learn! Octavia was the witch who turned her back on all of us centuries ago. Once we were all condemned here, well not so much me as I was sent here to help the guys— Adonis met Octavia. He fell in love, so he thought, and she was going to help the guys get back into the afterlife… but she is a liar. She is the reason for the curse over the town and over us. We are trapped here because of her. Adonis took me under his wing once we both were fallen, cast out from the afterlife. He took care of me. They all did. They are my brothers. Not really, but I say they are. The three have always cared for me and treated me like family. Anyway, when Octavia got what she wanted from Adonis, she cursed the whole town and us in it. So, I’m stuck here with them until you can lift the curse.

We all are. Once you lift Octavia’s curse, then we should be able to go back into the afterlife. ”

Jesus this is confusing.

“I thought you were all condemned though? How can you go back into the afterlife?” I ask.

“Ah… it seems I have said too much. You’ll see.”

Whatever that means…

I change the subject, “Are there more of you? Here in this house?”

Amelia glances over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling excitedly as she ensures I’m appropriately dressed.

Turning back to face me, she beams, “You look stunning! Just the four of us live in this house. This is their mansion, a truly enchanting place. From the outside, it appears to be a humble, weather-worn shack, but within these walls, it pulsates with formidable demon magic—the most potent kind. There are countless rooms to discover, each holding its secrets and wonders. However, remember that entry into Adonis, Killian, and Dax’s private chambers requires an invitation.

Fortunately, you are already welcome in Adonis’ space whenever you wish.

As for me, my door is always open! Just imagine the fun we could have with sleepovers! ”

“I have so many questions… How did you guys get condemned? What did Octavia get from Adonis?”

“Ah, yes. Well, she tricked him in thinking he was her mate so he fell in love with her but only because of her influence. She stole a piece of his soul. I was brought here to help them, I think. I’m probably telling you too much, but, oh well.”

She stole a piece of his soul…

“This is Adonis’ room, then?” I inquire, my curiosity piques about whether I will be staying here and for how long.

“Yes, this is indeed his,” Amelia replies, gesturing toward the softly-lit chamber. “I’ve been informed that you will be occupying this room. It holds a profound essence of magic, so tread carefully in your actions and words. Adonis has a way of knowing.”

She steps closer, her voice dropping to an almost conspiratorial whisper. “He possesses the ability to sense intentions and delve into thoughts.”

Great. Fucking great.

Adonis absolutely knows how I was feeling earlier, and I’m not sure what to think about that.

“Oh, and Dani,” Amelia whispers as she’s about to walk out, “Don’t try to leave. It won’t work and you’ll just piss them off.”

I smile and nod. Amelia leaves and closes the door behind me.

Yeah, fuck that. I’m leaving.