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C harlotte awoke from another blissfully dreamless sleep. She could feel Roman lying behind her, his warm body surrounding her. Their legs entwined, and his powerful arm wrapped tightly around her waist, hugging her to him in a tight, possessive embrace. She melted into him, loving the feel of his body against hers. His warm breath softly caressed her neck as he slept beside her.

Her body ached in the most delicious way. Everything was sore from their marathon lovemaking. They had stayed in this bed for the rest of the day and all night, making love every which way that was humanly possible and sometimes in ways she hadn’t known were possible.

When they weren’t having life-changing erotic sex, they had laid in each other’s arms, learning everything they could about each other. Roman had asked about her life, hating that the only safe person she had in her life had passed away, leaving her alone in this world.

She’d told him how Ava had lived down the street with an abusive stepfather and how her beloved grandmother took her in, giving her a safe home alongside Charlotte. Then, how their world came crashing down when she died, and they’d been living day to day, working multiple jobs just to eat and keep a roof over their heads. Then she’d told him about Kate, the young girl they’d basically adopted like a little sister, and her worry for her and the baby.

Of course, that conversation had ended with her in tears over her missing friend and concern for whether Kate was okay as she’d be getting closer to her due date. Roman vowed to find Ava and make sure she was safe. He also promised to put plans in place for Kate and the baby, saying he’d set up a house close by and send some of the fallen to collect her, making sure she settled in and was safe, as he’d kissed away her tears, reassuring her all would be okay. She loved how caring he was toward her, how he wanted to make the world safe for her. It only made Charlotte hate herself more for lying to him and planning to get one of these fallen angels to kill her somehow.

Charlotte didn’t think she had the nerve to do it herself. She was too much of a coward when it came to pain. She couldn’t even handle stubbing her toe. Weakling , she cursed herself. Why couldn’t she be strong enough to just do the job herself? It would make things so much easier. Maybe she could throw herself from a building or jump in front of a bus. The depressing thoughts ruined the happy sex bubble she had awoken in.

Charlotte’s stomach growled, hunger hitting her full force.

Roman had snuck out long enough to make her a sandwich last night, which he presented to her proudly as if he’d conquered the world for her. She had grinned and devoured it, not having the heart to tell him it wasn’t as good as Grigori’s. Her mouth watered, picturing the sandwich. She had to get something to eat.

Moving as slowly as she could, she slid out of Roman’s embrace. He must have been exhausted because she managed to slide out of the bed without him moving an inch.

She stood there, hungrily raking her gaze over his glorious, tanned body. He looked like a sleeping god as he lay stretched out along the entire length of the bed. The sheet draped low over his hip, a dusting of dark blond hair disappearing underneath it, hiding her prize.

Charlotte had to snap herself out of her perve-a-thon. Get it together, girl. You need food.

On cue, her stomach gave another annoyed growl. She gave Roman another quick once over, biting her bottom lip in admiration of the sex machine that lay sleeping, then started looking around for her clothes. A naughty smile covered her face as she remembered he’d torn the pants and jumper from her body the afternoon before.

She found the pants on the floor at the foot of the bed, torn in two. Shit. Then she spied the jumper over on the floor near the window.

Charlotte crept over and picked it up. Also torn into pieces. Shit, shit, shit. She had no clothes. What the hell was she supposed to do? She didn’t even have any underwear. She eyed Roman’s chest of drawers, throwing a glance over her shoulder to make sure he was still asleep, then crept over to it slowly, opening the one she’d watched him go into when he’d retrieved the clothes before.

Jackpot. She grinned to herself, finding black sweatpants and jumpers folded neatly. She snatched a set and pulled them on in record time before she snuck over to the door, giving her sleeping warrior one last appreciative gaze as she quietly closed it behind her.

Charlotte tiptoed through the empty halls of the house. She couldn’t hear anyone moving about as she made her way down the stairs, her stomach leading her straight to the large kitchen.

She bee-lined for the coffee machine, staring at it like it was an alien from another planet for a good five minutes, trying to figure out how to work all the buttons.

I just want a coffee. She pouted. After another five minutes of tinkering around, she placed a mug under it, and off it went, making noises and fussing about.

While the coffee machine went about its business, Charlotte opened the doors to the sleek, black, double-door fridge and grinned like a little schoolgirl who had found a secret pile of treats.

I’ve struck gold. She gave a small squeal of delight, her eyes hungrily scanning all the food. Charlotte couldn’t believe it. Never in all her life had she seen so much food, and not just regular food stamp, bottom-of-the-line food, it was all expensive, top-of-the-range, best brand, best quality food.

She had lived paycheck to paycheck for so long, Ava and her scraping together enough change to share a packet of instant noodles for a meal, that she felt like it was all an illusion, a nasty trick of the mind she was playing on herself.

I could get used to this , she thought, quickly pushing the notion away. You won’t be around that long.

There were fresh fruits of every kind, some she’d never even seen before. Containers full of all kinds of sliced meats, hams, salamis, roast beef, roast chicken, and more. Chocolates, cakes, and sodas lined the shelves as well. She may as well have opened the door to a supermarket.

The freezer was filled with ice cream, waffles, hot pockets, and anything and everything that could be put in the microwave. She snuck a quick peek at the bottom and found even more delicious food. The choices were overwhelming. She was so hungry she was almost willing to eat a frozen waffle.

Charlotte shut the freezer, eyeing the shelves in the fridge again. She found a plate wrapped up with what looked like a fresh roll, meats, cheese, and salad. Bingo. With a twinge of guilt, she realized someone had clearly made it for themselves, but her stomach made the decision for her with a loud rumble. She was stealing the roll.

Swiftly grabbing it from the fridge, she turned and placed it on the counter in the center of the kitchen. She ripped the Saran wrap off, almost drooling as she snatched it and took a huge bite, eyes sliding shut, groaning as she chewed. So good.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” an amused voice said from the doorway.

Charlotte jumped, nearly dropping the roll. Her cheeks heated, horrified she’d been caught stealing someone’s food. She gulped the mouthful down, quickly wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She turned, not recognizing who had spoken.

Leaning casually against the door frame was someone she vaguely remembered sitting around the marble table the morning before.

He was huge, easily over six feet, with dark-brown skin and golden, amber-colored eyes. His navy shirt was tight, his muscles bulging underneath it. He had dark brown dreadlocks that sat just above his shoulders, and his body swallowed up the doorway as a sly smirk pulled at his lips.

Charlotte couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was something in the way he watched her. Like she was his prey, and he would pounce any minute.

She quickly shook the feeling off. It was a silly thought. Everyone here was a fallen angel, just like Roman. They were his family, so she was completely safe here. Paranoid much?

“No, of course not. I was just fixing myself a snack,” she answered casually, praying that the roll wasn’t his as she took another huge bite. That would be embarrassing.

“Is there anything I could help you with?” he asked her, slowly making his way around the kitchen, running his hand along the counter. His eyes never left her.

Charlotte shook her head. “No, no, thank you.” She picked up the roll again, taking another bite. The feeling she should flee the room overwhelmed her.

“My name is Turel. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Charlotte. I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said, coming to a stop beside her, holding out his hand.

Charlotte cautiously placed her hand in his, and he gave it a formal shake, giving her another crooked smile.

“You must be an amazing woman. From what I saw yesterday, Roman is very smitten with you, reckless even. In all my years, I don’t think I have ever seen him like this.” He gave her another smile, this one dazzling her.

She almost fanned herself. My god, he must drive the ladies nuts. His smile was contagious, and she couldn’t help but grin back, her uneasy thoughts from earlier forgotten. “I am pretty smitten with him myself.”

Turel crossed his muscular arms over his chest, leaning his hip against the counter. “He must be extremely concerned about what is happening, what with Lucifer having his minions hunting for you.”

Charlotte’s heart sank again. Nothing was going to stop Lucifer and his demons from hunting her down. She had to figure out what she was going to do. “I think if I stay here, I’m selfishly putting you all at risk. But I don’t think Roman will let me leave.” She didn’t know why she was even talking to Turel about any of this, but the way his brow creased with concern and how he gave her a slight nod as if he understood what she was saying, made her feel comfortable. It also reminded her that she’d been alone since all this craziness began, with no one to vent to, to tell her concerns to. “What do you think?” she asked, frowning slightly as a hint of dizziness hit her, but she shook it off.

She found herself looking at Turel, craving a conversation, anything from anyone who might share her opinion on what to do. She couldn’t tell Roman her thoughts. Hell, he’d probably freak out and lock her back up in his dungeon. Maalik was out. Being Roman’s brother, he was Team Roman, for sure . He can’t be trusted, she thought with a frown. She didn’t think she could ask Grigori to help, and Armaros was out of the question. Everyone was too loyal to Roman.

“I think Roman is too close to the situation. When it comes to you, I don’t think he will think rationally or make the right choice,” Turel said the last words deliberately, slowly watching her for her reaction.

Maybe he could help , she thought, a flutter of hope filling her. The way Turel had carefully worded his sentence and watched her reaction gave her a little confidence boost. The fact that no one else was around helped as well. She shook her head again, feeling a little foggy. The overwhelming feeling she could trust Turel flooded her.

“How do you think it will all play out?” she asked nervously.

“I think the end is inevitable,” he told her, unfolding his arms and taking a small step closer to her, quickly eyeing the door.

He’s making sure we’re alone. He could be what I’m looking for. Her mind raced. If Turel could help her follow through with her plan, even by helping her get out of the mansion without Roman knowing, she just might pull it off.

“What do you mean?”

He paused for a moment, stealing another look at the door. He took another step; she could practically feel his breath on her face as he leaned in close. “There is no escaping your destiny, Charlotte. I’m sorry, but I think someone wrote your destiny long ago, and no matter what Roman or any of the other fallen do, in the end, you will fall. I think the ritual will be done. You will die.” He spoke so softly he was almost whispering. She could tell by the way he kept glancing at the door, then back at her with his golden eyes, that he was afraid someone might hear them. “I think Lucifer will rise and lay waste to this planet.”

Charlotte swallowed back the tears she could feel rising. Get it together. Now is not the time , she scolded herself. “I agree with you,” she whispered to him, terrified someone would hear her.

Turel’s eyes widened in surprise. He definitely wasn’t expecting that.

“I don’t want anyone to die for me, Turel. I don’t want to see people hurt, and I definitely don’t want the world to burn. If Lucifer gets out, millions of people will suffer and die.” Charlotte shook her head, feeling helpless. “I don’t want that.”

Turel looked at her, his eyes piercing deep into her soul. A feeling of calm slowly inched over her. He made her feel safe. I can trust him. She didn’t know how or why, but she knew she could. She had this overwhelming feeling inside her that he was the one.

“What is it you want, Charlotte?” he asked her, barely a whisper.

Charlotte broke eye contact, looking down at her hands nervously, and realized they were shaking. What if someone heard us? What if Roman finds out? she thought, feeling groggy. She panicked, fear taking hold as she clasped her hands together, trying to stop the shaking.

“Charlotte?” Turel whispered harshly.

She snapped her eyes back to his, getting lost for a second in the deep amber of his gaze.

“What is it you want?” he asked again.

His voice calmed her, the fear ebbing away. Once again, Charlotte felt safe with him, a sense of trust flooding her, hope for what she had planned. Charlotte released her hands, balling them into fists, trying to brush off the sluggish feeling in her mind. You can do this, Charlotte. It’s now or never. “I want you to help me. I want you to help me get out of here without Roman knowing, and I want you to help me…” She trailed off, looking nervously around the room.

Was this the right thing to do? She didn’t know him, so how did she know she could trust Turel? An image of Roman lying peacefully in bed popped into her mind. How could she leave him? Tears crept up, and she could feel one escaping, slowly falling down her cheek.

“Help you what?” Turel’s voice cut through her thoughts, Roman’s image vanishing, replaced by Turel’s piercing gaze.

You can trust him. “I want you to help me… kill myself,” she whispered, so low she wasn’t even sure he could hear her.

The corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly, but his expression never faltered. He gave a slight nod, verifying he’d heard her whispered words. This was it. She had just organized her death. She had decided to go out on her terms, not some stupid prophecy that had been written by God knew who however many years ago. Not Lucifer’s, not anyone’s but her own.

“Meet me in half an hour outside by the pool. Tell Roman you’re going for a swim, whatever you need to do to get him to leave you alone for some time. We need just enough time to get out the front to my car, do you understand?” he asked her, gently grabbing her shoulders. “This will be your only chance, Charlotte.”

Charlotte stared at Turel for a moment. Could she really look Roman in the eyes and lie to him again, knowing it would be the last time they saw each other?

You have to do this , she told herself sternly. There was no other way—it had to be done. She couldn’t let Lucifer get out. Charlotte nodded. “I understand.”

“Understand what?”

Charlotte jumped out of her skin, a small cry escaping her lips before she could stop it.

Maalik stood in the doorway, as dashing as ever. He looked so much like Roman that she felt a guilty pang in her chest for what had just taken place.

Turel stepped away from Charlotte. “She wasn’t sure if she could help herself to the food, brother. I was just making sure Charlotte understood she was welcome to anything in our home. It’s what Roman would want.”

Maalik simply stared at Turel, suspicion clouding his face, his gaze finally resting on Charlotte. Don’t you blow this , she thought, trying to stay completely calm while her whole body screamed for her to flee the room.

Charlotte gave Maalik a big smile and let out a small laugh. “Yes, I was worried because I’d stolen someone’s roll from the fridge. I was starving and wasn’t thinking when I took it. Turel was just reassuring me it was fine.”

Maalik simply stared at her. He doesn’t believe me. Panic settled in. Maalik slowly looked back at Turel, then around the kitchen, stopping on the coffee machine. He made his way over, stopping in front of it, his back to them.

Charlotte gave Turel a panicked look. She was about to freak out; she could feel her resolve crumbling, and she was ready to burst into tears and tell Maalik everything. She was never any good at lying. Ava always did the lying for her. Turel slowly shook his head as if he knew what she was thinking.

“You must not forget to drink your coffee, Charlotte. I know how much you love the taste,” Maalik said, turning to them and giving her a small smile as he stirred it with a spoon and brought it over to her. “I added some sugar for you. I hope that’s alright,” Maalik said, handing it to her. “I watched Grigori do it yesterday when he made you one.”

Oh, thank god, he doesn’t know. She tried to take the coffee with steady hands. Be cool.

Charlotte took a big gulp, hoping the caffeine hit would calm her nerves. She couldn’t help it as her eyes closed and she savored the taste. It was amazing. Hands down, it was the best one she’d had since she arrived at the mansion. She eagerly took another sip.

“Why don’t you take your stolen food and coffee back to Roman’s room? I’m sure he will be wondering where you are,” Maalik said with a small smile, his eyes following her cup as she slowly brought it to her lips for another mouthful.

Charlotte nodded. “Yes, of course.” Thankful to escape the kitchen, she quickly nodded toward Turel. “It was nice to meet you properly,” she said, giving him a small smile, then walked past the two warriors, trying not to run out of there.

“Charlotte,” Maalik’s voice halted her.

She froze, and her stomach dropped. He knows. Her hands shook, nearly spilling her coffee.

“Don’t forget your food.” She turned to find him standing there, holding the plate out for her. Relief washed over her. This was too much. She couldn’t handle any more stress. She was about to explode.

“Silly me. Got lost in my coffee again,” she said with a small laugh. Charlotte took the plate and fled the kitchen.

I’ve got to get out of here , she thought, making her way back up the stairs, hoping with all her might that Roman was still sound asleep. Otherwise, she was screwed.