Page 168 of Wicked Believer

I cum again suddenly, even Azmodeus lifting a brow over how quick it came on. “What nasty little fantasy had you bucking like that, kitten?”

Azmodeus’s glowing eyes meet mine, and I realize if Lucifer can see all our darkest sins, then Azmodeus can ...

Azmodeus makes a beckoning nod at Lucifer, who steps forward for Azmodeus to whisper something into his ear.

Lucifer’s eyes widen slightly, the difference so subtle it’d be almost imperceptible if I weren’t completely fixated on his face. His gaze darts meaningfully across the room toward Azrael.

No. No, no, no, no.

He can’t know that I ...

Whatever look Lucifer and Azrael exchange, I’m unable to see it from where I’m leaned back on the exposure bench, but the next thing I know, Lucifer’s striding across the playroom toward him, beckoning Death from where he was leaning, arms crossed, against the wall. Lucifer bends in close, whispering into the other man’s ear. Azrael lookstoward him, eyes narrowed and angry, before his chilling stare falls to me and softens.

A thousand unspoken truths seem to pass between us in a single moment.

Azrael glances uncertainly toward Lucifer and then strides toward me.

He’s across the room and shouldering Azmodeus out of his way so fast, I can barely even process the relief of having Azmodeus’s touch gone before Azrael’s knelt beside me, one of his large hands stroking through my hair. “Eyes on me, baby girl.”

His touch is so soft, so gentle, I can’t help but lean into it.

“Your Lightbringer says you asked for me.”

Lucifer now stands a few feet away from us, watching us both, his eyes narrowed in curiosity. I’m vaguely aware of Azmodeus making a signal to the crowd that we’ve temporarily paused the scene, but then Azrael’s cupping my chin, his graveled voice rumbling through me.

“Don’t look at him. Look at me. What doyouwant, little siren?”

I swallow, my throat writhing as I stare uncertainly into Death’s infinite, knowing gaze.

“I ... I don’t know,” I confess.

“Okay.” He nods, a whole lifetime of understanding packed into one single look. He swipes away an errant tear from my cheek, still holding my gaze. “Then we wait, and you come see me after. Is that good for you, baby girl?”

I nod weakly.

When he calls me that, it’s almost enough to wash all my insecurities away.

I belong to Lucifer, but ...

Azrael feels like a true choice.

One not as wrapped up in fate.

And I don’t even know how to begin to make heads or tails of that.

Azrael cradles my face, his nose nearly brushing against mine as his eyes fall to my lips, like whatever this strange ache is between us, he feels it too.

“Okay,” he mumbles again, unexpectedly laying a gentle kiss on my forehead.

Abruptly, he releases me. He turns away, starting to stalk back toward his post, only to stop and whisper something I can’t hear into Lucifer’s ear.

Lucifer returns to me and Azmodeus then, who’s just reappeared by my side. Lucifer gives a subtle shake of his head.

Daddy Death won’t be joining us after all.

I look down toward the playroom floor, clearing my throat.

I think that might be for the best, honestly.