Into Temptation (A More Than Men Novella) (5 page)

“Hell is…Hell. It’s backbiting and dangerous. Burning and frozen. Barren and beautiful. It’s tempting and seductive. A grand court ruled by one of the most deadly and conniving beings you’ve ever met. Monroe scared you? He’s nothing compared to Lucifer.

“Satan has the ability to look straight into your soul and know it. Your darkest secrets, truest desires and deepest fears. And he’ll use that knowledge to torture you. Every day. Every moment. For eternity, forever and ever amen.”

The harsh words were meant as a caution. He was trying to talk her out of signing. But they had the opposite effect. They steadied her. Evie had known what she’d do from the moment Brone presented her with the offer.

And if he was smart, he’d known what her reaction would be as well. Obviously he did, because he was arguing with everything he had.

But at least now she knew exactly what she had to look forward to. The knowledge helped.

His palm curved around the nape of her neck. His fingers wove through her hair. A delicious tingle of anticipation shot down her spine. She tried to ignore it, but it was difficult. Before they’d become lovers, her body had wanted him and responded whenever he was close. Now…now that she’d tasted and experienced, she knew exactly what delicious pleasure he could give her.

Breath brushed softly against her cheeks as he pulled her in. His mouth touched hers, a perfect enticement. The kiss held none of the heat and urgency they’d been fighting against. Instead it was delicate and easy. The kind of kiss lovers give each other after years of comfortable moments together.

He pulled back and stared down at her with those dark, dangerous eyes. “Don’t sign it, Evie. You’ll regret it for eternity, and I don’t want that for you. I made the wrong choice. I can’t watch while you do the same thing.”

Pushing up on tiptoe, Evie rested her forehead against his. His sheltering wings rustled, cocooning them together. It would have been easy to think they were the only two beings in existence, but they weren’t.

With nothing between them, not even space, Evie stared deep into his eyes. She let him see everything, hid nothing of herself from him. The moment carried with it an edge of discomfort — most people didn’t like to leave themselves that vulnerable, and Evie was no exception. It went against every ingrained instinct, especially when the person you were baring your soul to was a fallen angel in the service of the devil.

“Will you be there? In Hell?”

“No.” The single word brushed against her lips. “I’ve been banished. And even if I wasn’t, that’s not how he works. The moment he realizes you want me there, he’ll use the promise of me to bend you to his will. I’d tell you to keep us a secret, but you won’t be able to. No one hides from Lucifer, not even me.”

“I have to do it,” she whispered.

“I know.”

The contract materialized between them again, this time accompanied by the pen.

“That’s why he wants you. Convincing pure souls to sign is difficult. There aren’t many of you. He’ll torture you, try to break you. The pure ones always hold out the longest.”

Great, she was going to be the devil’s new plaything. But that was vastly better than her daughter becoming Monroe’s.

Without hesitation, she picked up the pen and signed at the bottom of the page with a flourish. The moment the tip of the pen lifted from the page, the paper disappeared.

The sheltering wings around them fluttered, and the spine creaked ominously as they tightened.

Evie wanted him to touch her, to make her forget what she’d just done, at least for a little while. She’d made the right decision, but that didn’t make it easy. Sometimes the right thing hurt.

Chapter Six

The next few days were a blur of activity. During the day Evie prosecuted the case. She had a new air of confidence that seemed to be winning over the jurors. While the evidence was circumstantial, it was there. And since she now believed it would be enough to win a conviction, that certainty bled into her presentation of the facts.

Monroe’s lawyers were not happy. They spent most of their time frowning and whispering back and forth.

But not even the knowledge of the contract she’d signed could take away all her anxiety. Hindsight being what it is, she realized she should have asked Brone just how they planned to ensure she won the case. Having a new piece of irrefutable evidence would have been nice, but it didn’t materialize.

Evie had seen too many slam-dunk cases end up being ruled in the opposite favor for her to feel completely comfortable. She was afraid something would go wrong.

But Brone assured her it wouldn’t. Both sides had a contract. She’d get her case, and Lucifer would get her soul.

To distract her, Brone utilized the time they did have to blow her mind. He filled the nights with sensual pleasure like she’d never known. And was afraid she’d never know again once he left.

And maybe that was her true Hell, knowing that the moment she got what she wanted, Brone would be gone, most likely never to be seen again. And she’d be left devastated.

Evie wasn’t sure exactly when she’d fallen in love with him. Possibly on a dark sidewalk the moment her bullet pierced his side. Or more likely it was while he was sleeping on her couch, free of the tension and despair she now recognized forever stalked him. Or maybe it was the moment he offered her a way to protect her child…and then tried to talk her out of taking it.

He’d been sent to collect her soul, and he’d tried to stop her. She had no idea what awaited him in Hell for that transgression, but he’d told her enough that she could imagine it would be truly terrible.

The night before closing arguments, they lay together, entwined in her bed. Megan would be home on Monday, and Brone would be gone. Her entire world would be different. But for now they had these moments.

She’d taken to stroking the spine of his wings. He enjoyed the pleasure of it, while she reveled in the fact that he trusted her enough to leave them out in the open. Although she supposed there weren’t many secrets left between them.

His cheek was pillowed on his hand as his gaze roamed across her face. He’d said something to her and at the time she’d been distracted by other things, but the memory of his words now echoed through her head.

“Why were you exiled?”

His eyebrow quirked up in surprise. “From Heaven or Hell?”

“Hell. I can guess how you got kicked out of Heaven.”

His beautifully sculpted lips twitched, and his eyes sparkled.

“A slick-tongued devil convinced me God had chosen his humans over his faithful guards and servants. That got me banished from Heaven.”

Evie’s fingers brushed across the bloodred tips of his wings.

“Do you regret it?”

“Every day of my existence.”

He shifted, rolling to his back and staring up at the ceiling, although Evie thought his vision was focused a little higher, to something she couldn’t see. Would never see.

“I understand exactly what you’ve given up, Evie. Eternal damnation isn’t something I’d want for my worst enemy, let alone someone I care about.”

“You care about me?”

Slowly his head swiveled, and his gaze snagged on hers. “Yes.” It was one simple word, but it punched her straight to the gut.

This powerful being cared about her. She’d fallen for him, but then that had been inevitable. She couldn’t imagine a single person who wouldn’t have taken one look at him and willingly tumbled.

But the fact that he actually cared about her… That changed nothing. Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest. It changed nothing.

After tonight she would never see him again. The deal would be done, and he would leave. She’d live her life, watching Megan grow, and a small part of her would be forever miserable without him.

Apparently her torture would start long before she entered Hell.

But she refused to dwell on the inevitable or waste a single moment of the time they had left.

“And Hell? How does a powerful being get kicked out of Hell?”

“I challenged Lucifer.”

“You tried to overthrow the overthrower?”

“Not quite. I tried to convince him to let a soul go.”

Of course he had. What else would prompt the Prince of Darkness to banish one of the fallen? Brone had rediscovered his conscience.

He grimaced.

“And do you regret that?”

His eyes closed for a moment before opening again. They glittered, not with passion or humor or promise, but with resolve.

“I should. I walked the Earth for over eight hundred years, unable to speak to a single soul, unable to drink or eat. Unable to touch.” As if to reassure himself that he no longer suffered, his fingers brushed down the side of her naked thigh. A shiver rocked Evie’s body, but the quake that overtook him was stronger.

“Until that night at the club.”

Evie was concentrating on his words and was blindsided when Brone’s impressive body uncoiled beside her. He struck with a speed that left her breathless as her back collided with the mattress.

He stretched over her, the length of his naked body overwhelming all of her. She stared up at him, mute, disoriented and completely turned on. Her body hummed, and her brain spun, trying to catch up.

“You could see me. You talked to me. You touched me. You set me free, and in return I consigned you to a life of torture.”

Even as he confessed his deepest sin, his hips pulsed against her, tempting her to commit a few more. Neither of them could stop the inevitable, tonight or tomorrow.

Evie opened her thighs wide, a silent invitation to take whatever he wanted. She was his, and they both knew it. If he asked her for anything, she would have given it to him.

Almost anything. She couldn’t walk away from the contract.

Without preamble he slipped deep inside her body. They rocked together, neither of them in a hurry for this moment to end. The hard muscles of his chest slid against hers, rubbing and teasing her aching nipples.

Next to her head, he threaded their fingers together. Palm to palm, chest to chest, hip to hip. Jagged breaths burst across her lips. They were centimeters apart, but he didn’t close the gap and kiss her. Instead, he stared into her with the steady, intense weight of his soul clearly visible. The darkness, the tiny piece of light, regret, hopelessness, fear…and something so much sweeter.

It should have scared her that he, powerful, immortal being, could feel those things. But it didn’t. It settled her. Centered her. Gave her something to hold on to.

The pressure built slowly. The unbelievable unraveling broke across them both with a soft sigh of relief instead of the explosion of passion.

In the aftermath he finally brought their lips together. Feathering his mouth against hers, he gave her the sweetest, sharpest, most heart-wrenching kiss she’d ever experienced.

And, almost too soft for her to hear, whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Chapter Seven

Brone exited Evie’s apartment. With nothing more than the flick of his mind he had the door locking behind him. He was going to sit in on the spectacle. It was the least he could do, be there for her. Although he would have been there either way, wanting, needing every last moment he could possibly have of her.

Today, one way or another, it would end. Either she’d be consigned to Hell and even a hint that he truly cared for her would be enough to endanger her further — Lucifer wouldn’t hesitate to use her to exact just a little more revenge against Brone. Or, if his plan worked and he managed to derail the entire thing, he’d be left to walk the earth in deprivation for all eternity.

He preferred the second option. Evie’s soul would be safe. Her daughter would be protected. And at least he’d be able to watch her, even if he couldn’t touch and taste.

He deserved the torture. For centuries he’d believed the punishment for defying God was an existence in Hell. Only now was he realizing there were worse tortures and his true punishment had finally come to pass. But he accepted it.

Just as Evie hadn’t hesitated to protect her daughter, neither would he hesitate to safeguard her.

Less than two steps down the sidewalk Brone realized he was no longer alone. The knowledge materialized just as Kearn did. Lounging against a lamppost several feet away, the angel regarded him with a veiled glance.

Brone did not miss the need to be constantly on guard. Maybe being banished did have a few benefits.

“The Dark Lord is pleased.”

Yippee. Was he supposed to jump up and down like a lapdog? Because he couldn’t come up with something safe and appropriate to say, Brone kept his mouth shut.

“Never let it be said that Lucifer is unforgiving. After today you will be granted access back into Hell.”

This time silence wasn’t going to cut it. Brone had to maintain the illusion that Lucifer was going to get exactly what he wanted; otherwise he would send someone else to enforce the contract. Someone like Kearn.

Inclining his head slightly, Brone acknowledged the statement. “I am humbled by his generosity.”

Kearn laughed, the sound sending ripples of foreboding down Brone’s spine. “I wouldn’t be too quick with your appreciation. You will not be given the same status you once held. No longer are you a confidant, but a lowly servant fit only for the most menial tasks. You cannot be trusted.”

The other fallen was quick, but Brone was quicker. Before Kearn realized what Brone meant to do, his hand spanned the other immortal’s throat, shoving him back against the lamppost hard enough that the metal dented.

“No one in Hell can be trusted.” Free of the mobile deprivation cell, Brone was no longer bound to keep his hands to himself. And he had every intention of reminding Kearn just how dangerous he could be now that he’d slipped the leash.

“I’m certain Lucifer will enjoy keeping his boot on me for a little while, but how long do you think it will take for me to remind him just how valuable a commodity I am?”

“You have plenty of enemies.”

The threat carried little weight. “So do you. The question you have to ask yourself is, are you willing to make me one of them?”

Spitting in his face, Kearn tried to head butt him away, but Brone anticipated the move and tightened his hold. The other angel struggled for breath. They didn’t need it to survive, but the loss of it was painful, a perfect form of torture.

Kearn had just enough air left to croak out, “Finish the job, Brone.”

“Oh, I plan on it.”

“Are you certain? I’ve been watching you. Your time away has made you soft. You’ve fallen for the girl.”

It would be useless to deny. “So? That only means I’m more anxious to fulfill Lucifer’s bidding. I want to protect her daughter just as much as she does. And I want her in Hell with me.”

“That’s sweet, that you think Lucifer will let you have her.”

Brone sneered. “Of course he won’t, but at least I can see her. And eternity is a very long time. Don’t underestimate my ability to maneuver situations into exactly what I want.”

“Because that worked out so well for you the last time.”

“Maybe not, but I was adept at it for centuries before that. One failure doesn’t wipe away every success. And I’m patient. My years in exile should prove that.”

It was Kearn’s turn to frown. “I’ll be watching.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Loosening his grip, Brone was no more than a half step away before Kearn disappeared.

Taking a deep breath, Brone tried to settle the churning sensation deep in the pit of his stomach. He had one chance to make this work and the presence of his babysitter just made that infinitely more difficult.

Unfortunately failure wasn’t an option. Not when Evie’s soul hung in the balance.

Evie took a deep breath. Her gaze darted across the words on the page before her, the closing arguments she’d prepared. It was almost over. In a few minutes the jury would have the case and it would be out of her hands…and in Brone’s.

Without meaning to, she glanced behind her and found him sitting in the back of the room. She’d known the moment he walked in. Her entire body had lit up like a Christmas tree, energy and awareness blinking on and off in a rhythm that matched the force of his body moving against hers.

Her lips tipped into a small smile. He didn’t smile back. His face was set in stone, remote and removed from everything. A cold trickle of fear slipped through the ever-present heat.

Motion from the other side of the courtroom caught her attention. Grasping at the excuse, Evie dragged her gaze away. She looked straight into pitch-black eyes that stared back at her. That gaze bored into her, digging deep. She could feel the invasion, although there was nothing she could do to stop it.

Her entire body jerked, trying to find a way free, but she couldn’t break the connection.

Until Brone slid between them.

“Ms. Carr, we’re waiting.”

Evie stared at the judge frowning down at her from the bench. She blinked. The lawyers on the opposite side shifted and snickered softly. Monroe grinned at her with wicked confidence. She wanted to wipe the expression off his face.

Resolve tightened her muscles. Tapping together her notes, Evie stood and addressed the jury. Several of the twelve moved in their seats. Some wouldn’t meet her gaze, which wasn’t a good sign. But they listened quietly, and when she was finished, Evie sat back down in her seat, certain of the outcome.

The defense made their remarks, and the judge turned the case over to the jury. Evie stuffed her things into her bag and glanced around the courtroom. All around her people were filing out of the room. Across from her Monroe was being led away in handcuffs.

And Brone was nowhere to be found. Unease tightened her muscles, but she ignored the sensation. She just wasn’t used to being out of control. He was probably busy doing…whatever.

Deliberations could take hours or days; there was no prediction. Part of her hoped for a quick outcome, to get this over with. The rest of her hoped they took days to find him guilty. Days she’d have with Brone before she lost him forever.

But she wasn’t even to get that.

After lurking in the halls, searching for any sign of Brone and finding none, she’d gone back to her office. She was only there a short time before a call from the court came in telling her they’d reached a verdict.

Normally a quick decision would have worried Evie, but this time the three-hour deliberations were clearly in her favor. Brone had worked his magic.

She rushed back into the courtroom, her heart thudding heavily against her ribs. This was it. There was barely time to register Brone’s absence. Did that mean he was already gone? Without even telling her good-bye.

The foreman stood.

Evie swallowed. Regret and panic crawled up the back of her throat, bitter and unavoidable. Her gaze scraped across the crowd, looking for the familiar comfort of his dark blue eyes. She needed him. Needed the steady reminder that she’d made the right decision.

But he still wasn’t there.

And then it was too late.

In a low monotone the foreman read, “On the first count of kidnapping, we find the defendant not guilty.”

And everything dropped out from under Evie.

No, that wasn’t right.

But the foreman continued to pronounce Monroe not guilty for each of the charges laid against him. At first Evie was numb. Stunned. And then she was angry. What the hell had happened?

There was a commotion in the back of the room. She wasn’t the only one stunned by the outcome. The man with the dark eyes who’d sent that shiver of dread down her spine exploded into a rage. Knocking over benches, slamming people out of his way. He was headed straight for her, but before the guards could reach him, Brone materialized out of nowhere. His heavy hand wrapped around the other man’s arm, and he hauled him out of the room.

Now he was there. Where had he been five minutes before? Brone had done this. He’d screwed her. Why? Why would he do that? Why would he leave Megan vulnerable?

Megan. Evie’s stricken gaze flew to Monroe’s. He sat quietly, hands folded in his lap as reaction rippled through the room. As if the verdict was no more than he’d expected.

He sent a sly, mocking and menacing glance in her direction. The side of his mouth quirked up, and beneath the cover of the table, his hands rubbed together with gleeful anticipation.

Evie’s heart stuttered and threatened to stop. Fear gripped her. But she wouldn’t let him see her reaction. She had to get through the next few moments, and then she could figure out what to do next. Megan.

On autopilot, she requested that the judge poll the jury. Each one informed the courtroom they agreed with the verdict. Left with no choice, Evie dropped heavily back into her chair.

The judge dismissed the jurors. The courtroom cleared. Bailiffs led Monroe away so that his paperwork could be processed and he could be released.

Several minutes and she was alone. Almost. At some point Brone slipped back inside. Her body registered the moment he appeared, the sizzle of awareness betraying her almost as much as he had. But she wasn’t ready to deal with him. Not yet.

She was too…angry and scared and angry and heartsick.

“How could you do this?”

“How could I not?”

With deliberate slowness she stood. Her shoulders were no longer slumped as she turned to look at him. Her chest ached. It hurt. His betrayal hurt. More than it should have considering she’d known exactly what he was — a demon straight from Hell.

He stood before her, feet planted wide and hands hanging loose at his sides. Anyone peeking in the tiny window at the door would think he was relaxed. But Evie knew better. She saw the signs. Could look into his dark, churning eyes.

“I sold my soul to the devil for nothing.”

“No. He has no claim to your soul now. What happens when one party to a contract does not fulfill their obligation?”

“It’s void.”

“Exactly.” He took a single, halting step toward her. His arms reached, but before she could reject him, his hands fell empty back to his sides. His jaw tightened. “I couldn’t let you do it, Evie. You do not belong in Hell.”

The gentle softness in his eyes. The pain that echoed deep inside her own chest.

Emotions bubbled up inside her, screaming for an outlet, and she found a voice for them. “So Megan will pay the price instead.”

Her shrill words bounced around the emptiness of the room. Brone flinched. One moment he was several feet away, and then he was holding her, his powerful arms unbreakable bands forcing her own down so that she couldn’t flail at him.

His face buried in the crown of her head as he held her, whispering over and over again, “I would never do that. I would never hurt her. Or you. Trust me.”

Trust a fallen angel? A demon? She’d be stupid to do that. And yet her body sagged in his hold. A sob escaped from her throat, a nasty sound she couldn’t hold back.

“Well, isn’t this a touching scene.”

The voice was lazy and smoky, somehow seductive, although all Evie felt was panic. But that was possibly more because of Brone’s reaction than anything else. His entire body jackknifed as if he’d been hit by another bullet.

She caught no more than a glimpse of the anxiety and revulsion in his eyes before the indolent mask slammed back across his face. She hadn’t seen it for days and didn’t like that it was back.

His fingers were hard against her skin as he pushed her behind him and held tight. She would have bruises tomorrow, but something about the way his body vibrated with tension kept her from protesting.

“Come, come, at least let me see the woman who has laid one of my strongest soldiers low.”

“No.” Brone’s voice brooked no argument. “You have no agreement with her now.”

“Yes, clever boy. I should have anticipated your ability to manipulate the single loophole in the contract. Don’t worry, you will be properly punished, but that is for later. Now I want to meet the creature that slipped through my fingers.”