Page 73 of Absolved In Death

“Yeah, well they can apply all that energy and over-the-top spirit to helping me run Hell. I’ll give them all leadership positions.”

“I hope that’s enough. I just got you both back, and I’d hate to lose you to your job. Work is the worst kind of mistress…”

I took her face in my hands, kissing her lips with a passion so hot, it could practically melt the sun. She kissed me back, fistingmy tee shirt as she settled her legs on either side of mine, so her cunt was right over my length.

Ugh. I want to fuck her so badly, but that sounded like it had a double meaning.

Why did I have to be a better man again? Oh yeah, because I loved her and Michael, and I’d do anything to make this work. I pulled her off my lap, placing her on the couch cushion next to mine.

“Why did you say the word mistress? What’s going on up here?” I pointed to her forehead.

“Luci, I’ve heard people talk. I know you fucked people aside from Michael. Yes, you were in an open relationship and broke up and got back together more times than you can probably count, but you were fucking other people. How do I know you won’t get stressed with work and fuck your secretary? Or a pretty young demon won’t turn your head? Or maybe you’ll fight with one of us and make a mistake?”

I did exactly what Azazel told me to do. I actively listened to everything she said, even if it was ridiculous, and made strong eye contact. Then, I waited several seconds to make sure she was done talking.

“I can see why you’d be concerned,” I said, validating her feelings. “Michael and I have had a complicated relationship, with a lot of outside and internal factors that fucked us over. But this time, we’re going to do what it takes to make thisclosed, monogamous throuplework.” I made sure to emphasize the closed and monogamous parts.

“What changed? Why now?” She gave me a serious expression, her lips downturned.

“Because I know I can’t live without you two. Losing both of you was the hardest thing I ever had to endure, aside from letting Diana go. I want to spend eternity with you and Michael.”Feelings weren’t my strong suit, but I hoped I got the message across to her.

Her smile was a good sign. So was the way she rocked her hips in my lap. “What do you think Michael is doing right now?”

“Doesn’t matter. If Lucifer Morningstar calls, you have to answer. Perks of being the boss.”

“You’re a rogue. Link him. I think I need a demo of how you plan on making this work…”

I’ll make your pussy work.

Michael, get your ass to my apartment. Marilyn and I request your attention, immediately.

His voice filled my mind, like a favorite melody.Cool, I’m always down for an afternoon delight.

Hopefully we won this war, so we could make these afternoon dalliances a thruple tradition.

24

DIANA

Sometimes when everything got to be too much, I made Quelier clear an hour for me to spend in my book-cabin. Reading smut was good for the soul, and right now my soul needed some support. My anxiety was wound up tighter than a spring. Every hour of my day was filled with training, meetings, the guys, and my family. I barely felt like I had time for myself.

No wonder the original hour turned into three and a half. No one mindlinked me or came looking for me, which was odd. I couldn’t even take a piss without one of the guys popping into the bathroom to see what I was up to. Ares and Mal would invite themselves in, and gave me no privacy. I dropped a mental note to Q, but he didn’t respond.

Then I tried to mindlink each of the guys to no response. My dads didn’t respond either…

Familiar alarms from our weekly drills blared, and it felt as if a brick sank in my stomach. The shrill sound pierced my ears, the pain shooting all the way to my heart.

We had a security breach…Red was here.

Dread coated my insides, rising like bile in my throat.No.There’s no way Red could have found us here. This place was supposed to be secure.

With a snap of my fingers, I changed into a full black tactical suit and boots, my hair tied into a tight top bun. I faded out of my cabin to the town center. Soldiers were hustling to their stations, just like they had done in their drills. I faded to one of the private training rooms on the top floor, where I was supposed to meet my father and the guys in a worse case scenario. The entire floor was eerily silent…still. Not one soldier was here, and none of my men were either.

Something felt…off. Wrong. I waited for a few minutes, in case I was the first one to show up. But no one came.

I faded in and out of every private room, convinced I had chosen the wrong one, but they were all empty. When I faded to my apartment, it was empty too.

Where are you?I asked the guys. Radio silence.Hello, can any of you hear me?

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