Page 2 of Raphael
In an elegant script, it reads “DeLux Café”—none other than Lucifer’s forbidden playground itself. I can’t stop a wicked grin from curling my lips. Oh, my angelic brothers would shriek in horror at the thought of me entering that den of iniquity. But its flashing neon sign has been tempting me for years now. An irresistible bit of forbidden fruit.
“Sounds awesome. Thanks for the invite,” I reply, ultra-casual. I slip the card into my coat pocket and stand to usher them out. “I’ll definitely have to check out this DeLux place sometime...”
As soon as the door shuts behind them, I slump back into my desk chair with a dreamy sigh. Lucifer and I go way back—eons ago, we were tight as can be. And knowing Luci, he still owes me a favor or three after all this time.
My mind starts racing with possibilities. Because I just recalled Michael mentioning the DeLux hosts a Speed Dating extravaganza every… Friday night, I think? My palms tingle with excitement at the thought. A night on the edge of danger and sin? Oh, hell yes. Sign me up.
I probably shouldn’t though. Honestly, if Michael caught me within a ten-mile radius of Luci’s club, I’d catch a first-class angelic ass-kicking for sure. But Michael’s off on his crazy romantic witch retreat, isn’t he? And todayisFriday, so…
I chew my lip, tempted beyond reason by the idea. I’ve been craving a little spice to break up this monotonous eternity lately. And one taste of excitement couldn’t hurt, right? Just one night to get the thrill back. To feel somethingrealagain.
A mischievous grin tugs at my lips as I make up my mind. It’s decided then—tonight is the night.Ready or not, L.A…. Here comes Raphael.
“What was that all about, brother?”
Uriel’s flat voice cuts through my daydreaming. I jump. Lost in thought, I’d forgotten he was even there. His gaze stays locked on the paperwork in front of him, pen scratching diligently away.
“Oh, uh... It was nothing,” I say evasively with a shrug. “Just some mortal thanking me for patching up her kid earlier.”
I lean back in my chair, fingers laced behind my head, and turn my eyes skyward. Tonight is going to be a night to remember. I can just feel it. One way or another, my endless days are about to get a whole lot more interesting around here
CHAPTER2
Helena
The muffledboom of bass pulses through the walls as I step into the lavish office space. Floor-to-ceiling windows along the far side reveal glimpses of the lively L.A. club scene unfolding outside. Clearly, no expenses were spared for Lucifer’s coveted inner circle.
I trail a hand along the sleek granite top of an imposing desk as I take in the upscale decor around me. Crystalline light fixtures, leather furniture, lush Persian rugs... my uncle certainly enjoys flaunting his success.
“Oh, good! You found it!” a bubbly voice exclaims behind me. I turn to see a statuesque blonde swaying into the room in dangerously high stilettos. Her eyes scan me shrewdly even as she flashes a dazzling smile.
“You must be Helena. I’m Eve, your uncle’s right hand around here.” She air-kisses each of my cheeks in greeting before perching on the desk’s edge. “Welcome to the inner sanctum, love.”
I blink, surprised by her breezy familiarity. “Pleasure to meet you, Eve. I look forward to working together.”
“Aren’t you a darling!” Eve claps her hands. “We are going to have such fun, you and I. I just know we’ll be the best of friends.”
Though put off by her effusive nature at first, I can’t help warming to Eve’s infectious enthusiasm. With her guidance, perhaps Los Angeles won’t be so intimidating after all.
“I’m sure you’re right,” I reply sincerely. “Thank you for the warm welcome.”
“The inventory checklist is all ready for you,” Eve says, handing me a clipboard. “Shall we head down to the cellar, then?”
I nod in silence.
“Oh, I nearly forgot!” she adds, pausing before opening the office door. “I have to show you your uncle’s fancy safe in case you ever need inside.”
I follow her gaze to the antique wall safe tucked discreetly behind a generic seascape. Most assume it contains only trivial club funds or extra liquor inventory.
But Eve taps the dial knowingly. “This beauty holds the real treasures—all the confidential financial ledgers. Luci would roast me alive if anything happened to them.”
She leans in close, voice hushed. “The combination isn’t a number. It requires a special skeleton key, and there’s only one in existence.”
From her pocket, Eve produces an ornate antique iron key pending from a delicate silver necklace. “This belongs to your uncle. Don’t go losing it now!” She places the key gently in my hand.
My fingers curl around the precious object. I recognize the gravity of this secret Eve has entrusted me with and nod solemnly. “I will guard it with my life.”
“Atta girl.” Eve winks and pulls open the office door. “Now come on, before Luci catches us lollygagging!”
