Page 4 of Raphael
Down here in the dusty darkness, though, I can’t deny my simmering resentment. I never dared dream my fate would be decided quite so coldly, like a business merger. I know Uncle Luci has misgivings about the match too, though he’d never admit it aloud.
My bitter musings are interrupted by a crash and muffled thud from the far corner. I jump, my spine prickling. Who else could possibly be down here?
“Hello?” I call out sharply. “The cellar is off-limits to patrons.”
Only silence answers me. I shake off my nerves and busy myself cataloging a shelf of vodka bottles, keeping one ear tuned for any more odd sounds.
It’s then I notice my phone blinking empty. With a groan, I watch the screen fade to black, casting me into complete darkness. Blindly, I feel my way towards where I know the exit door is located. This basement gives me the creeps, and I’m not keen on staying down here alone without light.
But when I tug the handle, the blasted thing refuses to budge. My pulse picks up. Pounding on the door does nothing but make my hands ache. It seems I’m well and truly stuck down here until someone comes searching.
“Lovely,” I mutter aloud to myself. This is not exactly how I envisioned my triumphant return to the family business.
I’m making my way cautiously back through the dark when a loud crash directly behind me makes me yelp aloud. Something—or someone—is down here with me. I’m gripped by equal parts terror and fury at the thought.
“Reveal yourself at once!” I demand, thankful my voice doesn’t shake. “Trust me, you don’t want to cross someone of my connections...” I trail off threateningly, my mind racing through defensive spells and enchantments. I may not have Uncle Luci’s full powers, but I’m not completely helpless either.
A tense silence envelops the dark cellar once more. The only sound is my ragged breathing as I wait for the unseen intruder to make their move...
CHAPTER3
Raphael
The roarof my rubellite red metallic Mercedes-AMG SL63 reverberates through the night, but it falls to a low purr as I hit the wall of traffic before me. I weave my fingers through my midnight mane and feel a pair of eyes drilling into me. To the left, in the jet-black RAM truck, sits a girl too beautiful for words. When our eyes meet, she throws me an enchanting smile that draws me in like a magnet.
Humans, with their fiery passions and alluring beauty, never cease to amaze me—and this one especially entices me. The prospect of talking with her is thrilling. Just as I’m ready to approach her, my phone rings.
The smile on my lips fades as I look down. A sigh escapes me. It must be kid duty again, pulling me back to the hospital. I check my phone, pleasantly surprised as my dating app’s notification pops up—new match! I click over and a tanned goddess fills the screen.
“Well, hello there…” I croon. She’s an intriguing Brit. Her profile reveals that she’s recently relocated to LA for work.
After chatting for a bit, it turns out we’re both heading to the DeLux tonight. “Maybe I’ll see you there?” she coyly messages me.
I grin and fire back, “It’s a date!”
She responds with an innuendo that sparks my blood to boil. “I still can’t believe a handsome angel like you is single. The things I would let you do to me...”
I chuckle, wondering how she knew exactly what to say to make my heart race. I tap out a response, “Careful now, you might just cause a fender bender.”
We decide to rendezvous inside around ten. Her name is Claire. As traffic sluggishly starts moving again, all I can think about are those emerald pools and her charming accent. Tonight is shaping up to be one hell of a night.
My sports car rumbles as I cut through the glittering LA streets. On nights like these, with adventure calling, I’m reminded why I love this city. The energy buzzes through my veins like electroshock therapy, jolting life into a flatlined heart.
I pull into the alley behind the DeLux Café. It’s eerily quiet back here, the pulsing beat of the club muted through cinderblock walls. A stray cat darts across my headlights through trash-strewn puddles. I check the time—still early.
A resigned sigh escapes me as I sink into the leather seat. I probably should have given Eve some warning before just showing up tonight unannounced. But subtlety has never been my strong suit.
With a shrug, I decide to go ahead and find my way inside. My demon pal once mentioned there’s a cellar door that could get me into the heart of the club unseen. Less awkward for my date than if I make a big flashy entrance out front and get swarmed by adoring fans…or ancient enemies.
Climbing out into the cool night air, I straighten my leather jacket—the one I save for nights I’m aiming to get lucky. Which, if all goes according to plan, is precisely what I’ll be later.
I can’t resist a devious grin at the thought. My angelic brothers would have a fit if they knew I was sneaking into Lucifer’s den of sin tonight. According to them, I’m theblack sheepof the bunch, the one who’s gotten too close to humans, absorbing their vices. But hey, what can I say—eternal life gets boring. I’m long overdue for some fun.
My boots crunch on gravel and broken glass as I make my way down the alley. The directions my demon buddy gave me echo in my mind:“Back left corner, look for a metal cellar door. Loose brick on the right wall holds the key.”
Sure enough, I spot the weathered grey door tucked in the shadows. My hands run along the crumbling brick until one shifts under my fingers. I pry it free and fish out the tarnished key within.
The padlock clunks open with some effort and the doors groan as I shove them inward. A rush of cold, stale air escapes the dark void within. I squint, making out a concrete stairwell descending into pitch blackness.
