Page 69 of Fallen
And then I'd lost everything and everyone.
The heat in my throat seemed to spread through my veins like a wildfire. Bridget was right—it no longer tasted terrible. And my body felt lighter. So did my mood.
"I was happy. Once." I squinted at the empty glass and put hand to my hair, my fingertips tracing the straight metal of the hairpin.
Bridget gave me a smile, then turned to a customer who seemed intent on getting her attention.
Is she right? Am I choosing my current path out of guilt?I didn't know. One thing Ididknow for sure, though, was whatever alcohol was in that drink must have been working, because the cloud of doom hanging over my head seemed to lift. All I wanted in that moment was to live my life without any thoughts of God, demon, angels, or the devil.
Warm blood flowed through my veins, and the urge to live and experience life with all its rewards and risks spurred me to act.
With a smile, I slid off the bar stool and attempted to walk a straight line onto the dance floor. When the world tipped a bit, I grabbed the nearest arm and righted myself.
"Sorry," I giggled as the dancing couple paused and gave me a hand. "Whatever was in that drink isgood."
I pushed myself forward into the grinding throng of people, pocketing the lighter that somehow slipped from the man's pants into my hands.
The action reminded me of the time I'd stolen a feather from a certain angel's wings, causing my smile to grow bigger.
Bridget was right; I needed some fun and a little risk in my life.
I staggered towards the middle of the dancing group, my fingers already tingling in anticipation.
Chapter 29
Lucian Elysium
Present Day
WhatamIdoing?
My power cloaked me in shadows, hiding me from all eyes as I stalked Anna through the dancing crowd.
"Push It" by Static-X pounded through the overhead speakers, drowning out the voices of humans trying to speak.
Anna's long, curly hair hit the middle of her back with each sway of her curvy hips. My gaze traveled upward to the neon pink tank top contrasting nicely with her bronzed skin.
An impulse to touch her beat inside, but I held it back. As much as I would've enjoyed feeling her in my arms again, I sensed something was off with my Anna.
How did she go from being a nun to this sexy little minx?
Several of the men turned their gazes as she walked past.
A low growl rumbled in my throat. Dark shadows climbed down the walls and creeped toward the hungry men who were in danger of losing their souls.
No. I need to let this play out, see what's going on.
Anna stumbled and reached outward, her hand landing on the arm of a young man. Dressed in black slacks and a button-down shirt with electric blue sleeves rolled upward to reveal muscled arms, he gave her a slow smile, then steadied her.
Since her back was to me, I couldn't see her face, which was okay. The way her curls flowed down her shoulders like a river reminded me of the night I'd taken her up on the Ferris wheel. Her innocence beguiled and lured me, but the beauty in her heart enhanced her physical appearance, and made my heart yearn for something more, something better.
Ridiculous. I am Lucifer, the ruler and creator of Hell. How can I be smitten by one human?
As if subconsciously sensing me in their presence, the barhopping drunkards pulled away as I drew neared.
The would-be knight in his corporate clothing smiled, showing two rows of blindingly white teeth.
Predator teeth.
