Page 30 of Falling for Ash
“The portal back to Earth is just this way,” Ash said, frowning.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Ash shrugged.
“Something is bothering you.”
“Well, it’s just I hate to leave you, but I must check on the legions I oversee.”
“We both have work, Ash, that’s alright. Will I see you later, though?” Gabby asked tentatively. She did not want to seem needy, but this was a first for her. That inner voice of hers growled at the thought of leaving him, but she had things to tend to. So did he.
Would he think her desperate now?
Oh well.
Gabriella was a lot of things, but patient was not one of them. She did not play games. Her tendency toward bluntness was sometimes off putting to men, but she couldn’t help it. If she liked someone, she told them. And the truth could be said if she did not like someone as well.
“Of course,” he replied to her earlier question. “Gabriella, this is just the beginning. Once you’ve had your first Change, you will understand what I mean.”
“I don’t know why you just won’t tell me already,” she mumbled, and he laughed. The rat.
“Ah, here we are. Gabriella, allow me to introduce you to the Sphinx.”
Gabriella stuttered in her steps. There, before her, stood a massive stone and metal gateway. But that was not what had her tongue-tied. It was the equally enormous half-Lion, half-woman guarding the portal with a grin on her face that made her want to run away or point and gasp.
“Asmodeus, I welcome you to the portal. A riddle first?—”
“Seriously? Do you not recognize me? I am Asmodeus. Also known as Ashmedai. I am a Prince of Hell. General of the Daemonium Guard. You, Sphinx, can save your riddles for someone lesser,” Ash hissed, flexing his wings which had suddenly made a magnificent appearance.
Gabriella’s mouth dropped open. Holy cow. It seemed her speed dating partner was something of a big shot down in the Underworld.
A general?
Was that some kind of military thing then?
Hmmm. She’d think on that later. Right then, Gabriella was preoccupied with the imposing figure he made with his wings, horns and tail filling her vision.
How imposing!
How totally hot!
And also, totally unnecessary.
Gabriella could handle herself against a riddle or two. She was a teacher, for Pete’s sake. She knew a lot of things.
“I am the Keeper of the Gate, Ash, and you can’t tell me who to challenge. I answer to Lucifer alone?—”
“And who do you think I answer to? Tell me, will the Lord of the Underworld be pleased with your idiotic display?” Ash seethed, but Gabriella had seen enough. She was not about to allow this to escalate. Even if seeing him like that turned her on.
OMG!
She really was a freak.
Sigh.
“Ash,” she said, placing her hand on his elbow. “It’s fine, really. What’s your riddle?”
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