Page 9 of Sweet Violence
"Two, you’ve been through so much for someone your age, and I identify with your suffering. I, too, was moulded into this person by someone I love, who ought to have treated me more kindly."
Wait, someone had screwed over the devil? Were theycrazy?
"You’re not the only one who’s endured nightmares, babygirl. And three," he went on quickly, "I've told you why you drew my interest."
His voice softened, and he skimmed a knuckle down my arm, sending a shiver through me. "The souls you sent me were delectable. I could taste your particular brand of violence on them. The sweetness coated my tongue for days."
Uh-oh, that was kinda hot. I swallowed, looking up at him. He knelt, but he was still a damn giant compared to me, so I had to crane my neck.
"So you took care of me, killed a bunch of people all so I'd heal … because you have a sweet tooth?" I asked, a manic laugh in the back of my throat.
Dev paused, considering that. "Yes, I suppose that's true."
I burst out laughing, a grin creasing my face. "You moron. I'd probably do the same, though. Sweets are the best."
"I'd like to show you the rest of your suite, but I had it built to your size, not mine."
Oh no, the puppy eyes were back.
I patted his knee. "Which part should I explore first? I'll go where you decide."3
"The library," he replied instantly. "I stocked it with your favourite books.4No wait, the movie room. I had a screen and movies imported from Earth. I tried to get you a Disney Plus subscription, but I couldn't get Wi-Fi to work here. I’m sorry, babygirl."
My stomach fluttered with deadly moths. Ohhhh, no. Did Ilikethe devil?
"No, those aren’t right." He shook his big, crimson head, firelight catching on the sharp tips of six horns, and filling his excited eyes with light. "You should visit those after. Go see the kitchen first. I had it made specially for you. It clashes a little with my choice of decor—" He waved a hand at the room around us, and I yelped as he nearly knocked a candlestick off the top of the fireplace. "But this is your space. And I hope you'll stay here for a long time."
Ehh, I wasn't making any promises. But since my dad couldn't get to me here, I'd take advantage of it as long as I could. And no escaping tonight—I pinky promised, and that shit was binding.
"I'll have a meal prepared and sent to you," Dev offered, and I held still as he bent over to kiss the top of my head.5"After you've explored the kitchen, go find the weapons room."
My eyes grew as wide as saucers, a little catch in my breath. "Did you say …weaponsroom?"
Dev laughed, brushing down my side with a knuckle before he stood, the top of his horns narrowly avoiding rattling a crystal chandelier. "Of course there's a weapons room; what kind of daddy would I be if I didn't give my girl what she loves?"
Oh.
Um.6
"Yeah," I breathed after an awkward gap of silence, my breathing coming faster. "Thanks."
Ugh, could Ibeany more awkward? Give me an enemy and I knew twenty ways to cut them up from throat to genitals. But a sweet, generous father-ish figure who wanted to take care of me and thought about what I'd like when he built me a fuckingsuite?How did I … how?
The devil chuckled under his breath, his fiery eyes soft as he gazed down at me. "I'll have food sent to you now. I hope you like the things I picked out for you."
I snapped out of whatever haze had muffled my head and said, "Thank you. You didn't have to do … all of this. I'd have been happy with a tiny box room."
He scoffed, his shoulders thrown back. "My babygirl in a box room? I donotthink so." He tilted his head, a smirk tugging on his lips. "You do realise that, had you bonded with Taj, you would have been the princess of Hell?"
"Yeah, someone may have mentioned it…"
Arkan'sprincesspet name came to mind. My heart squeezed tight, but I ignored it. No way did I miss those stalkery mafia bastards. They wouldn't give me two seconds of peace in Orchid Vale when all I wanted was a relaxing break from the hectic violence of the city. It was completely ridiculous that I'd miss them now I finally had a moment to myself.
"Well, now that you're bonded tome, what do you think that makes you?" Dev went on, an eyebrow raised.
"A princess…?"
He scoffed, a dark sound in his throat. "A queen, babygirl. You're a queen."
