Page 47 of Lust

And Eddie believed him. Intervention time. “You’re frightening him,” Eddie said.

“He’s an imp.” Shade gaped at her. “His entire purpose is to make mischief.”

Yesterday certainly seemed to be fulfilling his purpose, but still, she didn’t want Shade hurting him, or worse. “That doesn’t mean you can torment him.”

Shade shook his head and stood. “I’m a hell prince.” He scoffed. “According to you humans, that is my purpose.”

“I don’t care.” Eddie nudged the hound pinning Yesterday with her hip. “There will be no tormenting in my theatre.”

Yesterday scrambled free. “It’s not entirely my fault.” He glanced at Shade and shrugged. “You know what Wrath’s like. It doesn’t take much to make him angry.”

“This is true.” Shade weighed this up. “But imps are always known to lie.”

“Edsie?” Lillian’s fruity tones floated up the stairs. “Are you up there, Edsie-darling?”

The last thing she needed was Lillian in her kitchen. “Hi, Lillian,” she called back. “Did you need something?”

“I need to talk, Edsie.” Lillian sounded piteous. “Can I come up?”

That would be a hard no. “Give me a second to get dressed, Lillian, and I’ll be right down.”

“I don’t mind coming up.”

Shade leaned his hips against the counter and grinned at her. “Want me to do my thing? I can make her forget her own name.”

“Stay right here,” she hissed at him. She did not want Shade doing his thing with Lillian. She did not want Shade anywhere near Lillian. She jabbed her fore and middle fingers at the hounds. “And that goes for you two as well.” She almost forgot about Yesterday. “And keep that one here too.”

Chapter

Thirteen

Eddie handed over her fortieth Kleenex.

“I’m desperate, Edsie.” Lillian sniffled and daintily blew her nose. “I didn’t know where else to turn.”

As they huddled in the greenroom together for the past twenty minutes, there had been a lot more in that vein, and as yet, no reason for Lillian’s distress. If Eddie had to guess, she would say the trouble started with an S and ended with an ophia. “What’s wrong, Lillian?”

“I can’t work like this.” Lillian pressed a trembling hand to her heaving bosom. “I have an artistic soul, and all this doubt stunts my creativity.”

“Is there a problem with your role?”

“N-o-o.” Lillian drew a shaky breath. “I really feel like I am becoming one with Lady M.”

“That’s good.” Eddie palmed another Kleenex in case the tears started again. “I know you’ll do a wonderful job.”

“Really?” Lillian’s green eyes filled with tears. “Do you really think so?”

“I know so.” Eddie handed her the Kleenex. Whatever else Lillian was, she was a good actress.

“You see.” Lillian exhaled and dabbed her cheeks. “This is why I knew I had to talk to you.” She grabbed Eddie’s hands and squeezed. “We are simpatico souls.”

Eddie was less sure of that. “So, what’s bothering you?”

“I feel terrible.” Lillian sighed. “Because she’s such a sweet and wonderful person.”

Here it came.

Lillian’s tears dried, and her face hardened. “It’s that Sophia.”

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