ASMODEUS
The manor echoes with Simone's laughter as she chases me through the hallway. We were working out—something that often leads to us being sweatyandnaked—when I pushed her too far with my teasing and she threatened me with violence. She feels lighter these past months, more confident in her movements. More confident around me. Her hair streams behind her like a dark chocolate river, and I let her catch me, spinning around just in time to feel her crash into my chest.
“Got you,” she pants, eyes sparkling with triumph.
“You certainly do.” My fingers brush her cheek, tracing the line of her jaw. The now-familiar flutter in my chest intensifies when she leans into my touch.
It's been months since she tried to escape, since I found her wandering back toward me in the ashen wastes, since I claimed her body and she claimed something else from me entirely. Something I didn't know I had to give.
I've lived for millennia, bedded countless beings, sired hundreds of children… yet I've never felt this constant, gnawing need to be near someone. To see her smile. To hear her voice.
She's turned my world inside out, this little Cambion.
“What are you thinking about?” Simone steps back, tucking her hair behind her ear.
“Dinner. It's almost time.”
It's become our ritual, these nightly feasts. I used to dine with generals and spymasters, planning conquests or settling territorial disputes. Now I find myself anticipating these quiet moments with Simone more than any diversion Hell could offer.
“I should shower first.” She gestures to her workout clothes. “I'm all sweaty from our little chase.”
Smirking, I eye her up and down. “I prefer you sweaty.”
Her cheeks flush that delicate pink I've come to crave. “You would.” She pokes my chest playfully. “Give me fifteen minutes.”
I watch her retreat up the stairs, her hips swaying in a way that makes my mouth go dry. Once, I would have fed on dozens at my orgies, drawing sustenance from the lust and pleasure of all participants. Now I feed exclusively from her—her desire, her satisfaction, her surrender.
The hunger that once drove me to seek countless partners has narrowed to a pinpoint focused solely on Simone. This dependency should terrify me. Instead, I find myself savoring the unique flavor of her pleasure like a fine wine I have no desire to dilute.
With a thought, I transport myself to the dining room. Tonight's table is set with black candles and crystal goblets filled with a vintage Amontillado that cost a fortune in the human world. Not that money means anything to me. As far as I know, I have more than any human can fathom.
I adjust the silverware, ensuring everything is perfectly aligned. Forneus has outdone himself with tonight's menu—I can smell the truffle risotto, the butter-poached lobster, the chocolate soufflé waiting in the kitchen.
My fingers trace the outline of the small box in my pocket. Inside rests a necklace of black diamonds set in platinum, crafted by a jeweler in Paris who doesn't realize his most valued client is anarchdemon. I've been giving Simone jewels since her days in the cave, but lately I've noticed she rarely wears them.
Perhaps this one will be different.
The door opens and Simone enters, dressed in a simple emerald dress that hugs her curves. Her hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders, still damp from her shower, and I detect the faint scent of orchids clinging to her skin.
“This looks amazing.” She takes her seat as I push in her chair. “You didn't need to go all out.”
“I always go all out for you, little fairy.”
Her lips curl at the corners. “I've noticed.”
I pour the sherry into her glass, enjoying the way the light catches in the amber liquid. “A toast,” I propose, raising my own glass. “To unexpected pleasures.”
Her eyes meet mine over the rim of her crystal goblet. “To unexpected pleasures.”
The sherry slides down my throat, warm and nutty. I watch as Simone takes a sip, her tongue darting out to catch a drop from her lower lip. Even this small gesture sends desire coursing through me. We've hardly sat down and my cock is already hard for her. It's ridiculous how easily she affects me.
“I have something for you.” I reach into my pocket, pulling out the velvet box.
Simone's expression shifts, her eyes narrowing slightly before she smiles again. “Another gift?”
“Open it.”
She takes the box, fingers tracing the velvet before slowly lifting the lid. The black diamonds catch the candlelight, scattering it across her face in fractured beams.
