The request catches me off guard, and I blink at her. “You would?”
“Yes.” Simone nods decisively. “I want to understand that part of you, too. And I'm curious about our baby's siblings.”
I consider her request. It's reasonable, even if it makes me feel somewhat uneasy.
“Naamah would be the easiest to start with,” I suggest.
Simone brightens. “That's the one with Kevin, right?”
“Yes, my daughter took your teammate as her consort.” I still find this coincidence perplexing. “They're expecting a child as well.”
“Really?” Excitement flickers across her face, followed quickly by uncertainty. “How are my friends? Do you know? I should have asked you weeks ago…”
I nod slowly. “I've heard some things. Your friend Jessica is bound to my nephew Sariel and another recently fallen angel.”
Her eyes widen. “Wow. Go Jess. And Lana is with your brother,oui?”
“Yes.”
Simone absorbs this information, her hand unconsciously stroking her belly. Finally, she takes a deep breath.
“Yes, I'd like to meet Naamah. And see Kevin. Could we go soon?”
“Tomorrow, if you wish.” I raise her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss against her palm. “I'll send word to Naamah tonight.”
Naamah's villasits nestled in a lush grove near the Lethe, its white stone gleaming in the odd daylight of this section of Hell. Unlike our dark manor, my daughter's home embraces a Mediterranean aesthetic, with open courtyards, climbing vines, and fountains.
“It's beautiful,” Simone whispers as we approach, her hand tightening around mine.
I glance down at her, noting the tension in her shoulders. “Are you nervous, little fairy?”
“A bit.” She offers a tight smile. “I haven't seen anyone from Abaddon in over three years. Though I guess it’s been more like five for them.”
Before I can respond, the villa's doors swing open, and Naamah emerges. Her dark hair curls around her shoulders, her purple eyes bright with interest. Her pregnancy is more advanced than Simone's, her belly round and prominent beneath a flowing crimson dress.
“Father!” she calls, gliding down the steps toward us. “And this must be Simone.”
Behind her, the mortal, Kevin, appears, his eyes widening at the sight of Simone. Something possessive flares inside me as Simone releases my hand and rushes toward him.
“Kevin!” She throws her arms around him, and he returns the embrace, lifting her slightly off her feet.
“Simone! Holy shit, you're really here!” His voice cracks with emotion. “And you're so very—” He steps back, eyes dropping to her belly.
“Pregnant.” She laughs, then bites her lower lip. “So is your… partner?”
“Mistress,” Naamah corrects breezily, stepping forward. “Welcome to our home, Simone. I've been curious about the woman who's managed to domesticate my father.”
Simone blushes. “Ah, I wouldn't say that exactly.”
“I would.” Naamah grins, taking Simone's hand. “Come inside. We have much to discuss.”
I follow behind as they enter the villa, my eyesfixed on Kevin's hand resting casually on Simone's lower back. A growl builds in my chest, something primal and possessive awakening inside me. I could tear his arm off for daring to touch what's mine.
Naamah glances back, catching my expression. She narrows her eyes in warning.
I swallow the growl, forcing my features into neutrality. Kevin poses no threat to me. He's completely enamored with Naamah—his devotion to my daughter is like a tangible thing between them. And Simone is bound to me, carrying my child. My jealousy is irrational.
And yet it burns through me like acid.
