I stop walking, turning to face him fully. “I haven't cared about many things in my long life, Cambion. But the way I care about Simone and our child... this is different.”
Kevin looks at me, his brown eyes wide with understanding. “Yeah, I get that. When I found out Naamah was pregnant, I thought I was going to piss my pants. But then my heart just kind of… grew to make space for the baby.”
I snicker at his description. Oddly enough, I appreciate this puny mortal. “Naamah is fortunate to have found someone who loves her.”
His eyes widen slightly at the compliment. “T-thank you, sir. I... I do love her. Right from the start, even when she was terrifying.”
I laugh. “She takes after her grandmother in that regard.”
We continue our circuit of the garden, and by the time we return to the villa, I find myself almost enjoying the Cambion's brash nature.
In the library, we find Simone and Naamah sprawled on cushions, surrounded by books and giggling. They look up as we enter, Simone's cheeks flushed with laughter. The genuine joy on her face makes my chest hurt.
“Having fun?” I ask dryly.
“Immensely.” Naamah closes the book with a snap. “Your consort has excellent taste in literature, Father. Quite the collection of smut back at your manor, I hear.”
Simone blushes deeper. “It's mainly classics and fashion books.”
“And three shelves of erotica,” I add, unable to resist teasing her.
“Az!” She throws a small cushion at me, which I catch easily.
Naamah watches this interaction with obvious fascination. “Never thought I'd see it,” she drawls.
“What?” Kevin asks, settling beside her.
“My father, acting like a besotted human.” She tilts her head, studying me. “It's like watching a hellhound perform ballet.”
“Your analogies leave much to be desired, Daughter.” I move to Simone's side, offering my hand to help her up from her comfortable sprawl among the cushions. “Perhaps we should leave you two to rest.”
“Oh yes,” Naamah purrs, stretching languidly. “It's almost time for my pet to give me my nightly foot rub.”
Kevin rolls his eyes affectionately. “The hardship.”
Simone laughs again, and I find myself treasuring the sound. Ever since the Burning Pits, each time she shows her happiness feels like a victory.
“Visit again soon,” Naamah says. Then she winks at Simone. “Stepmom.”
My consort gives her a startled laugh. “I'd like that.” Then she turns to Kevin. “It was so good to see you.”
“You too, Simone.” He hugs her carefully. “I can't believe we both ended up... here. Like this.”
“Life is strange,” she agrees.
I place my hand on the small of Simone's back. “Shall we, little fairy?”
She nods, but as we turn to leave, she pauses. “Actually, I think... I think I'd like to see Lana and Jessica too. Soon, if that's possible.”
I smile down at her. “Of course. We'll arrange it.”
32
SIMONE
Ismile as Lana rests a hand on my stomach.
“I can’t believe you’re still pregnant,” she says, shaking her head. “Lucifer showed us that vision of you so long ago, and you’re barely any bigger.”
