Page 25 of Hell’s Half Acre

Those words caught him off guard. Simi was Acheron’s adorable demon daughter who lived with him…or most often lived on Acheron’s body as a tattoo. His breath caught at the thought of anything happening to such a sweet, innocent creature.

“What happened to her?”

“She got married.”

That news hit Luke like a fist. Acheron was extremely protective of his daughter. He’d been known to beat anyone who even looked at her. “And you let him live?”

“Not willingly. Believe me, I still want to drag him around the earth like Achilles with Hector, and beat the shit out of him.”

Luke laughed. That sounded about right. “Why don’t you?”

“It’s Thorn.”

He sucked his breath in sharply. “You mean Forneus?”

“One and the same.”

Luke actually had to sit down at the news. He and Thorn went way back, especially since Thorn was a demigod demon. In the ancient world, Thorn had been one of the most successful and brutal warlords to ever lead an army. Because of that, Lucifer had wanted to recruit him with an unbeatable passion.

But since Thorn was the son of Noir…a god so evil even Lucifer avoided him, it’d been no use.

“Simi married Thorn.” Luke had to repeat that just so he could digest the news.

“Yup.”

“Sorry.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Acheron sighed. “She’s happy, so there’s not much to say. But I’m willing to help you if you promise me something.”

“What?” Luke asked.

“If Thorn ever makes my girl cry, you’ll help me hide the body.”

Chapter

Three

Sorcha paused outside the bathroom as she heard a deep masculine voice she didn’t recognize. At first, she thought it was the TV.

Until she realized that deep rumbling voice was conversing with Luke. It was the strangest accent she’d ever heard. And it was followed by a feminine one even more peculiar. The woman’s voice had a sing-songy quality to it.

Pulling her clothes over her body, she wanted to know what was going on. And she preferred not to be naked while doing it.

As soon as Sorcha was dressed, she opened the door to find a man who was even taller than Luke—something not easily achieved given Luke’s towering height, but the stranger had a couple of inches on him.

And that wasn’t the only thing. For the first time ever, she saw someone who was Luke’s equal in raw sex appeal. One that was completely overwhelming. The man had an aura that made her want to take a bite out of him. And that was completely out of character for her.

Damn.

With long black hair that had a red stripe in it, he was considerably leaner than Luke. Not that it mattered. He still had the look of someone who could easily do harm to anyone dumb enough to challenge him. Dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans, he wore a pair of opaque sunglasses inside the apartment.

Turning toward her, he offered her a devastating grin. “Hi. You must be Sorcha.” The way he said her name sent a chill over her.

She wanted to answer. Really, she did, but all she could manage was a small croak.

The woman with him was even more peculiar. Dressed in a short miniskirt with purple and black leggings and a corset top, she reminded Sorcha of some of the SCAD students who haunted the streets of Savannah around the college campus and town. Two long, black pigtails framed a beautifully impish face.

Letting out a little giggle, she wrinkled her nose. “Look, akri! You done made the poor detective mute.” She walked toward Sorcha and held out her hand. “Don’t worry, it’s only temporary. You’ll speak soon. Akri just like anybody else. Well, no, not really. He’s akri. But you’ll get used to his godness soon.”