Ruby Shadows (Born to Darkness #3)(55)

“Exactly. Just as I have a number of clothes ready for you that I can conjure to me at will,” I said mildly. “I prepared thoroughly for this trip, mon ange. Why—did you think I had bought them for another?”

She looked down, still frowning a little.

“The thought crossed my mind.”

“Banish it then,” I told her. “And believe me when I tell you I have thought of no one but you from the first time you summoned me to the mortal plane.”

“Really?” She looked up at me uncertainly.

“Really,” I assured her—it was the absolute truth. My little witch consumed me—I just wished I knew why. “Now, if you’d care to try that gown on—” I began. But at that point the knocking sounded again, louder and more persistent than before.

Gwendolyn’s eyes widened. “That must be him.”

“Get dressed and come out when you’re ready,” I told her. “I will keep him in the living area so you need not fear for your privacy.” I nodded at the dress I’d given her. “And that should cover far more than the red silk gown—you need not worry about him ogling you this time.”

Her face softened. “Thank you, Laish. I appreciate that.”

To my surprise, she stood on her tiptoes and gave me a swift kiss on the cheek. I liked the brush of her soft lips against my skin but even more, I liked the fact that she had kissed me spontaneously, without any coercion. Maybe the trust that had begun to form last night was still growing? I hoped so.

“You are welcome, mon ange.” I cupped her cheek, loving the feel of her skin against my palm. “I do not wish for you to be uncomfortable. And besides,” I added as the knocking sounded again. “I do not like the thought of another male lusting over that which is mine.”

Her eyes widened and then she slapped my chest lightly.

“Laish!”

Smiling, I left her in the bedroom and went to answer the door.

Druaga was standing there, behind a minor demon who was pushing a huge cart covered in flowing white linen. There was a large silver domed platter resting in its center—presumably the breakfast feast he had promised us.

Seeing the tray reminded me that Gwendolyn’s only source of food from the upper realm had been ruined the day before. I had a way to feed her without tying her to the Infernal Realm—which I knew she feared greatly. But I hadn’t had time to talk to her about it or convince her to take food from me. I sighed inwardly. I supposed we would see exactly how much she trusted me…and much sooner than I liked.

“Good morning, Master Laish!” Druaga bustled in importantly. Today he was wearing a tailored burnt umber suit and it seemed he had taken extra care with his tusks—their gold tips shone in the weak green light coming from the windows. His genitals were on display as always, I saw with distaste. Though I am a demon of lust, I find it unseemly to put one’s appetites and desires to the forefront in such a brazen manner. Subtlety is most underrated—both above in the Mortal Realm, and below in Hell.

“Good morning, Druaga,” I said shortly, stepping aside to allow him and his underling to pass. “Let us get this meal over with quickly—I must be on the road again as soon as may be.”

“Of course, of course.” He directed the imp to arrange the breakfast platter on the low table in the living area and then waved him away.

I sat down opposite Druaga and poured myself a small cup of tea. I knew I must eat and drink at least one bite and drink one sip in order to satisfy the terms of our contract. Such were the niceties of Hell.

“And where is your lovely concubine?” Druaga raised one bushy eyebrow at me. “I hope she is feeling well and did not succumb to the devilkin venom?”

“She’s fine, thank you,” I said dryly. “Thanks to your suspiciously quick intervention in the affair she was bitten only once. I was able to rid her of the poison and bring her back to full health.”

The boar-demon snorted.

“I’m so glad to hear she’s feeling well that I will ignore your remark as to my timely help in the manner.”

I simply looked at him and held my peace. I knew what Druaga wanted from Gwendolyn—it was what any demon who got close enough to scent her would want. She had a pure, unblemished human soul—a great delicacy in Hell. But here, at least, it was perfectly safe. Druaga and I had struck the bargain already—I would break bread with him in payment for his intervention in her attack. After this meal, the debt would be paid in full and Gwendolyn and I could move on.

Just then, my little witch came out of the bedroom wearing the long green gown I had given her and looking absolutely lovely. I thought her face had a soft, contented glow—perhaps from her pleasure last night? At any rate, she was a vision to behold and I could scarcely take my eyes away from her.

Druaga too, was looking at her—his small, greedy eyes filled with lust.

“My, my, don’t you look lovely this morning, my dear,” he remarked to Gwendolyn.

“Thank you.”

She gave him a cool smile and came to sit beside me on the couch. I was glad to see that she didn’t put a great deal of distance between us but sat close enough for our thighs to brush. Truly, her trust in me was growing!

“Good morning, mon ange,” I murmured, brushing her temple with a kiss. “As you are here, I do believe we can begin to dine.”