So… what? You want me to sign my name in blood or something?”“Hmmm,” he said, tapping his finger against his cheek as he looked at the ceiling — the epitome of an overly dramatic thinker.I rolled my eyes.“Why don’t we just seal it with a kiss?” he suggested, as if the thought of it didn’t gnaw at my intestines.“Is there a Door Number Two?”“Well, I could stay at your side every second until Nergal is dead,” he answered. “And before you ask, there is no Door Number Three.
They’re my peace offering for starting over. I gave you one once before, only to deceive you in the most unimaginable way. But not this time, this time, I assure you, my intentions are pure.”“So, you’re not trying to seduce me?” I asked, only to prolong what I knew was coming. I wasn’t sure I was ready for it. His lids were getting heavy and I could feel the sexual tension building between us. There was a gentle pressure at the back of my neck, pulling me closer, his face so close I could smell the wine we shared on his breath. “I said my intentions were pure. That doesn’t mean I don’t intend to seduce you, Cassie.
None of us asked for this life. I, of all people should know that our paths were chosen for us and we were just along for the ride, doing what was necessary and expected. There were far greater forces at work here. He was playing my heartstrings, which sang a sad melody I felt deep in my soul. For the first time, I could see him for who and what he was now. Even the worst incarnations of evil could change, and from this point forward, I would try to honor that. He was willing to put his life back in the line of fire to help me, and at the very least, he deserved my respect for that. Maybe even a second chance.
I’ll deal with the consequences one way or another, but I’m sick and tired of sitting back and wondering ‘what if.’ I’ve been a puppet for too long. Now that I know I have the potential to fight, I need to cut the strings and do something about it. There’s a reason I was created the way I was. I have to believe that, and I have to seek out my purpose.
His finger pressed my lips to silence me. “So, tell me, my beautiful, little demon, how does it feel? Did you enjoy seducing Caleb to get what you wanted? Or were you so enraptured by the green of his eyes that you longed for his tongue in your mouth and his hands on your body?” I gasped, but he went on before I could respond. “Truthfully, I’d prefer the former, because it would mean since he’s bailed on the deal, I’m the only one left to help you. I must warn you, however, it’s going to take a whole lot of seduction to get me to help you now.