My Decadent Demon (My Demon Trilogy, Book 1) (4 page)

His lips brushed against her temple. And as the music drew to a close, his image began to fade, his final words lingering in the quiet of her mind. “Be with me forever, Seraphina...”

Sera opened her eyes to find herself alone in her chambers. Her heart was pounding and her lashes wet.  Through her long, chocolate tresses she ran an unsteady hand, silently making her way to her bed. Beneath the silken sheets she slipped and settled onto her pillows. And as she drifted off to sleep, a small smile curved her lips as visions of her lover danced in her head.

CHAPTER 3

  “Here demon, demon…”

Cole ghosted into a vacant alleyway and immediately stepped in a mound of melting snow. He shook his foot with a
curse, scowling down at his shoe. With a snap of his fingers, he swiftly changed his loafers into boots. Now that winter had set in, he really needed to adjust his wardrobe.

Exiting the backstreet, he made his way down the busy city sidewalk, whistling in dark humor to the tune of ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.’ Hands in his coat pockets, he began to scan the masses, searching with cold eyes for his daily payment to The Master.

Sera stilled at her vanity, her eyes locking onto
Cole as he materialized into the dominion of man. She giggled, watching him glaring at his shoe and shaking it irritably. But when he suddenly manifested boots, she raised a brow. Impressive. Propping her chin in her hand, she smiled, and continued to enjoy the entertainment he was providing.

And then his eyes flickered. The mischievous look had her utterly intrigued. She sat up straight. But as her hand slid
toward the mirror, she paused. Then frowned at the fact that he wasn’t sleeping. If she wanted to watch him at closer range, she'd have to visit him in the corporal world. And that would require slipping unnoticed from the seraphim realm, which was a bit extreme. 

She nibbled on her lip as he emerged from the alley, scanning the busy streets with determined purpose. What in Heaven’s name was he up? She couldn't stand it. Her curiosity was once again getting the best of her.

Newfound resolve lit her features as she stood up and marched across the room to an enormous walk-in closet. Within, she scoured her wardrobe, searching for something more human-like. She’d need to blend in, after all, and her dazzling angelic gowns just simply wouldn’t do.

After a few frustrating moments,
she decided to get inventive. Creating an outfit should not be too difficult.  She recalled the women’s attire who had so easily garnered rapt Cole’s attention that night at the club. She snarled at the thought, before promptly manifesting a two-piece, black leather ensemble. The fitted jacket and skin-hugging slacks felt divine. Who knew animal hide was so unbelievably soft?  Next she slid on a pair of burgundy, five-inch heels, a happy purr emerging at what they did to her calves. If Cole thought her legs were divine before…

She paused to frown. No, this outfit was not for him. It was merely to help her blend in.

With a nod, she gave herself a quick inspection in the closet’s full-length mirror. She looked spectacular if she did say so herself.

Removing her jacket so as not to hinder flight, she draped it over her arm. Only a slinky,
low-backed camisole covered her beneath. As ready as she’d ever be, she inhaled deep, squared her shoulders, then turned and marched to her balcony doors. 

Majestic wings emerged on cue, snapping wide to expand to their fifteen-foot width.  A gentle breeze sent stands of chocolate flittering across her face. She smiled, her heart racing with a
nticipation. And then she was descending, lower and lower from the heavenly atmosphere, heading back to a place she hadn’t seen in a hundred years. A place called New York City.

Still whistling under his breath, Cole walked along, checking out shop windows in the breaks between passing human herds.  He stopped, spotting a male was selling drugs to a teenager. Narrowing his eyes at the two, he waited for his moment. The teenager eventually took off, scurrying down the busy sidewalk as he stuffed his purchase deep into his pocket. Cole snapped his fingers and the kid’s drugs instantly appeared in Cole’s hand. As he looked down at the crap, he couldn’t for the life of him get why humans needed such things to escape from their everyday realities. He snorted humorlessly. Try living in hell for a day...

A second quick snap and the baggie disappeared.

His gaze slid over to the dealer as he pulled a cigar from his coat. No need for a lighter when he had ‘Bic-magic’ at his fingertips. With a smirk, he walked over to the male, letting him -and no one else- see Cole’s true demonic form. The guy gaped, paling as he started to sputter, asking who Cole was and what he wanted. Cole shook his head. “Shits like you need a life.”

One last time he snapped his fingers, mystically vacuuming the asshole’s body into a tiny, little black box. Tucking it into his coat pocket,
he smiled, and resumed his stroll down the sidewalk.

Sera descended gracefully toward Earth, concealed in angelic invisibility. The moment she touched down, her wings shimmered away, the sound of their flapping replaced by her heels clicking along the filthy concrete. Chin held high, she re-donned her jacket, then emerged onto the bustling Manhattan street.

Keen eyes took in her surroundings. As she navigated through the sporadic clusters of humans, she regarded them with a curious smile. There was so much to hear and see, touch and smell. She didn’t remember the city being so stimulating. Inside, her stomach flittered with anxious, eager butterflies.

She frowned, searching every male, unable to find the one she was looking for. Strange, she had seen Cole traveling this way not too long ago…

  And then she spotted him
. What was Cole doing conversing with a questionable looking human? Was it demon related business? Curiosity growing, she paused to hone in on their conversation. Angelically enhanced hearing was perfect for moments such as these.

A moment later, her head tilted in pleasant surprise. He was targeting a corrupt soul, ridding mankind of the male’s negative influence.
Her heart pounded with pride, a smile emerging on her face. The best thing of all, though, was that her demon thought the good of his deed had gone unseen.

When Cole finally resumed walking, Sera reco
mmenced shadowing him as well. Her eyes flashed happily as she shortened the distance between them. Sweet torture, she was close enough now to pick up his scent. Candlelight mixed with the cool, heady air of an approaching gale. She drew in a breath, holding it nice and close to her heart. Just like she’d hold Cole if she were able.

Cole could sense someone following him, so he decided to play along. A little fun with one’s pursuer never hurt anyone. With a smirk, he made his way into another dark alley, then quickly flashed out, leaving behind only a ghost trail to follow him by.

He reappeared a few seconds later atop a distant building. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he resumed his leisurely stroll, heading to the rooftop’s stair
well door. As he made his way down, a hooker crossed his path, promptly showing off her bountiful wares. Cole shook his head with a smile, side-stepping the broad. What was the world coming to?

A
new tune whistling passed his lips, he finally reached ground level. Barely slowing his pace, he took a hard right and flashed to another side of town. If he was going to play the game, he was going to play it well.

Again and again, he changed his location, ultimately
materialized inside a large, abandoned warehouse. In the corner a tall stack of crates loomed ominously. He grinned, flashed swiftly atop it. With just a thought, he erased any remnants of his hiding spot’s trail, then sat to wait for his pest’s arrival.

Sera stopped just before the dark alley’s entrance. She could sense Cole within, could feel his powerful essence. She peeked around the corner just in time to catch a glimpse of his fleeting image. She frowned. Irritating, elusive male! She crossed her arms and fumed. In order to pursue him, she'd have to follow his supernatural trail, which would leave her exposed as she arrived at the other end. But it was either that, or abandon her quest. And she'd gone to such trouble.

With a soft growl, she made her way into the darkness. It wasn't difficult to pick up his lingering signature. Come to think of it, it was rather easy. Too easy. Her eyes narrowed. Had he
detected her following him? Had he already turned the tables and is now baiting her? A smile curved her lips. She certainly would not put it passed him, the clever scoundrel.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and
allowed her essence to shift. With a bit of trial and error, and a handful of frustrated oaths, she eventually tethered herself to his blatantly obvious trail. After a few aggravating detours that included a shameless harlot’s advances, she finally came to a dead end; an old, rundown structure with no trace of her demon in sight. She eyed the warehouse monstrosity. Damn it, he was annoyingly skilled at evasion!

Cole felt her appear before he saw her; Sera, manifesting inside the store room in all her lovely glory. Damn angel.

“
Next time, don't be so sneaky about what you want,” he quipped from above. “I might actually oblige you.” In the blink of an eye, he was back at ground level, appearing in front her with his typical smirk. With a snap of his fingers, he manifested a chair and promptly had a seat, crossing his ankles in smug satisfaction. “If you’re going to stalk me, you’ll need to brush up on your skills a little better.”

Arms folded over her tight, leather top, Sera pursed her lips, as if
fighting to hold back a smile. “Angels are known for many things, my love, but sadly, stalking is not one of them. So you will just have to excuse my shortcomings in that department.” Despite her proud front, he could easily sense her embarrassment

She winced at him sheepishly, “
Was I really stalking you? I was actually endeavoring for more of a ‘secret admirer’-type approach.” She took a step closer, her eyes lingering wistfully on his face, then lower to take in his chest. But it wasn’t until he noticed them settling on his thighs that he heard her let out a sigh. Like she wanted to cozy up in his lap or something.

Co
le shook his head and laughed. “Sera, what am I going to do with you?” He held his arms open. “If you want my body, just say so. I'll let you have it.” When she hesitated to come closer, he smirked. “What, am I only good to admire from afar?” He patted his lap and grinned darkly. “You know you want to feel me touch you, to slide deep inside you, to make you scream my name.” Her breath hitched as he watched her sway on her heels. “Make it easy on both of us and take what you want already. Why deny yourself?”

She blinked at him, nice and slow, a hot, succumbing smile spreading across her face.  “Well, I did come all this way to enjoy you in one form or another,” she murmured. “Perhaps just one teeny, tiny kiss.”

He grinned as she approached, purred as one lithe leather-clad leg lifted over his to straddle him where he sat. Small hands settled atop his shoulders as slowly, cautiously, she began to sit. Like an easily spooked cat, he mused. His eyes locked with hers at close range. Again, she murmured her sentiment, her concession a caress to Cole’s ears. “Yes. What harm could one simple kiss bring.”

The air abandoned his lungs. So perfect she felt against him. His hands trailed up her thighs as her own wondered over his chest. Not breaking eye contact, he let her feel his arousal as she settled atop his lap. He watched her, holding back to let her lead. He knew her well enough to know that deep down a part of her would love to be the aggressor right now. And he would allow her that, but just this once. Next time she wouldn't be so lucky.

“No harm, no foul, Sera,” he rasped. “Now stop stalling and be a brave little angel.” Visions assailed him of what he wanted to do to her. So vivid they were, that he nearly sliding out of his chair. His mouth opened, shallow pants forming as she tormented him with her hands. Dark eyes watched her lick her lips, moving them closer to his. He could easily see that arousal was riding her just as hard as it was him. Thank fuck for small favors. “Kiss me,” he purred, a subtle hint of impatience lacing his tone.

Sera’s lids grew heavy. His voice was like warm velvet rubbing all over her body, caressing her down to her soul.
Still she hesitated, but not because she didn’t trust him. On the contrary, she wasn’t sure if she trusted herself. Good God, he was just so magnificent! It took all the strength she possessed not to attack him like some wild animal.

Her
hands roamed over his muscles. Did he desire her like he once had?  As badly as she desired him now? She feared he was merely teasing her, punishing her for her past transgressions. If it wasn’t for that sincere look in his eyes, she would suspect exactly that. But his gaze was telling her something very much the opposite, that a part of him was still hers.

Her fingers tunneled into his hair as her mouth hovered
mere millimeters from his. Cole growled low. Oh yes, she swooned. She bit her lip and grinned, then closed the gap between them, taking the kiss she was dying for. And just like before, she was immediately lost to him. She moaned, her smile pressed sweetly against his. “Cole. My beautiful Cole.”

His fingers flexed into her hips as his t
ongue thrust inside her mouth. She pulled him closer, her hands dropping to his back, her nails digging deep. He ground his hips against the apex of her thighs, then pushed his hand under her top, his fingers caressing as if they couldn’t stop touching her.

Sera giggled the moment he discov
ered she wasn’t wearing a bra, her demon nearly choking. Unsurprisingly though, he recovered quickly, cupping her breasts to graze his thumb across her nipple. She shivered at the contact, her flesh beginning to flicker.