The Angel's Devilry

p l e a s u r e

Dilara

For the third time tonight I'm transported through Hell. I shadow travel with Zale this time, his insanely large hand only slightly warmer than Kai's. One moment I'm in the The Devil's dining hall and the next I'm suspended in nothingness. I sway a little as my feet hit solid ground, feeling slightly nauseated.

Zale smirks at this. "Careful," he warns, his tone silken. He draws a hand to my hip, steadying me. "You'll get used to shadow travel after a few days."

"Is there no other method of transportation?" I question stiffly. "I thought it was a rumor that everything in Hell was unpleasant but it seems I was mistaken."

Something heated takes over his cool gaze, a challenge excepted with the slight twitch of his lips. "Oh darling, I assure you I could convince you otherwise."

It is increasingly difficult not to focus on the feel of his fingers against the thin layer of satin that clothes my hip. His thumb rubs slow, teasing circles, igniting my skin and clouding my thoughts.

I grab his wrist, stopping his movements before I do something i'll regret. "Enough," I breathe.

Zale's let's out a low chuckle, retracing his hand from my grasp and reaching into his back pocket. He pulls out a black keycard, purposely reaching his arm around me to unlock my door.

I grit my teeth and reach behind me, my fingers grazing his own before finding the knob. Prick.

"You can go now," I tell him, turning the door handle until it clicks.

Zale plants his free hand on the doorframe, caging my body in with his own. "You're not going to invite me in?" He teases, bringing his mouth dangerously close to my throat.

I could move away. I should move away. Yet my body seems incapable of cooperating with the protests sounding in my mind. Every pore of his body seems to be leaking seduction and it enrages me just as much as it arouses me.

Zale's lips brush the skin just below my jaw, soft and barley there. I don't think i'm moving. My pulse hammers in my throat, and I feel his mouth curve in a smirk as he realizes this too.

What am I doing?

I whirl, twisting out of his touch and throwing open the door to my room. Launching myself through the threshold, I send the door flying behind me with enough force to rattle the walls. Much to my dismay, it comes to a halt against the toe of a black leather boot.

"Jesus Christ," I growl. "Are you incapable of taking a hint?"

Zale re-opens the door, wandering leisurely in as if we're about to have tea. "Unfortunately for you, i'm not a vampire. If you're not going to invite me in i'll do it myself."

"Zale," I growl. "leave."

"No."

I stalk up to him, my every movement clipped with anger. "I wasn't asking."

He stares down at me. "You're very enticing when angered," he observes. "Your face flushes and your body tenses up."

"I'm always enticing," I retort, my composure beginning to crack. "But might I remind you, demon, I have had quite the day. My entire existence as well as the future of my home Kingdom rides on the decision I make tomorrow. So please, pardon me if I seem angered."

Zale watches me, facing an internal debate of some sort."It seems to me like you need a distraction," he declares.

I don't bother trying to hide my eye roll. "I'd sooner shadow travel again than take up any proposal of yours."