The Demon King of Lust

Chapter 23

I chew at my nails and tap my foot as I wait for Kieran to come over. He wouldn't tell me much in the dream—just that he'd come over as soon as he could and explain everything. The shrill ring of the doorbell makes me jump. I take in a deep breath before heading to the door, peeking through the peephole to confirm it's Kieran before I open it.

"Hey, Red," he says with a weak smile.

"Hey," I reply, inviting him inside. "We can talk in my room."

He nods and follows me upstairs. I'm concerned that he didn't even try to make any sexual comment about being invited to my bedroom.

Once we're inside, I close the door behind us and he sits down on the bed.

"What's going on, Kieran?" I ask. "You're freaking me out."

"I don't know. I'm trying to figure it out myself, but I don't trust for a moment that he's leaving you alone now."

"Why?"

"By all accounts, Victor was a loyal soldier to Asmodeus. He was part of his trusted inner circle. Then, he gives up everything to be with you."

"I... I'm not sure. I mean, I guess that's what happened. It's not like I was really in the loop about all of that."

"You don't betray a Demon King without retribution. He knew he was risking his life for you."

What he's saying sounds logical, but I don't know what to think. Why would Victor sacrifice everything for me?

"Okay, so assuming that's true and he went against Asmodeus for me, what does that mean?"

"If he was willing to turn on the king for you, there's no chance in hell he's going to give you up because I asked him to. Which leads me to wonder why he said what he did... that he'd stay out of your dreams."

My stomach drops as I realize what he's saying.

"He specifically said my dreams... he's still coming for me, isn't he?"

Kieran gives me an apologetic look as I sit down next to him on the bed.

"What was happening in your dream before I got there? What did he say to you?"

"He was pretending to be you, actually."

His eyes widen and darken all at once.

"How?"

"He—as you—said he needed to meet me right away and he asked for my address."

"Shit."

"No, I didn't give him my address. Something felt off about the whole thing, so I said I would meet you—er, him—at the bar."

"Pike's? Did you say the bar's name?"

Did I?

"I don't remember..."

"When were you going to meet him?"

"He asked if I could be there in an hour or so. I can't remember the exact time. Do you think he's going to be there?"

Kieran's expression falls and he pinches his eyes shut.

"No." He shakes his head and sighs. "But now he knows you live within an hour of Pike's. He can find you."

My throat feels tight and my pulse hammers in my chest. It's my worst nightmare—and it's all my fault.

He's going to find me.

I'm going to have to move again.

I'm going to have to leave Zahra and Kieran and Grams.