The Devil Needs No One

Chapter III

By the time the pair of them found there way back into Lucifer's bedroom, Chloe was feeling chilled. A towel and sopping wet hair probably wasn't the best way to keep warm. At least Lucifer was warm, (almost too warm, actually) and maybe a little too close when she was so exposed both emotionally and physically, but she welcomed it all the same. His fingers clutched gently at her shoulders as he steered her to the bed. She expected a few witty remarks or jibes at her state in a poor attempt to lighten the mood, but he did no such thing. In fact, he seemed...so enthralled with her well being that she was a bit taken aback. Or at least, she would have been if she were in the right state to think clearly. Chloe sniffled, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. The bed dipped as the dark prince sat beside her. His hands hesitated - barely touching her still as they sat in silence. His touch slowly slipped away, a hand sliding into his damp pocket to slide over a particular coin.

"I'll go make us some breakfast, how's that sound? Call the station for you? I'm sure that your captain won't mind. Charming lady, that one." His breath tickled the back of her neck. Chloe shivered, offering him a slight nod of her head. There was no strength in her to argue. And to be frank, a day off was surely the best course of action. How could she work like this? He was probably the only person that could charm her boss to giving Chloe the day off, too. Most employers had a fit if somebody else called for their employees. He was unbelievable. Not that it was like her to really accept help like this often. She was strong, independent, and had worked hard to get the detective position she had. But sometimes, a part of her mind rationalized, it was okay to accept help.

Lucifer made to stand back up and allow her some privacy to change. As he headed to the door, panic of no particular source swelled in her chest, but she pursed her lips, watching him saunter out, gaze burning into his back. God, what had she gotten herself into? Another sniffle, then she surveyed the clothes Maze had brought and scrunched up her nose. Ah, well. They would have to do until she got home. She bit back her belated embarrassment and began to change.

Lucifer sighed as the door shut with a quiet click. Thoughts of confusing nature ran rampant in his mind, causing him to frown. The detective was a right mess. Of that, at least, he was certain. Humans were such fragile creatures. But why did that make him feel...squirmy inside? Her distress unsettled him. His pace slowed as he neared the small, but quite luxurious kitchen. He would prepare a decent meal: three egg omelets with sausage and potatoes, some toast. This time it wouldn't burn or go to waste as it had when he had come to her home to prepare a meal for her. Then, he had done it in an attempt to "woo" her into sleeping with him. This time...he wasn't sure why exactly. Out of compassion? Pity? The Devil wasn't really the sort to just cook all willy nilly for mortal women if it didn't serve him in some form. But now is different, isn't it, Morningstar? Lucifer retrieved his ingredients and began right away, shoving the thoughts aside. Best not to dwell, he told himself.

Mazikeen slipped into the kitchen, dressed in a delicious set of red leather pants and a matching crop top. Her gold earrings hung like little raindrops from her ears; it was a nice accent for her dark red lips. Which were locked at that moment, in an even darker scowl. She raised an eyebrow at the hell lord, crossing her arms over her chest.

"What are you doing? I don't understand why you're still out here catering to your mortal pet. Let her go home and make herself some damn food."

"I'm doing what I want to do, so what does it matter to you?" He spoke lightly, but hidden underneath, the demon knew there was a sharp warning. She chose to ignore it and rolled her eyes and clicked her sharp fingernails across the counter top. Lucifer frowned at her but then just continued cooking.

"Don't forget, she's only human. You're the King of Hell -"

"Was. I'm retired now." The words rolled off his tongue smoothly, the slightest trace of annoyance embedded in each syllable.