The Devil's Mark (Book 1)

Chapter Forty Eight: Late Night Romance

Jason

The next day we returned to Los Angeles. And while night had fallen, we still managed to find our way home. Lucifer took care of the luggage as I unlocked the front door and crossed over the threshold, taking in the various pieces of furniture covered in white sheets. While particles of dust covered the hardwood floors leaving a trail of footprints in our wake. I couldn't help but sneeze as I went into the kitchen and grabbed myself a bottle of water. Lucifer set the bags down at the foot of the stairs and yanked the white sheet off the couch as he turned on the TV.

"It feels weird," I said, screwing the cap back on. "Being back here. It feels like forever ago."

"Yeah. It sure has been. But we're home now. And that's all that matters."

Home. The word resonated deep within my very soul. It tingled down my spine forcing me to shiver at the last memory I have of when I was truly home. I closed my eyes and smelled the air catching the familiar scent of fresh baked cookies, baking in the oven. Mom always loved baking things and she was good at it too. I can remember my earliest memory of her putting on the finishing touches to my birthday cake. I was four or five then. And the theme for the party was trains. Heh. Guess I liked Thomas the Train a little too much as a kid.

"Are you alright?" Lucifer asked as I opened my eyes and glanced down to see his hand holding mine. "Are you tired? Should I draw you a bath and put you to bed?"

I chuckled and shook my head. "No. Honestly, I'm fine. I was just thinking about my mother and how much she loved to cook. I miss her terribly."

"Jason, I'm so sorry. I should've told you sooner about your parents. I guess I hoped that what I was doing was the right thing to do."

"It's alright. I've forgiven you. Anyway, I think I'll head on upstairs now and try to relax."

"Very well," he said, kissing my forehead. "I'll be up there in an hour or two."

I left the kitchen and slowly made the climb upstairs as I placed a hand on the railing and stared at the second landing like it was the top of Mount Everest. I missed being able to run up and down a flight of stairs without a care in the world. But now that I had another being inside of me, I wasn't able to do the things I used to. And that killed me. A swift kick registered in my gut and I muffled a groan as I placed a hand on my stomach and said that I was sorry. Alas, I couldn't wait to be free. Even if it meant raising a child of my very own.

Across the catwalk, looking down over the living room, Lucifer laid back against the couch with his arms spread out and the remote control in his lap. While distant colors from the TV flashed across his face in sea of white, blue and yellow. Commercials ran night and day without end. And at times they seemed pointless what with their constant reminders about cash for gold or how you should contact your doctor if you have an erection lasting more than four hours.

But then again I guess without commercials we wouldn't have the kind of shows that we see today. Then I heard the news come on as I turned to leave and head for the master bedroom. More white sheets covered the furniture in here including the bed. One yank off the bed and the white sheet came flying at me along with a face-full of dust. In so doing however, I had my mouth open, my lips parted slightly as I sucked in a breath at just the right moment. Not really such a good idea don't you think.

A quick glance estimated that the sheets could be used for one night only before being mandatory that they be washed and replaced the next day. Lucifer would help me with that, I'd make sure of it. Next, I went to the bathroom and turned on the shower as I started to undress myself and kick off my shoes.

"Need some help with that?" said a voice coming from the bedroom.

I smirked. "Only if your plan is to join me for a hot shower."