Page 83 of Lost and Bound

Except someone is always watching. What surprises me, though, is that she doesn’t bring an audience.

There’s no denying Seraphina is beautiful. Tonight she’s leaned into her designation, radiating ethereal glory. She stops in front of me, and I can’t help but think how the cost of her pearlescent gossamer gown would probably be able to feed a small country.

Her eyes don’t lift to my face as she takes in what I’m wearing, so when she meets my eye and doesn’t mention my clothing, it’s as impactful as if she used her words to rip me to shreds. But I knew she couldn’t help passing judgment, so I’d already prepared and drawn my shields tighter.

Unease kisses me from behind, and Seraphina can’t mask her shock fast enough, though she tries to hide it behind a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

As odd as the timing is, a part of me latches on and enjoys her uncertainty. Seeing her like this makes me think her connection with Bael in the dining hall was an act. I find peace in that.

She recovers quickly, her attention shifting behind me. She changes her body language and her whole demeanor to suit. “Good, you’re here.”

I don’t turn around, since I instinctively know Bael’s darkness like I know her cruelty.

“I am.” His gravelly voice is soothing like honey.

But the honey is still in the hive, and it contains a huge swarm of irate bees.

I hear an odd sound, a metallic clink, before she moves quickly to snatch something spinning through the air.

“Payment in full.”

She opens her palm. The small onyx coin sitting there amplifies her pale complexion.

I’m not great at math, but Seraphina, plus an auction, plus Bael, plus a coin equals enough. I don’t bother adding my reaction, since neither of them is worthy. Her more so, though.

“Off you go,” he hisses, as soon as she sees the coin.

I move to race away but am stopped by his touch. My wrist burns from the weight of his sinister claim.

“Not you.”

His snarl against my ear makes my pulse stutter and scrambles my insides. It’s because of him, but also not. He releases something deep within me, sending gold threads sparking like fireworks across my vision. A wave of fear follows, gripping me tighter under his control.

I lock up as he steps into my periphery, and I understand now why Seraphina was freaking out. Bael is decked out in black, head to toe. He wears the midnight-black tuxedo like a second skin. I knew he was hauntingly beautiful, but seeing him now definitely has me questioning if there is anything actually sinful about being immoral or amoral.

“Your lust is like the annoying buzz of a mosquito.”

I burst out in laughter at the absurdity of a demon talking about bugs, and he has to wait until I’ve got control of myself before he can speak. But before he can, I interject. “I take it you won the auction?”

“It seems like.”

“Why?”

“Someone once told me I need a hobby, so I started collecting.”

“You piece of shit.”

He presses a finger against my lips, moving so fast I can’t stop him from touching me.

A tingling sensation spreads from where his index finger lies. Apprehension makes me take a step back, which he doesn’t miss. The grin he gives me in return is nothing short of nightmare-inducing.

My heart rate hammers as my body catches up with my brain. Bael is a slut for emotional turmoil, and tonight he’s set his sights on mine.

I lock down all my emotions, slamming my shields up and praying that Orion stays away a little longer. Considering Bael’s menace, it’s better if I’m the only one with him.

He draws out the awkward silence before his features twist and fall away. The mask left behind is as hollow as his eyes. He slides his hand into his pocket, looking suave and fatally dangerous, finally responding to my name-calling. “If anyone is a piece of shit, it’s you.”

“Right, because that makes sense.” I don’t hold back on the sarcasm, because I think that’s seriously the most dumbass thing I’ve heard him say.