Fallen Angels

FALLEN ANGELS

Marty Rayne

www.loose-id.com

Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Fallen Angels Marty Rayne This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com

Copyright © June 2008 by Marty Rayne All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978-1-59632-708-5 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Ellen Tevault Cover Artist: Christine M. Griffin

www.loose-id.com

Prologue Special Agent A. Hardy -- 1:27a.m. -- Day 43 Gaining confidence and position. Meeting with L in five days. Time/place TBD.

With a few keystrokes, the message was encoded and sent on its way. A few more swipes over the keys and all evidence of the communication was gone.

***** “I’ve got a bad feeling about this. I don’t trust the kid.” Mammon cast a glance at his second. “It’s not your call, Hammer.” “Damn it, Mammon. He’s been here less than two months, and already he’s up your ass.” Mammon sighed, closed his eyes, and silently asked for patience. “Yet in that short amount of time, he’s proven to be worth more than what I’m paying him. Wasn’t it he who discovered Dege’s deception?” “Mammon…”

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“Don’t push it,” he growled, turning his attention back to the computer screen in front of him. “Adam is accompanying me, and that’s final. Besides, Lucifer requested he come. It appears as if Adam has caught his eye.” “Lucifer?” The name came out as a whisper. “If you’re willing to take his place, I’m sure --” “No!” Hammer shook his head. “Good. We leave in the morning.”

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Chapter One Adam

Even in October, the heat could be suffocating, humid, and miserable. And the bugs. Damn, did they ever hibernate, migrate, or whatever the hell it was mosquitoes and other pests did? Not to mention the love bugs splattered on the motorcycle’s windshield. The squashed remnants stuck like glue to the plastic. Going to have a great time cleaning the thing. However, it didn’t prevent my gaze from locking on the red Ninja speeding ahead of me. Actually, it kept straying to the rider’s ass. Firm, tight. Sexy. It couldn’t be helped, as this style of motorcycle forced the rider to bend forward, offering all who happened to be behind them a view of the rider’s butt. I couldn’t complain, as it was a better sight than the endless miles of thick vegetation and swamp we’d passed on this hour-long trip. My own ass lacked much feeling from being in one position too long. My imagination floated along some interesting ways as to how to draw feeling back into my ass cheeks. All of them involved the man riding the machine in front of me. Mentally shaking those dangerous, yet delicious thoughts away, my focus was once again on the desolate road we were traveling on. We’d not passed another vehicle in the last

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ten minutes. If my bearings were correct, we were in the middle of the insect-infested Everglades. Not exactly the ideal vacation spot. But then, I wasn’t here for a vacation. Leaving the paved road, we turned onto what wasn’t more than a dirt path and traveled another five minutes. Whoever invented the full-face helmet was a genius and my new best friend. It kept the stirred-up dust and any other crap floating in the air from my face and sinuses. I could only imagine the way my allergies would flare up if it weren’t for the plastic shielding me. I was more than thankful when we finally stopped. Then again, once I saw the sorry picture of our lodgings -- maybe not. Removing my helmet to get a better look, I took in the dilapidated cabin reserved just for us. “Are you sure we’re in the right place, Mammon?” The leader of the Fallen Angels removed his helmet; silky, black hair was plastered to his head from sweat. Still the man exuded sex appeal. It made this assignment both torture and pleasure. “Trust me, this is the place.” His voice rolled over me like a gentle stream. Following him up the rickety-looking stairs, I was cautious of my step, unsure if the floorboards would give way under my weight. The wood groaned with every movement. Mammon unlocked the door and entered. I hesitated. Something about this felt off. From all the intel gathered and from what I’d observed, Mammon’s interactions with Lucifer took place either by messenger or in person in a very public place. Not in some undesirable cabin in the middle of a swamp. And why was Lucifer, the infamous and elusive head of the leading smuggling ring in the United States, interested in meeting me? That worried and intrigued me all at once. Had I gone in too strong? Maybe my cover was blown. My greatest fear was that all the work I’d done would go down the drain and be worthless. My assignment was to infiltrate the Fallen Angels and get all the information I could on Lucifer.

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This was the closest unit associated to the big man. No other group the Agency had been able to associate with Lucifer was as connected to the big boss as the Fallen Angels. But if Lucifer knew who I really worked for, all of my work could now crash down around me. Then what would happen? “If I wanted to be a mosquito’s dinner, I would’ve stayed outside. In or out, Adam.” I let out a sigh, seeing no other choice. Until I knew for certain, the act had to be played out. Stepping through the doorway, I was shocked, and my jaw hung open. “Shut the damn door,” Mammon growled, throwing his leather jacket onto the back of the couch. I did as he commanded without thought, using my foot to kick it shut. My gaze shot around the cabin in wonder. Outside it looked like nothing better than a piece of shit being held together by rust, mold, and luck. Inside -- a completely different story. Everything was nice, clean, and by the looks of it, fairly new. The walls were made of wood, free of rot and mold. The floor, more sturdy than the porch, was decorated with a couple of throw rugs. The furniture was simple but pleasing. The same with the décor. Woodsy, definitely masculine. Even the kitchen was equipped with state-of-the-art appliances. No roughing it here. Mammon walked by and pressed one finger under my chin to close my jaw. His gaze lingered on my lips. Perhaps it was my imagination, but heat suddenly flared in my abdomen and shot straight to my cock. He chuckled and walked through another doorway leading to, I assumed, a bedroom. “Get comfortable, Adam. Lucifer won’t be here until tomorrow, early evening,” he called out. Over twenty-four hours alone with Mammon in the middle of nowhere. This could be any gay man’s fantasy or his worst nightmare, depending on the outcome. If my cover was blown, I’m sure there’d be hell to pay. If not, perhaps I could relax a little and enjoy some

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downtime. Along with possibly getting more information about Lucifer, since it seemed Mammon was the only one not intimidated by the mere mention of the boss’s name. I’d personally not indulged my sexual preference for men with anyone in the group, keeping my private life just that. However, I’d heard rumors that Mammon preferred men. Nothing hard to go on -- besides my cock, that is. Which could make this time together a challenge. Grinding my teeth, I forced my body to behave and concentrated on my surroundings. Taking off my gloves, then jacket, I slowly made my way around the main room. The work was fairly recent. The smell of sawdust was still evident, as was the smell of stain. Or was that sealant? “Comfortable enough for a night or two?” Mammon walked out of the bedroom minus his shirt, hair tousled, with droplets of water still lingering on his chest. “It’ll do.” I tried to sound unimpressed. It was a difficult task when a chest with a perfect set of pecs was this close, his nipples pebble hard and just begging to be sucked. Piercings weren’t the norm for me, but I had to practically rip my eyes from the thin gold ring dangling from his right nipple. “Anything to eat?” I rushed to the kitchen, deciding the fridge looked like a good diversion. Thoughts of food would distract my lust for the man, right? The best way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. So not true, but I kept the mantra chanting in my mind. “Are you sure it’s food you want?” My heart skipped a beat. Okay, many beats. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. This time my body didn’t give a shit what the mind said about rules, job, and duty. My cock had a mind of its own and took charge, completely hardening, painfully pressing against the rough denim of my jeans, making it a tight fit. I sucked back an anguished moan. I’d

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managed to keep my attraction to the man to myself for two months. But being alone with him…that might be really pushing my limit. “Adam?” I straightened from my inspection of the contents of the fridge and turned slowly. Instantly, I regretted it. Mammon was leaning against the back of the couch staring at me, legs crossed, head tilted slightly to the side, and the fingertips of one hand tucked into his waistband. My gaze swept over the smooth, muscular chest, settling on his handsome face. Mammon had an exotic look. His skin was dark, as if he’d spent hours out in the sun. His features were strong, with sharp angles much like that of American Indians. However, his striking dark eyes had a slight slant to them, hinting at an Asian heritage mixed in. With knees trembling and heat suffusing my entire body, I reached out and took hold of the counter for balance. Over twenty-four hours alone with the object of my lust. It didn’t matter that he was one of the bad guys. Since being assigned this case, I realized lust knew no boundaries. It had few limits. What it wanted…it tried its damnedest to get. However, I was sure I could resist. Forty-three days I’d been in his presence. So far, so good.

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Chapter Two Mammon (Marc)

I watched Adam’s eyes widen slightly, showing his surprise. I managed to bite back a laugh and raised a brow in question instead. “Cat got your tongue?” Adam shook his head. This was the first time, since he came to the Fallen Angels, that I’d seen him without an immediate response to a question. He had a sharp mind, was great with strategy, and good-looking to boot. His dark auburn hair was plastered to his head with sweat, its length clinging to his neck. If I wasn’t mistaken, color rose under those adorable freckles across his cheeks. Adam was twenty-eight years old, but he could easily pass for twenty with his youthful, boyish looks. Ice and T called him a pretty boy. It fit. “What makes you think --” “Adam.” I interrupted him, pushed away from the couch, and approached. His gaze shifted erratically, obviously nervous. This was intriguing, for he’d always been cool and collected. Little rattled his control. Even when Hammer came down hard on him for being the newbie. He smelled of sweat and remnants of his cologne. Spicy, masculine, sexy.

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“I’m an observant man.” I was within two inches of him. He’d backed up a couple of steps on my approach until his back pressed against the refrigerator. Not too smart. Adam tried to slide sideways, away from me, but I easily blocked his path with an arm. “I think I should -- um, well, we need to get our things from the bikes.” “They aren’t going anywhere.” I caged him by planting my other hand against the refrigerator, bracing myself on either side of him. He was looking a little spooked now, but I wouldn’t relent. Looking into his deep green eyes, I silently questioned the sanity of doing this. “As I was saying, I’ve been watching you, pretty boy. You are more than you appear.” His eyes narrowed, and I witnessed the hardness he’d exuded since joining the Fallen Angels return. “What do you mean? What you see is what you get.” A chuckle escaped, not that it needed to be stopped. If he only knew. Not only had I watched him, I’d caught him watching me. The feeling, it was more than just curiosity, intrigued me. It was about time to discover if my instincts were correct. “I think there’s a lot more under the calm cool you show others.” Quickly closing the existing distance between us, my mouth lowered to his, and my hands moved from the refrigerator to his face. If I’m wrong, I’ll be anticipating a punch. If I’m right, however, I’ll be expecting--well, we’ll have to see. Adam was stiff and resistant at first. I pressed my body against his and trapped him, while my hands kept him from jerking away. In the next breath, he practically melted against me. His mouth opened, granting me entrance. Never once hesitating, I took full opportunity of what was offered. Like much in my life. The kiss easily escalated. My hands slipped from his face, over his tense throat, down muscled arms, until they rested on his waist. Adam’s fingers threaded through my hair, almost massaging my scalp, before taking hold with his fists. He used the leverage to pull me closer. I didn’t resist. Hell, I showed him what close meant by grinding my pelvis against his, revealing my arousal.

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After several minutes of vehement making out, I tore my mouth away, taking in gasping breaths. I wasn’t the only one affected. “Food has nothing to do with what you want.” I gave him a shit-eating smirk. His head fell back against the fridge. “How did you know?” “It’s my job to observe, to know who I take into the fold.” His body trembled under mine, and he stilled. It only lasted a second, but I made note of it. There was a chance Adam wasn’t out, which would explain his reaction. “So, now what?” His question came out breathlessly. “Now we fuck, pretty boy.” Before Adam could protest, I grabbed hold of the bottom of his T-shirt and pulled it up over his head, effectively trapping his arms up in the material. He could have freed himself with just a small amount of struggle; instead, he stood there, chest heaving with his panting breath. Adam looked too hot, with his cheeks flushed and lips parted. Evidence of my need to shave had made the skin around those lickable lips irritated to match his rosy face. Using one hand to hold his arms up, I bent my head and took a nibble at the closest nipple. He gasped, his head falling back and eyes closing. I sucked it between my teeth and bit harder. Adam’s body jerked, and a moan tore from his throat. “Like that?” I asked, licking soothingly around the nipple. There was a hesitation before his answer. “Yes.” It was spoken softly, as if he was reluctant to tell me. It made me wonder. Having had my share of lovers, not too many of the real pretty ones were into pain, afraid of marring their beauty. Most wanted the tender, soft touches of a gentle lover. But not all, as Adam was proof. I left the straining nipple and trailed light kisses up his broad chest and then shifted over to his collarbone. Adam sighed in response; his body relaxed further into mine. I licked his neck; the salty flavor of sweat invaded my mouth. I licked again, then quickly sucked in flesh and bit. It wasn’t hard enough to break the skin, just enough to leave a mark. Adam’s

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hips jerked forward against me, and a cross between a cry of pain and moan of pleasure rocketed from his mouth. I nearly spent my load right there. Iron-clad control was the only thing that kept it from happening. How long it would actually last was another story. I stepped back abruptly, releasing Adam. He blinked at me, dazed and confused. “Mammon?” “Don’t talk. Bedroom. Now.” I spoke between clenched teeth. I turned and started to the bedroom, yanking at the buttons of my jeans. I didn’t have to look back to see if Adam followed. Could hear him hurrying behind a moment after leaving him in the kitchen. By the time I reached the bed, I tugged my feet out of my jeans and damned the stubborn boots that had taken precious time to get off. Behind me, I heard Adam undressing as well. Turning, I found he, too, had trouble with his boots and jeans. I was impatient. Almost desperate to be inside of him. I could imagine how hot and tight his ass would be. Again, I called upon that well-learned control as I watched him finally dispense with his last bit of clothing. I went to the bedside table and retrieved the bottle of lube and a condom. The safe houses were always fully stocked. Throwing them onto the bed, I went to Adam. He looked around the room, and I sensed that he felt a little -- lost? Reluctant? Unsure? Maybe a little of each. Kissing him swiftly, pulling his body to mine, our bare flesh finally came together. We moaned in unison as our cocks made contact. It never ceased to amaze me how wonderful it felt to have another hard dick rubbing along my shaft. Wetness seeped from my tip, anxious for action. I pushed Adam toward the bed, releasing my hold. “On your knees, pretty boy.”

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Chapter Three Adam

My body shook uncontrollably. I’d never felt this -- needy for another person. It was disturbing, but when I gazed upon Mammon’s naked body, all logical thoughts fled. I crawled onto the bed, stopping in the middle. Gratitude descended onto me that I wasn’t standing when I looked over my shoulder. The sunlight, streaming from a window to our right, set him aglow. I’d never seen anything like it as the soft yellow literally mingled with his skin tone, making it dance as if alive. It was a beautiful sight. He was beautiful. Someone that good looking couldn’t be on the wrong side of the law, right? Without a word, Mammon slid into place between my legs. My skin anticipated skimming against his sun-kissed flesh. I watched as he reached for and ripped open the condom package, then rolled it onto his waiting cock. I shivered, knowing its width would stretch me wide, and welcomed it. Mammon caressed my ass, the touch soothing, like the finest silk falling across my skin. I moaned and pushed back at him impatiently. “Eager. I like that.” He slapped my right ass cheek. Jerking at the impact, the burning increased my arousal more than I thought possible. I don’t know why, but a little bit of pain,

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a little bit of roughness during sex, pushes me over the edge. Just looking at Mammon, I knew he would be able to give me what I desired most. “Please,” I choked out. Damn, I was practically begging. Shame brought a flush of heat to my face. Turning away, my head hung almost as if trying to hide. What was I doing? This was never part of my assignment. I shouldn’t be having sex with this man. This was absolutely crazy. I had to keep my mind focused. Concentrate on the job. Only it wasn’t happening. Just when I was going to stop this madness, Mammon smothered my hole with the cool lube and quickly slipped a finger inside of me. I moaned, and my good intentions fled. “Tight.” No shit. It’d been nearly a year since I’ve had sex with another man. Of course, I didn’t tell him that. Just groaned in pleasure when his finger flicked my prostate. I felt lightheaded, a little disconnected, as Mammon worked my ass, adding a second finger, then a third, readying me for his entrance into my body. I found myself rocking back and forth, fucking his fingers, moans and whimpers emanating from my parched throat. Ecstasy smoldered in my blood. Mammon chuckled when he withdrew his fingers. God, I was acting like a wanton slut. If my body hadn’t been shaking so bad with need, I would’ve gotten up and run for my life. My breath fled when he gripped tightly to my hips, his fingers digging hard enough to leave bruises. With one stroke he was inside of me, tearing a cry of painful pleasure from me. “Fuck, pretty boy. You’re still tight,” Mammon hissed between words as he settled in. He was using the name Hammer called me. Coming from Mammon’s mouth, it sounded lascivious, and the heat of my desire burned hotter. I, on the other hand, gasped for air, trying to work past the discomfort of my muscles being stretched, and all the while seeping wetness. Widening my stance, I used one hand to

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squeeze my aching cock. The conflicting sensations burned my nerves, causing a push toward overload to close in. “Not yet, pretty boy.” Mammon moved his hands to my shoulders and pulled me upright. My hand fell from my cock. “My fun isn’t done yet,” he growled into my ear. He withdrew slightly and thrust forward. I groaned and shuddered. “Feel good?” I nodded, my voice gone. Mammon did it again and again, every stroke hard and precise. He was dominant and aggressive in his movements. It served to stimulate every fiber that composed my body. My vision blurred, and it was getting harder to take a deep breath. Shallow pants were all I could manage between moans of pleasure. “Please!” No other word existed in my brain. If my life depended on it, I would’ve died with it on my lips as jolts of desperate need traveled through my veins. His hand wrapped around my cock, squeezing hard at first as if to establish ownership, then began stroking me. I moaned, eyes closing. So close, I just needed… “Adam,” he breathed over the skin of my neck a second before biting. I cried out, my throat constricting in time with my ass. Cum emptied from my balls with forceful spurts. Somewhere in the release, a second voice had joined mine, but I was too far gone to acknowledge it. My body slipped from Mammon’s grip onto the bed, not caring I lay in my own spunk. It wasn’t until my breathing evened out and my head came back to Earth that I felt strong arms embracing me, a leg thrown over my waist, possessively locking me in. This was the first time in my life I’d ever felt this sated and completely relaxed. I blocked out all thoughts of assignments, duty, and humiliation I might feel later for the shameless way I’d acted. Nothing would ruin this moment for me. “Did I hurt you?” Mammon’s voice rumbled in my ear. Unexpectedly, he laid a tender kiss on his last bite. I shivered.

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“No.” My voice was dry and gravelly. His breath came out like a sigh on my throat. He shifted his weight, bringing me just a little closer. I closed my eyes and let the sudden exhaustion pull me under. “Good.” Mammon’s deep voice was the last thing I heard.

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Chapter Four Mammon (Marc)

I should have slept while I had the chance. I tried, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Adam long enough to close them. For the first time in ages, I felt good. Relaxed. Holding Adam in my arms was like second nature. Natural. As if he belonged there. What was it about this man that had me coming undone? Yes, the sex was intense. The orgasm, fucking unbelievable. Already I craved more of him. Apparently, Adam had broken through the long-standing numbness embedded deep inside my soul, calming me like none before. At the same time, something about Adam didn’t sit right. It made me suspicious, but I couldn’t prove a thing. I could only wait and watch. As Hammer suggested, Adam was too eager to please. Too gung-ho. Too -- something I couldn’t put my finger on. But he’d brought about results. Which is what brought him to Lucifer’s attention. Sadly, that’s not a good thing. I ran my fingers gently through Adam’s hair and told myself for the sixth time that he’s not mine. Never will be. All I’ll have are the hours until Lucifer shows up to claim him. Isn’t that the reason I brought him up here a day earlier? To sate my lust and maybe find out a little more about him to quash my suspicions.

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Only now it was Adam’s turn to do the time under Lucifer’s authority. The same fate as a lot of those who work for him -- including myself. Perhaps it will do him some good. Drive all suspicion away. If Adam survives his time with Lucifer and stays in the man’s good graces, he’ll find his escape. He’ll have his choice of groups to lead, or even make his own like I was able to. But that’s only for Lucifer’s favored ones. I could only hope that Adam wouldn’t find out what happened to those who lost Lucifer’s favor. With a sigh, I traced his jaw with a finger, the stubble of the day’s growth rough. Adam

was a pretty boy. It was just too bad he’d gotten mixed up with the Fallen Angels. Not that we were all that bad. I’d been able to handpick my men and had kept us out of the worst part of Lucifer’s pet projects. Thankfully, the Fallen Angels didn’t do the dirty, physical work, such as assassinations, drug running, or any other running Lucifer had going. The Fallen Angels, though we resembled a rough bunch, were actually more of the geeky element of operations. We dealt with the technological aspect of the dealings Lucifer had working. More of the white-collar crime category. Most of the other groups looked to us for help in that area. We were the backbone of Lucifer’s operations, which gave us a lot of freedom. Just the way I liked it. Though it hadn’t come cheap or easy for me to give my group this advantage. “Mammon?” Adam’s voice was thick with sleep. “Marc.” Okay, I’d really lost it, now. Where in the hell had that come from? Adam lifted his head, brows drawn together with confusion. “Huh?” I swallowed hard; my throat constricted. Only two people knew my real name. Adam would make three. Despite the devil on my right shoulder poking me with his pitchfork and cursing at my stupidity, I wanted this man to know my real name. I don’t know why, but I wanted to hear Adam say my name. “Marc. My name is Marc.” Adam sat up with his gaze locked on my face. He still looked bewildered. I chuckled. “You don’t think my parents actually named me Mammon, do you?”

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It felt strange having after-sex discussions. I usually took off right after the act, feeling restless and unsatisfied. It was refreshing not to feel that way with Adam. “Uh, no. I mean, it just gave me a shock.” His cheeks darkened. I smiled, really enjoying flustering him. From my observations and reports from the others, Adam was standoffish, almost shy unless his mind was ticking away on a plan. And what he had shown the small group was that he could be a real hard-ass. No one knew much about him as he rarely talked about himself. Besides what my background checks produced and what I’d perceived of him, there was still an element of mystery about him. Perhaps that’s what intrigued me about him. His conflicting personality. Even now, after witnessing the passion buried deep under that stone-cold, all-business character. He was a puzzle I wanted to solve. My problem was that I had only a day to do so. I guess that’s why I had decided to hit on him and try to sate this lustful ache I’d had since I first laid eyes on him. But I don’t think it worked as I’d planned. Now, I just wanted more of him. I shrugged, and my smile faded. “I’m trusting you not to tell anyone else. It’s our secret.” Adam nodded. “And if I hear the slightest whisper, I’ll know where it came from.” I surprised him, pinning his hands to the bed, my body rolling on top of his. “Trust me when I say that you never want to screw with me.” My gaze narrowed on him, my expression grim. Intimidation was always one of my better traits. I’d learned from a master. His brow rose, and the corner of his lips twitched as if suppressing a smile. “I don’t know, Marc.” My stomach flipped, and I had to hold back the pleasant sigh at hearing my name fall from his lips. “Screwing with you has so far been quite invigorating.” He smiled, and my lungs emptied of oxygen.

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That was it. I couldn’t hold up my threatening façade after that. My cock had rejuvenated with him just saying my name. What this man did to me was amazing. A oncein-a-lifetime find. “Invigorating, you say? Maybe stimulating is a better word?” I pressed my hips down and shoved upward, showing him just how he affected me. Adam gasped. “Greedy man. Wanting more and more,” he said, but there was laughter in his voice, his eyes shining. “Mammon is the name for the fallen angel of greed.” I dipped my head and nipped at his bottom lip. “No complaints here.” Adam’s arm wrapped around my back, and his fingers dug into my ass cheeks, pulling me closer.

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Chapter Five Adam

“Fuck!” I turned to the south and took a couple of steps. Still no signal. I should have known they wouldn’t have cell towers out here in the middle of the swamp. Which is probably why it’s such a great safe house. Hard to track down. And if anyone happened upon it, they would think it was just a rundown shack and pass it by. I had to inform my contact, Agent Harris, that the meeting with Lucifer had moved up by three days. He’d be here tomorrow evening. I had hoped I could get the word out, along with my location. I sighed and pocketed my cell phone. There was an alternative. Marc had a satellite phone. I knew it got a signal because he’d checked in with Hammer earlier. It was stashed it in a dresser drawer in the bedroom. Where he was sleeping, still buck naked in that great big bed. Jesus, when had I started thinking of Mammon as Marc? Oh, yeah, when we fucked for the second time. Or was it the third? No, definitely, the second, after he’d used his teeth to -- I shook away those thoughts. It shouldn’t have happened to begin with. I was weak, and the attraction to Marc had a tight grip on me. Shit. There I go again. This was an assignment, not a holiday. I had to keep my

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mind on the job and not on the delicious, thick cock Marc sported. Damn my sluttish hormones. I sat on the front porch step looking out into the darkness. Word had to get back to headquarters about Lucifer’s arrival. The Agency had tried time and time again to gain access to his home and businesses, but it had been nearly impossible. Besides, they had nothing concrete to even propose a warrant. This was why I was undercover. To get that information. What little I could gather was hidden back in the Fallen Angels’ den. It had been too risky to send it out before I left. That ass, Hammer, had kept a close eye on me since I’d “stumbled” upon Deje’s deception. Okay, I didn’t stumble. Harris had handed me the intel on a silver platter. I just had to dress it up and make it look like I’d found it. It did its job, securing my position within the Fallen Angels. That’s all that mattered. I just wished they trusted me more. Perhaps this meeting with Lucifer would help with that issue. I forced my mind back onto the problem at hand. The satellite phone. Do I dare risk it ? Glancing at my watch told me it was just after ten. Not much time, but what other choice was there? I stood and carefully walked into the cabin. All was quiet. I went to the bedroom, slipped into a dark corner, and waited. Marc lay on his stomach, his arms sprawled across the bed, and his face turned toward the doorway. I stood there several minutes, watching my lover sleep. My gaze strayed to his muscular back and ass. It was too dark to see clearly, but I know my nails had left several marks on both of those parts of his body. I shuddered, remembering the great sex. My cock throbbed in agreement, and I had to push the thoughts from my head. This wasn’t the time to let my dick rule my actions. There was work to do. Still as I continued watching him, my conscience pricked at the logical part of my mind. I could easily fall for this man. Hell, he was the best bed buddy I’d ever had. He seemed to know just what I needed and knew how to give it to me. I didn’t want to betray him, however; like it or not, there was my job to consider. Lucifer was a bad guy who needed to be taken out. Then the world would be a little safer.

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Positive Marc slept, I lightly treaded to the dresser. Luckily, the piece of furniture seemed fairly new, as the rollers on the drawer slid open soundlessly. The phone was lying on top of some folded shirts. I didn’t bother thinking who they belonged to, only of snatching the phone and getting out of there as fast as possible. The quicker I made the call and put it back, the better off I’d be. I glanced over at Marc. In the moonlight shining through the window, I could see he hadn’t moved a muscle. So far, so good. Wait, didn’t I say that when I thought I could resist the urge to fuck Marc? Oh, not good. I stole out of the room as quietly as I’d entered. Thoughts of making the call in the cabin entered my mind, but I didn’t want to chance Marc waking to any echoing noises my voice might make. Outside again, I moved slightly away from the cabin. My hands trembled as I dialed the phone. I had to stop and start again -- hard to see the buttons with the way the trees were blocking the moonlight. I finally got the number dialed correctly and held it to my ear. “I’m sorry, Marc,” I whispered. It rang. A sharp pain shot through my skull, causing my vision to blur. The phone fell from my hand, and I followed it to the ground, stunned, and the night darkened to pitch black. “So am I, Adam.” Marc. I wanted to speak. To explain, but unconsciousness descended.

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Chapter Six Marc (Mammon)

“I’m such a fucking idiot. I should’ve known better,” I chastised myself. And I did. For too many years, I’d learned to follow my gut, and it’s kept me alive. So, why wasn’t I immediately calling the team, or even Lucifer, to report Adam? Why was I even letting him live? If it was anyone else, I’d have shot him or her on the spot. Instead, I’d cold-cocked him and dragged him inside. And now, I sat in the dark bedroom, berating myself. With my heart heavy, I felt strangely cold inside. The satellite phone and Adam’s cell sat next to me. My fingers toyed with the 9mm Glock in my lap. In the dark, I felt each curve of the cool metal under my fingertips. It would be so easy to point and pull the trigger. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I’d been lucky. I got to the phone before the call was completed. Even if the call went through, it would be nearly impossible to trace, thanks to the technical geniuses I employed. No, I couldn’t shoot Adam. Not yet. He had answers I needed. He might not be willing to talk at first, but I had my ways. I hadn’t survived all this time under Lucifer’s thumb not to have learned a few tricks.

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Adam stirred and groaned. I’d stripped him to his boxers, quickly checking for tracking devices. Then I’d bound his hands behind his back and his ankles together with rope kept in a closet for emergencies. This seemed like one to me. Wanting to make sure he stayed put on the bed, I took an extra length of rope and ran it from his ankles to the footboard. With a second piece of rope, I made a noose, slipped it around his neck, and secured it to the headboard, giving him very little movement before it began choking him. I hadn’t gagged him. No one would hear him out here. Not a nice tactic, but it would do. He groaned again and tried to sit up. Even in the darkened room I could tell by his silhouette when he discovered the noose around his neck. His body froze, and his breath sounded sharper. “Marc?” He sounded groggy. I hoped I hadn’t given him a concussion. Adam struggled against the ropes for a moment. I was close enough to notice he was careful not to further tighten the noose. “Marc.” His cry was louder, and I could actually hear his panic. My stomach tightened, and the numbness of my emotions fled. Anger and regret filled the void. I stood and walked to the bed before switching on the lamp. I wanted to see his eyes as he pleaded his case or spun his lies. Either way, the outcome didn’t look good for him. To Adam’s credit, he didn’t cry or snivel like a pig when I turned my attention to him. He took in his situation, the way he was tied, before looking up at me. What I saw dug a hole deep in the center of my heart. I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting, but not the fear and sincere expression of remorse. I tried to push away the sympathy, reminding myself he’d lied the entire time I knew him, but my eyes watered. I was such a fool. I turned away, setting the gun and phones on the bedside table, taking a moment to compose myself. I wouldn’t let him see how hurt I was by his betrayal. Or the disappointment cramming into my mixture of emotions. I was crazy to even have toyed with the thought of trying to talk Lucifer out of claiming him as one of his “golden boys.” “Who were you calling?” I was amazed my voice was steady.

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No answer. Turning back to him, I asked again, my patience already running thin. “Who were you calling?” Adam sighed. “Marc…” “No! Don’t speak that name. Don’t even think it. You have no right.” I paced the length of the bed. My fingers clenched and unclenched at my sides. God, I wanted to hit something. Adam preferably, but not yet. Besides, Lucifer wouldn’t like a battered toy. The thought of handing Adam over to Lucifer nearly made me vomit. I knew firsthand how cruel and sadistic he could be. But he liked them pretty, so I’d save this one. Once I was done extracting information, Lucifer could have him and do as he pleased. If Lucifer wanted to spoil perfection, it would be his choice, not mine. In fact, Adam would most likely wish I’d killed him after a day with my boss. Especially once Lucifer discovered that Adam wasn’t who he says he is. “Who are you?” I tried a different approach. “Adam Hardy.” “Liar!” I kicked the footboard hard, making him jump. My temper flared. Not good. However, I couldn’t stop now. “Name,” I demanded. “I’m telling the truth. My name’s Adam Hardy,” he said through clenched teeth. His body stiffened, and I saw he held back his own anger. Well, too bad. He was the turncoat here, not me. “Okay, who do you work for?” Silence. “Damn it to hell. It’s not in your best interest to make me angry.” Stopping my pacing beside the bed, I inhaled deeply, closed my eyes, and held to the last wisps of patience I had in my body. “Who do you work for?” I asked again, staring him directly in the eyes. Adam looked away first. Still not answering.

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“Fine. Have it your way.” I reached down and tightened the noose around his neck. Not so tight that it would cut off his air, but just enough to keep a steady pressure on his throat. Adam tried to push his body up closer to the headboard, but I was quicker and pulled his feet toward the bottom of the bed, easily making the rope holding his ankles to the bed a little shorter. He would be uncomfortable, but it wouldn’t kill him -- unless he did something stupid. “You want to be stubborn, so be it. Your flesh, not mine.” I turned off the light, snatched up the phones and gun, and walked out. Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I ignored the way my chest was so tight my lungs had a hard time expanding. I refused to acknowledge the tears that finally slipped down my cheeks, letting them run their course and drop to the floor to evaporate as if they never existed.

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Chapter Seven Adam

I don’t know how long I lay there in the dark. Marc had slammed out of the cabin, phones in hand. I didn’t miss the gun he had, either. I couldn’t stop trembling as fear set in. My stomach churned, threatening to empty its contents. I stayed perfectly still, not wanting the pressure around my neck to tighten more. I swallowed, even that simple action now difficult to perform. My mind raced, trying to figure a way out of this. My lack of answers was all Marc needed to deduce that I wasn’t exactly who I said I was. In fact, I was positive he was calling Lucifer. Or maybe Hammer. That guy had it in for me from the moment Marc brought me to the den. For good reason too. Or maybe he knew I was undercover and just could never prove it. Until now, anyway. I heard the cabin’s door open and then close. Softer than when he left. I waited, expecting him to come back into the room and question me some more. He didn’t. I hadn’t a clue as to what to do now. I’d imagined being killed when my cover was blown. Not really in the best of predicaments now, but at least I was still alive. With that in mind, I concentrated on how best to get out of this with my heart still pumping. There had to be a way to convince Marc to release me.

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My fingers started to tingle. He’d really tied the ropes tight. Careful to keep my body still, I set my fingers to work, trying to solve the knots. “Marc,” I called out. No answer. “Marc, I know you’re out there.” Still no reply. I sighed, as my fingers felt around the ropes, telling my brain the design. It was a complicated knot. Marc really knew what he was doing. “Mammon,” I tried and was successful. I heard clothing rustle, footsteps, then his body filled the doorway. “Are you ready to talk?” He clicked on the overhead light, making me squint at the brightness. I shifted carefully, a little more onto my back. One, to hide the fact that I was trying to get loose, and two, to get a better view of him. “I think we can make a deal.” Marc shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t deal. I want answers.” My eyes closed for a second. What do I tell him ? I can’t just tell him who I work for. I wasn’t even sure myself. My director took orders from someone in DC and then passed it down to us. “I can help you. Work with me, and I’ll make sure you’ll do no time in prison.” Marc laughed. “You think I’m worried about doing time? Been there. Done that. It doesn’t scare me. There’s more at stake than my well-being.” His last statement was a surprise to me because he was profiled as a loner. I’d witnessed a degree of it. The only people who received a measure of affection were the other members of the team. Was it them he was trying to protect? “Help me nail Lucifer, and I’ll see what I can do about the other Fallen Angels. I can’t promise them getting off scot-free -- perhaps reduced sentences.” Marc stalked across the room and stood over me. His expression was cold as stone. It was hard to believe that, just hours before, those lips had softly kissed their way across my

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body. That his face had softened with desire. No longer did my passionate lover stand before me, but a pissed-off son of a bitch. “You don’t know a damn thing about my motives, so don’t try to talk your way out of this.” His eyes slipped from my gaze and roamed down my body. As if he caught himself, his gaze flickered back to my face. “I’ll ask one last time. Who were you calling?” “My mom,” I replied, voice thick with sarcasm. His hand flew out, his fingertips missing my face by a centimeter, catching the lamp and knocking it to the floor with a loud crash. “Next time, that’ll be your face.” His voice was as hard as steel, and his eyes matched the tone. Fear jumped to my throat, dragging bile with it. “Who do you work for?” “I can get you protection. Help me take down Lucifer.” In a blink, his fist punched the wooden wall, and he didn’t even flinch from the pain I knew it had to have caused. “You don’t fucking get it, do you? This isn’t about me.” I don’t know why but I felt certain Marc wouldn’t hurt me -- at least not physically -while I was restrained. Twice he’d shown that he could easily cause me harm, as I was defenseless against him. Yet neither time did he touch me. A light bulb flashed in my head, and several things suddenly made sense. “What does Lucifer have over you? Or should I ask who Lucifer’s holding back from you?” It was a guess, but I knew I hit the jackpot when his eyes widened in surprise. He quickly recovered and narrowed his gaze. Where was all this courage coming from? Without another word, he turned and walked toward the door. “Marc.” He didn’t look back, but I saw a slight hesitation in his step. “Call me when you’re ready to talk. Or we could just wait until Lucifer gets here.” He switched off the light and left. “Shit,” I hissed. No closer to being free.

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***** I’d lost all track of time. My body ached from being in one position for too long. My fingers were nearly without sensation, and my wrists bled from the rope rubbing against the skin. Not to mention the discomfort to my throat. I was surprised I hadn’t had to piss yet. Guess fear does strange things to a body. However, with one last tug, my hands were free. I lay there for a moment with my body fatigued and in pain. At least the throbbing in my head had calmed. After working some of the circulation back into my hands, I took the noose from around my neck and quietly slid down to work on my ankles. My eyes focused on the open doorway nearly the entire time. Marc had looked in now and then as the night turned to early dawn. He could pass by any time now. Making sure every limb worked properly, I slowly rose from the bed, as a plan formed in my head. I was a strategist, after all.

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Chapter Eight Marc (Mammon)

I was restless. Not sure what my next move should be. I knew I should pick up the phone and call Lucifer immediately. Adam had blatantly admitted to trying to bring him down. He’d practically begged for my help to do so. Which is probably why I hadn’t made the call. I’d love to help bury Lucifer, the boss from hell -- what an appropriate name -- under the prison. But as I’d told Adam, it wasn’t about me. I would do anything to keep my little sister, Toni, out of harm’s way. Lucifer had me by the balls in that respect, and I hated every hour of it. I glanced to the doorway. My greatest temptation lay in that room. I don’t know how many times I stopped myself from going into the bedroom and releasing him. Every time I moved to do it, an image of my sister’s smiling face flashed in my mind. She was fifteen. Receiving the best education money could buy. How could I take away that opportunity of a lifetime? Under Lucifer’s guardianship, she wanted for nothing. Had the best of everything. I drove my fingers through my hair in frustration. Lucifer would be here before nightfall. He would do a lot worse to Adam than I could ever imagine doing to another

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human being. How would I be able to watch it, when all I could think about was the way his hands felt smoothing over my skin. The way he tasted in my mouth. “Marc.” Adam sounded tired and in pain. He wasn’t the only one. I clenched my teeth and forced my feet not to move. My fingers curled to form fists. I remembered hearing him call out my name in blissful release just hours before. How quickly things changed. “Mammon. Let’s talk.” Was that surrender in his voice? I glanced out the window. Dawn crowned. “Please.” My body trembled as I walked toward the bedroom. I hadn’t thought he’d give up so easily. He never seemed… The breath was knocked from my lungs as I was hit hard and fell backward toward the floor. Protective instincts kicked into gear before I could hit the hardwood. I twisted my body so that my attacker hit where I should’ve. My mind fought for sharpness as my body gasped for oxygen, putting me at a disadvantage. Adam quickly countered, and we rolled around on the floor, fighting for dominance in the ensuing struggle. Damn. There was little height difference between us, and I thought, little difference in our muscle bulk. I was wrong. Whether it was his will for survival or natural strength, Adam could overcome me. I quit thinking and defended myself. I managed to get a decent elbow to his nose, blood splashing us both. His forearm smashed against my lip, splitting it near the corner. Still, we continued to thrash about. I groaned as my head slammed against the floor. I didn’t let the blurred vision stop me from twisting my leg around one of his just right and bent it. This maneuver wrenched his leg at an odd angle, causing him to cry out in pain, and his resistance eased for a moment. However, it wasn’t enough to get the upper hand. Adam quickly recovered and wiggled from my grasp.

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We fought a bit longer, knocking over the coffee table, bumping into the couch and cabinets. If we survived this, we’d both have a lot of cuts, bruises, and pain. I started to tire, but as long as I had breath in my body, I couldn’t give up. Not my nature. Somehow in the tussle, Adam managed to jam his knee into my gut. I cursed as air left my body again. I released him. As if a second wind took hold, he was on top of me, his body lying along the length of mine, legs entwined with mine, effectively pinning me to the floor. He held my wrists above my head. This seemed eerily reminiscent of our position eight hours ago. “Son of a fucking bitch,” Adam growled between pants. That’s when I felt him. Adam was hard. His cock nestled between my legs. Desire immediately brought blood and heat to my cock. I don’t know if the curse was because of his erection or the fight I’d given him. No matter, it pissed me off. This man had betrayed my trust. He’d put me and mine in danger. Yet, here I was, battered and bleeding, sporting a raging hard-on. Hell, it was insane. I jerked up on my wrists knowing I had to get away from him. His strength and weight held me down, pushing his hardness against mine. How he was able to retain so much strength after our tumble was beyond me. This was seriously turning out bad. “Let me go,” I demanded. My voice was low and scratchy. Almost husky. “Like you released me?” He still panted. Sweat dripped from his hair and forehead, splattering onto me. How much longer could he overpower me? Unwanted respect for Adam rose. I looked to my left, at his wrist. It was covered in a mixture of dried and fresh blood. Holy hell! Glancing to my right, his other wrist was in the same condition. My gaze shifted back over to his. His face was only inches from mine. I was sure I’d see rope impressions on his neck where the noose had been snug against his flesh. Disgust at what damage I’d caused him gripped at my gut. I silently cursed my life. How had I sunk so low? Just a short time

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ago, Adam and I were making love. By the third round of intense sex, I no longer fucked him to have just another notch in my belt, but enjoyed an intimate moment with a lover. Obviously, it was a silly, childish dream because I knew he wasn’t mine to begin with. I should never have entertained the brief notion of a possible future. Regret, an emotion I thought I was immune to, made me tremble. The words of apology got stuck in my constricted throat. That wouldn’t make things better. It never did. What was done is done. My body went limp, void of resistance. Let him go. Either way, I was going to lose Adam. Whether by him leaving or by Lucifer taking him. It was best if he just left. I’d take the flack from the boss man. Wouldn’t be the first time he took out his displeasure on me. Adam’s magnificent green eyes showed his surprise and then narrowed in suspicion. Pressure threatened to squash my heart. “Go. Just go.” I turned my head away and closed my eyes. I couldn’t make myself watch his fleeting emotions any longer. Silence hung heavy. Our harsh breathing mingled with the ticking of the clock on the fireplace mantel. “God damn it, just leave!” I snapped open my eyes and met his. Before I could say more, his mouth crashed down on mine.

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Chapter Nine Adam

I’d never experienced longing this intense. All my instincts screamed to run. To escape. Wasn’t that why I’d suffered the pain getting loose from my bindings? Now, I blew my entire plan by kissing my enemy. All right, we’d already had sex three times. Intimate times. But this…what I did now was different. I was fucking insane. I’d been surprised to find myself hard and wanting by the time I managed to pin Marc. Even more so when he responded in kind. It was the complete look of defeat that broke my resolve. At first, I wanted to comfort him. Soothe away the hurt and distrust. As the kiss deepened, his hips bucked up, rubbing against me. I moaned, and my hold loosened. Beneath his sweaty, masculine flavor, I tasted blood. His. Mine. We’d both shed our share in the fight. Distantly, I knew if this was a trick, I was screwed, because I had little fighting strength left in me. Adrenaline had been the only thing that had kept me running. Now, I felt it shift into lustful desire. The kind that drove a person crazy if it wasn’t appeased. I took the risk and shifted my grip from Marc’s wrists to entwining my fingers with his, trusting that his reactions were real and not deception. He squeezed my hands, almost

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comforting, instead of threatening. He could easily flip me and have the advantage, but didn’t. He was busy delving deep into my mouth, his tongue aggressively dominating mine. I pulled away, breathless. “I should be running, not kissing.” Marc’s pelvis ground up into my weight. “I should’ve killed you when I had the chance.” My eyes closed against my will, reveling in the feel of Marc responding to me. He appeared as desperate for this as I felt. “We’re fucking insane.” “Insane. Yes.” He lifted his head and nipped at my bottom lip. I groaned as pleasure and pain merged. “Fucking. We’ll get there in a few.” “We shouldn’t be doing this.” I shook my head and gazed into his arresting dark eyes. “We need to…” My protests were cut off when he kissed me again. The urge to resist melted, as did my sanity. Marc took charge as he had our previous times together. I didn’t mind. In fact, I enjoyed it. The word submissive came to mind, but in reality, it didn’t fit. I delighted in a little pain with my pleasure during sex, relished having a strong lover. One who knew what he wanted and had no qualms in taking it. But that was the extent of any submissive nature inside me. My hands released his and slid down Marc’s torso. He’d worn a T-shirt when I’d attacked. Now, it was nothing more than rags hanging sexily on him. But it had to go; the feel of his skin was more important. I finished ripping the material from his body with a groan as my gaze fell to his beautiful, smooth skin. Already he had a bruise or two surfacing, but that just made him sexier. Trophies of the battle. My fingers found the button to his jeans and clumsily tore at it. Marc moaned into my mouth when the treasure I sought fell into my hand.

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His cock throbbed in my grasp, the flesh soft and hot. My thumb brushed over the tip, and his wetness clung to my skin. Marc’s body jerked in response, and then he thrust forward in my grip. “So good,” he muttered into my ear. Since I still wore only my boxers, Marc easily freed my cock and turned us on our sides, facing each other. My teeth nibbled at his neck, our hips thrust in time with one another. Our breathing became rapid, and moans increased. Fire burned deep in my groin. Heat blazed my nerves as sweat coated my body. I licked Marc’s neck, and his salty sweat deliciously coated my taste buds. I wished the tightness of Marc’s hand was his ass, but there was no way I’d stop this to get the condoms from the bedroom. “So close,” I moaned, speeding up my pace. Marc cried out my name as he shot his jizz onto my stomach. I followed suit with a yell of release before collapsing, weak as a newborn kitten.

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Chapter Ten Marc (Mammon)

I couldn’t move. If someone busted in, shooting up the place, I wouldn’t have the energy to defend myself. I don’t know how long we lay on the floor. Even when my breathing calmed and got back to a normal rhythm, I lay there. It was quite some time, because when I turned my head, I could see that the sun had fully risen over the horizon. “Are you still handing me over to Lucifer?” My eyes closed. I should tell him yes, but I couldn’t. “He doesn’t know about…” My wrist flicked in a circle indicating the mess we’d made. “This. There’s still time for you to leave. Get as far away as possible before he shows up.” I heard Adam turn to me, probably propping up on an arm. Even with my eyes closed, I could feel his gaze boring into me. “What about you?” “What about me?” I finally opened my eyes and met his gaze. “Lucifer wanted to meet with me, right? There was obviously a reason for it. Won’t he be upset if I’m not here? And what will you tell the others about me? ‘We fucked, and then he took off?’ Not too smart.”

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The man was smart. The circumstances were unusual to say the least. Normally, no one had access to a safe house until they were a member of a group for over a year. Even then, they had to prove themselves extremely trustworthy. Lucifer spent a lot of money setting these places up. They had saved many lives from those Lucifer saw as enemies -- including those employed by the government. I sighed heavily and sat up. Groaned as my body protested the movement. The bruises would surely show up in just a few hours, if they hadn’t surfaced already. “I haven’t been the most honest with you about this trip. I omitted a few details.” “What a shock.” Sarcasm dripped from his words. “Don’t scoff about being honest,” I growled. “You have lied to me since the beginning.” “Hello.” His eyebrows rose, eyes widened. “Undercover.” He shook his head. “Okay. Let’s wipe the slate clean. Truth time. If you didn’t bring me out here just for a piece of my gorgeous ass, mind cluing me in? Why do I get to meet with Lucifer?” “Your actions have caught Lucifer’s eye. He requested that you -- meet.” My stomach churned violently. Just the thought of what Lucifer would do to Adam sent an uneasy shudder up my spine. I had to make him leave, before it’s too late. “And?” Adam’s eyes narrowed on me. Yes, he was too perceptive. He knew there was more to this than just meeting Lucifer. Unable to stay still, I managed to stand without too much grunting. It was a discomfort I could live with. I reached for a dishtowel and wiped away Adam’s cum. “Lucifer likes men. The younger, the better. If he likes you, and I have no doubt he will, he plans to make you one of his golden boys.” I threw down the towel and busied myself with straightening the room. “You’ll just be another notch in his belt.” Adam laughed, then groaned as he stood. “I’m not young, Marc. I’m nearly thirty. He’ll be greatly disappointed in me.”

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I caught his eye. “You’re a pretty boy, Adam. Just what he likes. That will greatly make up for your older age.” I lowered my gaze and set right a fallen table. “Do your time under Lucifer, and if you please him, you’ll be well rewarded.” “Jesus. What is it he actually does with these golden boys?” I didn’t answer. Kept my eyes on the furniture I straightened here and there about the room. He really didn’t want to know how perverted Lucifer could be. His fetishes could be deadly if Lucifer decided to get carried away. I had a scar or two on my body as proof of how dangerously my boss played. “Marc.” Adam reached out and touched my shoulder. He saying my name still made my stomach clench with excitement. I stilled my movement. “I hope you never find out.” I wouldn’t let those memories be unlocked. It had taken too long to suppress them. “Which is why I want you to leave.” I pulled away from his touch and picked up some pillows that had been knocked onto the floor. He shook his head, but I got the feeling he understood when he spoke next. “I can’t just go off and be some sex toy to a man like Lucifer. There’s no way in hell I’d even want to.” His fingers raked through his hair as the cabin fell silent. “Fallen Angels was your reward, wasn’t it?” My chest ached, cursing the fact that Adam was too astute for his own good. He dug up too much. I felt exposed. Vulnerable. It was as if he could see right through to my soul. Frightening. “Lucifer is a dangerous man. Well protected. You’ll never get to him. It’s best if you just go. Disappear. Move to another state. Start a new life. I’ll think of something to tell him.” “No matter the consequences?”

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I shrugged. “He won’t kill me, if that’s what you mean. I need a shower. Take the bike and go. It’ll be a lot easier this way.” I walked away from Adam and into the bathroom, stripping off my jeans. “You are very sure of that.” Adam followed me into the small room.

Damn him. Why can’t he just go? I’m trying to save him misery. Save his life. Save my sanity. “You said earlier that there’s more at stake in this than yourself. Lucifer has something over you. Or is it someone? Someone you care about.” I turned on the shower. The hot water wouldn’t last too long. The shower would give me time to think about what I was going to tell Adam about Toni. “You say it’s time for truth. Well, it’s your turn. Who do you work for?” I didn’t wait for his answer and stepped into the shower. Maybe my question would make him rethink this strange determination he had to stay. The water felt good on my battered body. I closed my eyes and let out a delighted sigh. My moment of peace shattered when Adam stepped into the small shower stall. He didn’t touch me, but I could feel the heat radiating from him. Was all too aware of his close proximity. “They call it the Agency. I don’t have a clue which branch of the government it works under. We’re only told what we need to know.” This information didn’t surprise me. It sounded like one of those organizations that did the dirty work for groups like the FBI, NSA, etc. I busied my hands, soaping up my hair. “How did you get involved with them?” Adam leaned against the wall, watching me. “I was approached about five years ago. I was a deputy in a small Midwestern town. One of those places that you miss if you blink too fast. Well, I was young and naïve when I literally stumbled upon a narcotics operation. To this day, I don’t remember exactly how I brought them down. One thing led to another, but I did.

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“Seeing this as an opportunity to get out of a nowhere job, I joined the Agency when they approached me about working for them, not really knowing what I was getting into. All I saw was getting out of a town that was too small for me. I also had this wild idea that I could actually do some good in the world.” I never had such heroic thoughts, so I couldn’t relate with Adam. However, I knew what it was like to want to get out of somewhere so bad that I’d do just about anything. “Family?” I had finished washing away the blood, grime, and cum from my body while he’d told his story. “An only child. My parents were killed the year before the Agency contacted me. No other close relatives.” “Small-town boy. Fresh face. No family. You were perfect for the picking and easy for them to create a new life.” “Yeah, something like that,” he said as we switched positions. My breath hitched when his skin brushed mine. “Your turn.” I took the position Adam had abandoned, leaned against the wall, and sighed. I didn’t believe he could help, but something nagged at me to tell him. The trust I felt with him was strange. He hadn’t exactly earned it, yet here I believed what he said. The last time I felt like this was with my parents. That was almost too long ago for me to remember, though. “I have a sister. She’s fifteen. She was only a year old when our parents died.” “And Lucifer has her.” “In a roundabout way, yes.” I rubbed at the tightness growing in my neck. “I was twenty, and my life…” I paused, looking for the right words. “Well, it was a shambles. I’d gotten into some trouble with the law, and Lucifer helped me out of it. I wasn’t in any shape to support a baby. I didn’t want her getting into the system, so Lucifer took us both in. Offered us a home. He became her legal guardian.” “And you became one of his golden boys.”

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The coldness of his voice made me shudder. “I was really messed up back then. Addicted to drugs and drinking anything in sight. I saw it as a small price to pay when he was literally saving our lives.” Adam sighed, his shoulders slumping. “You’re right. I have no reason to judge you.” “Toni’s getting a great education and opportunities I doubt she’d have if it was up to me. She’s to graduate as valedictorian before she turns seventeen. She’s accepted to a prestigious college over in Europe. She never had to worry about a roof over her head or where her next meal came from. My decision gave her a good life.” “Is she still at Lucifer’s?” “Her residence is at the private school in New York. She comes down several times a year for visits.” “To Lucifer’s?” I nodded. “Of course. Toni’s there this week.” “We can use this. I think I can come up with something that could help us both.”

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Chapter Eleven Adam

Marc shook his head, stepping out of the shower. The water was now cold, and I shivered, quickly following him. My gaze strayed down the muscled smoothness of his back and lingered on Marc’s firm ass cheeks. My teeth clenched together as I fought the urge to give each perfect globe a little nip. Marking him as mine. Oh, wait…I did that already. I just had to look on the inside of his right thigh for proof of one of our previous encounters. I shook my head, pushing aside those delicious thoughts. Now wasn’t the time. I had to convince him to let me go with him to Lucifer’s stronghold. And for him to help me put Lucifer away. That was the tricky part. “I don’t see it.” Marc turned, the towel in his hand rubbing his wet hair. “You’ll be much safer long gone before Lucifer arrives.” I let out a sigh, silently asking for patience. “You’re the leader of the Fallen Angels. How savvy are you with the technologies your people use?” Marc huffed. “Every member has his specialty, as well you know. I can hold my own.” I took the towel from Marc and used it to dry myself. Then left the bathroom and found my bag, digging for a new set of clothing.

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“Lucifer wants me, correct?” Marc glared at me. “I’ll take that as a yes. And you’re going to spend time with your sister. How well do you know the schematics of the place?” I loved it when plans started forming in my head. Whether they worked was another story, but for now, I’d see if this one had merit. “Pretty damn good. I did live there for several years.” I nibbled at my bottom lip in thought. “That could work.”

***** “Just so you know I don’t like this plan. It’s too risky.” Marc washed the last glass and set it in the drainer. We’d put the place back together as I told him about the plan I’d concocted. The broken furniture couldn’t be fixed. Neither could the bruises and cuts we’d given each other be hidden. At least they weren’t too bad. A couple of days and all evidence of our fight would be gone. I wore a lightweight long-sleeved shirt to cover the rope burns on my wrists. Those hurt, but the discomfort could be ignored. There wasn’t anything I could do about the mark on my neck, but I noticed it had lightened some after I showered. There were bigger things to occupy my mind. I stood at the window. We’d somehow resisted making love…again, though I’d rather be doing nothing more than lying in the warmth of his arms. “No backing out now,” I said as a black limousine pulled up. “He’s here.” Marc drew my attention from the car with his sigh. I suddenly got the impression Marc only put up with Lucifer for the sake of his sister. He walked up to me, taking me in his arms for the last time. I relaxed into his embrace. “I don’t want you hurt.” “I’m a big boy. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time.” “Yeah, but Lucifer, he’s --”

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“I know,” I interrupted. Marc had already filled me in on his boss’s tastes and how he likes his golden boys. It was a bit frightening. “Just remember, I’ll be thinking of you.” I kissed him quickly on the lips. Marc released me and stepped away. I could see the tension strung tightly in his body. It hadn’t been there just five minutes before. Footsteps on the porch stopped anything I might have said. I turned to the door and waited for my first look of the infamous Lucifer. I don’t know what I was really expecting. Perhaps my subconscious had put together an image of an evil being. One with red skin; thick, black horns protruding from the top of his head; evil, glowing-fire eyes; and let’s not forget the long, pointed tail swinging lazily behind him. Isn’t that how most people pictured the devil? Instead, I was greatly surprised. The man who walked into the cabin was gorgeous. Masculine beauty in all its glory. Marc had warned me that Lucifer was much older than he looked. I now wonder if it was natural, or had plastic surgeons had their share of cuts to the big boss? From intel gathered on Lucifer, he was in his late fifties, possibly sixty. No one really knew his exact birth year. Or his real name at that. However, the man whose presence demanded attention only looked to be in his mid-thirties. Could one really sell his soul to the devil for eternal youth? Maybe he dabbled in voodoo. It would give me something to ponder when I got bored. Lucifer was tall; the tailored black Armani suit gave him the appearance of being bigger than life. Maybe it was my imagination. His façade was perfection. Not even a strand of his tousled, styled golden blond hair was out of place. The slight wave to the tresses made it appear full and thick. Most would love to run their fingers through it. I fought the quake in my stomach, thinking of the horns it might be hiding. “Mammon. As always, it’s a pleasure to feast my eyes upon you.” His voice was surprisingly smooth, not as deep as I’d imagined. More of a tenor quality.

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Lucifer went straight to Marc, his arms open as if welcoming a lover home. Bile began to boil in my gut. I wanted to turn my gaze from the embrace, hating to see my lover in another man’s arms, but my eyes wouldn’t veer in another direction. Watching Lucifer, full of grace and confidence and very out of place in this environment, I remembered something from my youth . In the Bible, they called Satan the Prince of Light. The beautiful deceiver. That was my impression of this Lucifer. He would smile even as he gutted you. I was unprepared when Lucifer turned his piercing gaze on me. As with the rest of him, his eyes were mesmerizing. They were a bright blue. Cornflower blue. Contacts? It was hard to tell. His gaze was intense, boring into my soul. “Adam Hardy. My newest Fallen Angel.” His words were thick with an emotion I couldn’t really name, but I didn’t like it. I stood unmoving, ignoring the way my hair stood on end. Lucifer circled me. It was nerve-wracking, but I wouldn’t let him know. Instead, my gaze locked to Marc’s. It seemed an eternity before Lucifer came back into my line of sight. As if he knew I was using Marc as a distraction, he stood before me, blocking the view of my lover. I forced myself not to flinch when his fingers caressed my jaw. An uneasy tremble traveled up my spine, and I resisted the urge to step away. “Beautiful.” My eyes lowered. I’ve always had trouble with compliments. Apparently, even from those who are nearly as evil as the devil. And from what Marc told me, that’s the way he likes his boys to act. “You know that you’ll accompany me back to my home and visit for a time.” I nodded, noting that his speech was more formal than everyday use. I got the impression he tried to sound more important than he really was. Disturbing. His gaze

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narrowed on my face. It was unnerving being under such close scrutiny. Then he turned and surveyed the room. Including the broken furniture. “Did I miss a party?” Marc shrugged. “Just a disagreement. Nothing to worry about. It’s all worked out.” His tone was that of nonchalance, as if his swollen lip and my slightly swollen nose were an everyday occurrence. “I see.” Lucifer didn’t sound convinced, but he let it go after another brief ogle at us both. “Shall we take our leave?”

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Chapter Twelve Marc (Mammon)

With the motorcycles secured away in a small shed out back of the cabin, Lucifer, Adam, and I settled into the back of the limo. I knew the ride to Key Biscayne would take about an hour’s time. I hoped to keep Lucifer’s mind on business rather than Adam, who he insisted should sit next to him. “Ice should’ve sent the latest reports by now.” “Yes, yes,” Lucifer said, his gaze devouring Adam. I tried again. “The situation with Dege has been taken care of. The remainder of his group has joined with Tomkins’s little band.” “Of course.” Lucifer reached out and caressed Adam’s cheek with one hand while his other slipped up Adam’s thigh, very close to his crotch. “Adam. Named after the first man created.” I watched, helpless, as Lucifer’s fingers brushed over the bulge in Adam’s pants. I was impressed with my lover’s control. Not easy to sit absolutely still while being mauled. Been there, done that one. I could sympathize. I’d tried to warn him. However, this was Adam’s idea. Not mine. “The Maker sure knew what he was doing when he created you, sweet boy.”

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I clenched my teeth, fingers balling into fists in my lap. I wanted to slug Lucifer. To scream that Adam was mine. Already he wore my marks in various places on his body. But I held tight to my possessiveness. Kept rigid control of these caveman urges. I still questioned the trust that came so easily when it came to Adam. My head told me to not get involved with him. Big deal if the sex was great and that I was starting to feel some pretty strong emotions toward him. Staying alive and keeping Toni safe should be my top priorities. Somehow, Adam had squirmed his way into that list now, despite the crazy, extremely dangerous, yet brilliant scheme he’d come up with. Adam finally started to fidget uncomfortably. Trying to get a little more distance from Lucifer without seeming so obvious. I cleared my throat loudly to get Lucifer’s attention. He ignored me. “Lucifer.” I called his name twice. Finally he turned away from Adam, clearly annoyed. “What?” “If you would hold off on your…pawing so we could get some business taken care of, then you’ll be free to do as you please once we’ve reached your home. Without an audience.” Lucifer glared at me with his eyes narrowed. Feeling as if he could see into my very core, my breath stopped, slowing my pulse. I’d seen what happens when people piss off this man. None of it was good. I only hoped that our past would help me. Help Adam. His cold expression fell away into laughter. “You are jealous.” I shook my head. “Lucifer. You know me better than that.” I played it off, but made sure I gave a glare to Adam. I’ve known Lucifer long enough to know how he wanted me to act, along with his various moods. Adam was clueless. This caused me to worry about my lover’s safety. Lucifer laughed again. “Do not worry, sweets. You are still my favorite. But you are correct. I do not wish to be disturbed once we get back to my estate. Adam and I have a long

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night ahead of us.” He pushed away from Adam, who let out a soft sigh and slid as far over as he could manage. “As I was saying,” I said, dragging Lucifer into my net of business, hoping like hell Adam could handle what was to come. And hating every moment I couldn’t touch him.

***** A breath after I stepped out of the limo, I was nearly barreled over by a squealing banshee. Legs wrapped around my waist, and arms hugged tightly around my neck. I laughed and embraced my attacker with glee. “Sweet Toni.” “Look at your hair. It’s getting so long.” Her hands grabbed a handful of my hair, letting it fall between her fingers. “I like it.” “Antoinette.” My sister’s name was called with disgust. A throat cleared. Turning, I found Lucifer scowling at Toni. Adam’s hand covered his mouth. Most likely hiding his laughter, because I saw his shoulders shake, and his eyes sparkled with pleasure at my expense. I pried my darling sister away and straightened my disarranged clothes. I didn’t miss the heated glare she gave Lucifer. He shook his head, tsking. “So unladylike, Antoinette. You have been taught to act much better than a wild child.” “Bite me,” I heard her mutter under her breath as she stepped away from me, straightening her dress. I swallowed a laugh. “Excuse me?” Lucifer’s gaze narrowed on her. I was about to speak when Toni pasted a pleasant smile on and turned to Lucifer. “You’re correct. I am sorry, Lucifer. I shall remember my manners.”

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Lucifer’s expression softened. The transformation immediate, like clicking a light off and on. “Let me introduce you to Adam Hardy. He will be my guest for a time.” I watched my sister turn to my lover with the same smile she’d displayed for Lucifer. The mask she and I both had learned when skirting around Lucifer and his moods. She was a master of manipulation. Even better than I. I will admit that Lucifer had instilled many survival instincts in us both. Those might someday save our lives, and perhaps our souls, from the damage the man could inflict on an innocent. However, like me, Toni had seen a variety of Lucifer’s “guests” come and go. People who knew Lucifer got used to being cordial to them all. However, they all moved on eventually, leaving room for another to take his place. Toni held out her hand. “Antoinette Insman. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hardy. I’m sure your stay here will be amiable.” Adam took her hand and smiled. Damn, the man could be sexy with just a harmless smile. “Thank you, Ms. Insman. I’m sure it’ll be an experience.” He had the audacity to wink at her. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The corner of Toni’s lips twitched higher; her face glowed. With just a few words, Adam had won over the one female whom I thought couldn’t be fooled. But then again, he’d pulled the same trick with me, so why should I be so surprised? “Well,” I cut in. “Toni and I are going for a walk. It’s a beautiful day, and we’ve got a lot to catch up on. If that is all right with you, we’ll excuse ourselves and see you again at dinner.” I tried to keep the dread from my voice. I hated leaving Adam with Lucifer. I didn’t like this plan, unsure if it would even work. But there was little I could do without blowing Adam’s cover. Lucifer nodded, turning his attention to Adam. “Of course. I’m sure Adam and I will find plenty of things to keep us busy until then.”

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I took Toni’s hand and started backing away. My eyes locked with Adam’s, and the hair on my neck bristled. He suddenly looked like a deer caught in the headlights as Lucifer’s hand trailed down his back and over his ass. I mouthed the words “Be careful” to him before turning and leaving my lover in a devil’s hands.

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Chapter Thirteen Adam

I bit my bottom lip to keep from calling out to Marc. It was hard to watch him walk away. Especially when Lucifer’s touch gave me the heebie-jeebies. Shaking off the shiver, I sucked it up and let out a sigh, letting Lucifer believe it was a sigh of satisfaction. “You are going to be deliciously sweet. I can almost taste you already.” His lips brushed over my neck, his breath hot on my skin. “You will be on your knees begging for my touch, kitten.” I swallowed hard, forcing my body to stay still. The pet names were annoying. As was his confidence. Even if I weren’t an agent of the government trying to take down possibly one of the most powerful drug dealers of the U.S., I doubt I’d be as willing as he assumed. It made me wonder briefly just how desperate Marc had been when he’d first met Lucifer. Or maybe that’s how he liked them -- desperate for help and willing to do whatever he requested. Lucifer pressed his body to my back, and I couldn’t prevent the tremble of revulsion that ran through me. He took it for arousal when he started sucking on my earlobe. My mind scrambled for a way to delay what he had in mind. It wasn’t my idea to have sex with

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Lucifer, but if I had to…well, it wasn’t a pleasant thought. Hopefully, in less than twentyfour hours Marc, Toni, and I would be gone from here with the evidence we needed. “Sir,” a deep voice called to Lucifer. I felt Lucifer’s body still, and a low growl rumbled from his throat. My breath froze in my lungs. His hands had roamed up and lay loosely on my shoulders. Too close to my neck. Even I knew better by now than to be on the receiving end of Lucifer’s anger. I’d heard too many stories. “I’m sorry to interrupt you.” Lucifer released me and turned on the man who’d thankfully barged into this all too intimate moment. “What is it, Farber?” The tone was clipped. I turned and looked at the man getting Lucifer’s irritation. Farber was a short, stout man in his late sixties. He wore a black suit, looking very much like a butler. He stood about five feet from us, his hands in front of him, plump fingers wringing each other like one would a wet cloth. Though his body language showed his nervousness, his face was expressionless and his eyes watchful, giving Lucifer his full attention. “There’s a phone call I believe you should take.” Lucifer let out a couple of curses under his breath. I only heard them because he still stood so close. “Why should I take this particular call? What is so important that would drag me from my guest?” Farber met Lucifer’s eyes. This man had balls. Farber’s gaze shifted quickly to me, then back to Lucifer. “It’s that call that was supposed to have come yesterday.” More curses from Lucifer, his head shaking. He sounded like a sailor with all that cussing. Very out of character for the Old World gentleman he tried to portray. He turned back to me and used his knuckles to caress my cheek. “Unfortunately, Farber is correct. This

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call must be taken, postponing our fun time. But the wait will make it so much more pleasurable, don’t you think?” I didn’t answer, lowering my eyes to gaze at the ground. I silently gave thanks to the power above for whatever business took him away from me. “Farber, show sweet Adam to his room. Also find him some clothes for dinner.” Lucifer glanced at his watch. “This may take some time, so feel free to start dinner without me.” He leaned close to me. “But after dinner, I plan to fully enjoy your presence.” My gut clenched, not looking forward to it. However, I had to make sure Lucifer was well distracted so Marc and Toni could do their part. “This way, sir.” Farber spoke to me and started walking toward the mammoth of a house. I glanced over my shoulder and noted the direction Lucifer was heading. Presumably another entrance, perhaps closer than going through the front door, which led to his office. Farber showed me to a room on the second floor. It was placed at the end of the hall. He didn’t pause to show me any other room of the house or to comment on the large pieces of art throughout the hall. Farber hurried, ushering me in quickly and asking questions about my size as he bustled about the room, making sure all was in place. I, on the other hand, stood in the middle of the room and gazed in wonder. The room was decorated with all the elegance money could buy. I’d never seen a room with such splendor. The furniture cost more than I’d make in a year, not to mention the silken spread on the stylish four-poster bed. I could easily picture Marc lying naked on its rich scarlet softness, his arms reaching out toward me. “I would advise you to shower. Lucifer likes his guests clean.” He made the word “guest” sound like a filthy word. This was probably one job he’d done many times. From the way his upper lip twitched when he had to look at me, I’d have to guess that he didn’t like me much. “I’ll be back in a bit with your clothing. More will be at your disposal tomorrow afternoon.” Farber quickly walked out of the room before I could ask questions. The door

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shut behind him, and there was a loud click. I ran to the door, tried the knob, and found it locked. I jerked the handle, but it held tight. “Damn!” I cursed, slamming my fist against the door. It looked as if I was now a prisoner. Like a caged animal, I checked the window. Locked and barred. Same with the window in the adjoining bathroom. With a sigh, I decided to take a shower as Farber suggested. Though it wouldn’t be as pleasant as the one I took with Marc, perhaps it would take the edginess off.

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Chapter Fourteen Marc (Mammon)

Toni and I walked through the expanse of gardens Lucifer had behind the house. This was our favorite place. A bit of serenity. A piece of paradise away from the real world. Away from Lucifer’s eyes and ears. One of the few places without surveillance, only accessible through a secured door inside the house. Only tonight, the tranquility of the place just wasn’t helping. My mind only wanted to focus on Adam. It took a lot of control not to run up to the house and tell Lucifer to go to hell. That Adam was mine. “Where are you, Marc?” I turned and smiled. “I’m here with you.” Toni shook her head and stopped walking. “Physically, yeah, but your mind’s elsewhere.” I sighed. Never could fool my baby sister. She was the only one who knew me that well. “Sorry.” “What’s going on?”

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I opened my mouth to tell her about Adam, but stopped. What could I tell her? She only sees him as another play toy for Lucifer. And my feelings toward him? Well, I’m still trying to figure them out. I knew I wanted Adam. That all my body and heart cried out to lay claim on him. But my mind was trying to knock them down. That part wasn’t quite as ready to fully trust Adam, despite the attraction and desire for him or what my body craved. It was a constant war inside my head right now as I fought to believe what Adam said and what was actually going to happen. I just hoped I was doing the right thing. “Are you happy here?” I guided Toni to a stone bench under a lattice covered in climbing roses. The soft pink color should have calmed me, soothed the wash of anxiety and nervousness at what was to come. It didn’t. Her brows scrunched together, creasing her forehead. She sat next to me. “I don’t understand.” Her gaze shifted from me to her two bodyguards who were stationed around the garden. I always wondered if they were guarding her from potential trouble by being associated with Lucifer or keeping an eye on her and reporting back to their boss. “Lucifer isn’t a good man, Marc. Outside he’s beautiful and charming. Inside, he’s vile, loathsome. He has little concern for anyone or anything other than his own wants.” Her voice was low, even though her constant companions were out of hearing range. I couldn’t disagree. I’d discovered that a long time ago. But I wouldn’t encourage her thoughts right now. “I would do anything…give up all of this to live with you, Marc. You know that’s all I’ve ever wanted.” I shook my head. “Don’t say things you don’t mean, Toni. I could never have afforded to give you the education you’ve received. To clothe you in nice things. To travel around the world. You wouldn’t have been given the opportunities you’ve had if it had been left up to me. Who knows what would have become of me -- us -- if Lucifer hadn’t made his offer.”

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Toni took my hand and squeezed it tightly. “I know what you’ve sacrificed for my sake. I’m forever grateful, brother. But what I say is true. The expensive school, clothes, and places to live. None of it’s worth the blood shed to get it.” If she only knew what I’d done to keep her safe. To ensure she had a good life. But then, she could never learn of the sadistic pain and perverted acts I’d committed to get where we are today. It was my burden to bear, not hers. I sat silent, examining her. It’d only been a few months since I’d last seen her, but she seemed to have grown up overnight. Where’s the little toddler that stumbled after me? Where’s the precious little girl who squealed in delight when I’d swing her in a circle? “You’re too smart for your own good.” She smiled at me and chuckled. “Just following in my big brother’s footsteps.” I gave her a slight smile as guilt stabbed at my heart. “I’d hoped to avoid that.” Her expression sobered. “Do you know why I’m being sent overseas after next semester?” “Lucifer tells me the school has a top-notch art program. The best in the world.” “That may be, but Lucifer is going to have me betrothed.” My pulse skipped a beat. Toni wasn’t even sixteen yet, and he thought of marrying her off? “Over my dead body,” I muttered. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I overheard him talking to the man who has his bid in. I did my own search and found out that the man is old enough to be my grandfather. From what I heard, as soon as I turn eighteen, Lucifer will have me walking down an aisle.” I scoffed. “I don’t see you letting it happening. I won’t let it happen.” She reached out and took my hand and gave it a squeeze. “Lucifer scares me, Marc. If I do anything to go against his wishes, he’ll make threats I know he’ll carry out. He’ll make me hold your life and safety in my hands.”

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Anger made my blood pound loudly in my head. “He’s done that before?” I asked through clenched teeth. My nails bit hard into my palms. Toni shook her head. “Not in so many words. However, the last couple of years, when I’ve caused him displeasure, he’s implied it.” My teeth ground together, and my knuckles grew white. Damn that man. I’d trusted him to keep Toni safe in return for me doing as he wanted. It was for that reason I had done his bidding all this time. The last thing I wanted was for him to use her the same way to get his way. Damn it all to hell! I should have known better. Adam’s plan churned in my head, and I felt more determined than ever to make sure I followed through on my side of the setup. Doubt no longer lingered. For Toni’s and my own safety, we had to get as far away from Lucifer as possible. “How would you like to leave tonight? Never look back.” Toni smiled. “Never look back.”

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Chapter Fifteen Adam

As if Farber knew exactly when I got into the shower, the clothing was laid out on the bed when I exited the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my waist. The door was still locked, so I did what was expected. I dressed in the black suit that was a perfect fit, donned the shoes, and sat on the bed waiting. My mind wandered to Marc. He’d agreed to my plan only if we take Toni when we leave. If it were my sister, I’d insist on the same thing. But now the question was would she want to leave? I started pacing, unable to stay still. My mind worked over the plan. I would keep Lucifer busy, and with Ice’s help -- our expert hacker -- Marc should have little trouble getting into Lucifer’s files. Though we were still flying by the seat of our pants about our escape, however; that was up to Toni. It was what might happen after we get out from under Lucifer that worried me. Would my tie to Marc be forever severed? Though my feelings for the man were still unclear, I knew I didn’t want to part from him anytime soon. The lock’s clicking interrupted my thoughts. Farber stood in the open doorway, looking as stiff and expressionless as he had before.

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“Dinner’s about to be served. If you would follow me.” He turned and walked away, expecting I would do as he bid. Sadly, I did. Marc and his sister were already seated when I walked into the large dining room. Actually, it was more like a hall, large enough to fit two of my apartments in it. Farber showed me to the seat I was to sit in. It was to the left of the empty chair at the head of the table. Marc sat in the one to the right of the empty chair, and Toni sat next to him. The rest of the long table was empty. Both Marc and Toni were dressed as formally as I was. “Formal dining is so much more tasteful,” Toni said softly when Farber left us. Her voice clearly mocked Lucifer. Marc elbowed her and scowled, but then he smiled, and I saw him bite back a laugh. It was obvious that the two had gone through many of these dinners and felt comfortable and secure enough to make fun of their host. Heavens, how long had they lived here under the close scrutiny of Lucifer? “Mar--” “You look very handsome dressed up,” Marc interrupted. His hands were on the table in front of him, close to his body. One finger gestured behind him. “Thank you.” With one quick glance, I found a camera mounted in the corner of the room. “You clean up quite nicely also, Mammon.” I reverted back to his Fallen Angel name. I should’ve known we’d be watched and very possibly listened to also. “Antoinette, you’re gorgeous. That green dress really complements your skin tone.” Her pink cheeks flushed, and her smile flashed perfectly white teeth. This time her smile looked sincere, whereas when we were introduced, I sensed that her generous welcome wasn’t as heartfelt as it looked. Had Marc told her about us? I returned her smile and got a better look at my lover’s sister. Toni had a petite build. I remembered that her head only reached my chest. Being fifteen, she was sure to grow another couple of inches, but I doubted she would be as tall as her brother. Her dark hair was long and straight, shining in the soft lighting. Her skin tone

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was lighter than Marc’s, taking more of an Asian hue, while her slanted light brown eyes complemented that heritage. Already a beautiful young lady, when she became an adult, men would view her as an exotic woman and fall all over themselves vying for her attention. Before we could continue our conversation, Lucifer swept into the room, followed by a middle-aged woman carrying a tray laden with bowls. Lucifer didn’t sit in the waiting chair, but went to Toni and kissed her on the cheek, then kissed Marc briefly on the lips. “I must apologize for my absence and regret that I cannot stay. This dreadful business is taking much longer than I expected.” He rounded the table to stand next to me. “I shall conclude it as quickly as possible.” He bent down and kissed me. I cringed inside. It wasn’t a sweet, brief kiss like the one he’d given Marc. No. Lucifer forced his tongue into my mouth as if he owned me. I tried to close my mouth, for he’d taken me by surprise, but the fingers of one of his hands snaked around my neck and squeezed painfully. So as to not make a scene, I gave in and let him make a spectacle of his kiss. “Don’t worry your pretty little head, kitten. I’ll make sure we make up for lost time,” Lucifer said when he finally pulled away. He straightened and left the hall without another word. I looked to Marc, and the breath in my lungs stilled. He stared after Lucifer, his face red and expression blank. It was Marc’s eyes that caught my attention. Their dark depths were blazing with emotion. His feelings were evident from the way his hand was fisted on the table and the way his eyes narrowed as Lucifer slipped out of sight. “The soup’s delicious.” Toni’s voice seemed to break the thick tension. “Don’t you think, brother?” Marc’s gaze slipped to me, and the hatred appeared to slip away. I relaxed and gave him a slight smile, hopefully letting him know that I was all right. He picked up his spoon and sipped a spoonful of the thick liquid, his eyes never leaving me. “Delicious.”

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I shivered, and heat rushed to my groin. The lust for me shone brightly in his eyes. I remembered the feel of my lover next to my skin. Ached for more. I gripped my spoon tightly and followed the example of my dinner companions, very much aware of the camera still aimed at us. We ate in silence for a while. The woman came and went several times, bringing food and clearing dishes. The meal was much like a banquet, several courses. By the time dessert was set in front of me, I couldn’t eat another bite. As if he watched, Farber walked through the door when we all pushed aside our plates. He interrupted our quiet solitude. “I’m here to escort Mr. Hardy back to his room.” “I’d like to visit with Mammon and Toni a while longer,” I protested. “This is Lucifer’s…request.” I shook my head. I’d be damned if I was going to be locked in that damned room again. “Adam,” Marc caught my attention. “Go on. Lucifer will allow us time tomorrow to visit.” I opened my mouth to continue my objection, but something in his eyes told me to shut up and go. I stood and nodded toward Toni. “Good night, then. Sleep well.” All this formal crap was getting to me. Now I’d started to talk like Lucifer. Damn him.

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Chapter Sixteen Marc (Mammon)

“Are you sure this is the way?” I asked as we rounded another corner. “Age is affecting your memory, brother,” Toni whispered as I followed her through the dark corridors. These hidden paths wound through Lucifer’s mansion, connecting nearly every room. It had been many years since I’d wandered them. “I’m not a voyeur…unlike someone else I know.” Toni chuckled softly. “I’m nosy. Not a voyeur. Besides, how else would I know the things I know?” “Things that’ll get you killed if Lucifer knew you knew,” I scolded. She merely shrugged as if it were no big deal. Was the danger of her knowledge that oblivious to her? Or maybe she really didn’t care. “Just get me to Adam’s room.” My old room. But I refused to think about my own time spent there. “It’s at the end of this hall. Come on, impatient one.” Within minutes, the wall slid and created an opening into the room Lucifer had Adam in. He lay in the bed, and when the door opened, he jerked up, looking around.

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“Stay there,” I said so he wouldn’t get up. I was aware of the camera watching him, but also that it was mounted above where I stood so it couldn’t detect my presence. “Lie back down and act as if I’m not here.” My chest tightened, wanting so badly to take him in my arms. To smell his scent upon me. To taste him. It had been hellish sitting across from him at dinner, unable to speak freely or even reach out to him. “What are you doing here?” Adam turned onto his side so the camera wouldn’t be aware of him speaking. “I came to see if you were all right. I needed to see you before…” Before Lucifer came and spent the night with Adam, and I stole the information Adam needed to incriminate the man who’d save me and my sister. However, I couldn’t say the words. It hurt to even think about Adam with someone else. “No worries.” His voice, void of emotion, made me feel like such an ass for letting him go through this. “Did you know about these hidden passages before now?” My eyes lowered. I hadn’t realized until after Toni and I got back from our walk that Lucifer had locked Adam away while he took care of business. I couldn’t risk coming to him before. He must understand that, but there was no time to tell him now. “Will these help us get out of here?” “Yeah. I’ll come and get you as soon as I’ve got what we need. Oh, meanwhile, you might want to wear whatever clothes he wants you to wear.” I tilted my head toward the pile of clothing at the foot of the bed. Adam sighed and nodded. “Don’t take too long. This place is too rich for my smalltown blood.” He fingered the top sheet material. “Probably too kinky, too.” I laughed, thinking he looked good lying in such luxury. “Just so you know, there is no sound recording in here. Only in the dining hall and Lucifer’s private rooms.” “The reason for your visit.”

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“Yeah. Well…” Why hadn’t I told him about the surveillance before we got here? Adam turned over. “Go. I don’t want him catching you here.” I nodded and took a step back. “Adam…” I heard him sigh. “You too.” Reluctantly, I stepped back into the passage, and the door closed. “Touching.” “Shut up,” I growled and stalked away from Adam’s room. “You really care for him, don’t you?” Toni ran to catch up. I stopped and looked down into her striking face. So innocent, yet something in her eyes told me she’d seen too much for one so young. Was it just fate, or had I had something to do with it? I reached out and cupped her cheek in my palm. “Yes. Adam’s very special. He’s opened my eyes. Shown me that there could be another way.” She smiled into my hand. “It’s about time someone broke through that hard shell you call a heart.” I shrugged. “I’m a little hard-headed too.” I didn’t come out and admit it, but might as well have. “Come on. We’ve got work to do.”

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Chapter Seventeen Adam

I couldn’t be still after Marc left. I had trodden a permanent path in some expensive piece of rug from the door to the bathroom from pacing the floor. Hope Farber doesn’t mind,

but “oh, well” if he did. With luck on our side, we wouldn’t be here for the fallout. When the door finally opened, I stood at the window, gazing out into the darkness. The digital clock near the bed read 10:57. “I’m so glad you are still awake.” Lucifer walked into the room. I didn’t miss that he relocked the door behind him and pocketed the key. “I knew you would look utterly delicious in that outfit.” Lucifer spoke of the set of clothing Farber brought up during dinner. I liked the pants. They were black leather. Not stiff, but soft and comfortable, though a little snug in the crotch and ass. Those I could live with. The shirt? No. Not my style. It was made of royal blue silk, the long sleeves loose, but tight around my wrists. The front had no buttons; it just hung open from my neck down to my belly button. It reminded me of something out of some B-rated porn movie in which I played a vampire slut. I don’t like to play dress-up. However, it was obvious Lucifer liked to make his boys act the parts of his fantasy life.

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I turned away from the window, letting him have full view of me. I tilted my head and took in the clothing he wore. The Armani suit was gone, replaced by a pair of khakis and simple white, buttoned-up shirt. The long sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. Lucifer looked relaxed, yet still elegant. Now comes the tricky part of the plan. I so don’t want to have sex with Lucifer. Bad enough I have to control my urge to cringe whenever he touches me. To actually allow him to… No, I can’t -- won’t -- think of it. However, I have to appease him somehow tonight. Unfortunately, there’s only one thing that would make this work. Before Lucifer could make a move, I walked up to him. Boldly stared into his eyes. Earlier I’d played shy, hesitant. Some of that was real, but I had a job to perform. It’s just too bad times like these rear their ugly heads and force me to do something I really don’t want to. I reached up and touched Lucifer’s face. I hoped he didn’t see the slight tremor in my fingers. “Rumor was that you were gorgeous. I just never thought you would be this irresistible.” Lucifer had an ego. A large ego, from what I’d heard. He knew he was handsome. He had power and leverage to assert the confidence he emanated. That was my ace to play. “Since you left me in the dining hall, all I could think about was you. The kiss.” I leaned closer and brushed my lips over his. The contact was brief…and nauseating. I brought the feel of Marc’s lips to the front of my mind. I did this for us. A small price to pay to free both him and Toni from this evil man. “Thoughts of pleasing you have filled this lonely time.” My tongue teased his earlobe, breath hot on his skin. Lucifer trembled, and I fought back a smile. Who knew I could be so seductive? I surprised myself that I could be such a good actor.

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“How sweet of you, lovely.” Lucifer’s arms pulled me in for a close embrace. His hands slid down my back to palm my ass. I let him grind his hardness against me momentarily before pulling back slightly. “This first night together, may I make a request?” I lowered my eyes, one hand trailing down the front of his shirt, stopping occasionally to play with the buttons. “What is it that you request, kitten?” I didn’t give in to the impulse to withdraw. Or to punch him for all the damn pet names. “I wish to please you, Lucifer. I want to taste you. I require no other pleasure but to watch you come as I take you with my mouth. Will you grant me this one thing our first night together?” I held my breath as he thought about my plea. Giving Lucifer a blowjob was my sacrifice to allow Marc enough time to get the files we needed. “So eager. I like that.” He lifted my head with a finger under my chin. “You have been a good boy. No complaints. And since I left you hanging at dinner along with the hours of waiting, I’ll allow you this wish tonight.” An adoring smile tugged at my lips. “Thank you,” I said before dropping to my knees. His crotch was level with my gaze; his erection tented his pants as if reaching for me. “We’ll start anew tomorrow,” Lucifer promised as I released his cock from its confines. It was thick, long. The head swollen and purple from blood. Already, he seeped fluid. Who was the eager one now? But I said nothing and closed my eyes before taking the stiffness into my mouth, an image of Marc and Toni laughing together as they had earlier at dinner stayed prominent in my mind.

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Chapter Eighteen Marc (Mammon)

“Got it?” “Another minute,” Ice said over the clicking of the keyboard. I waited impatiently, the untraceable satellite phone’s earpiece sitting in my ear. It seemed to be taking forever for Ice, the man who hasn’t found a system he couldn’t hack, to get into Lucifer’s security network and create a video loop so I could get into the room undetected. “I don’t think I want to know exactly what you have planned, Mammon, but you only have about five minutes once I activate this before my presence in the system is discovered. I’m good, but I’m not a god.” “Just a Fallen Angel,” I said, looking into the peephole to make sure the room was still empty. “Five minutes should be more than enough time.” Ice sighed into the phone. “You’re good to go.” Hitting the button in the wall, it slid open. I hesitated only a second before stepping into Lucifer’s office. He’d left the computer going, the screensaver rolling through a variety

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of puppy pictures. The man was a nut. He was sometimes sadistic in his sexual appetite, but then went ga-ga over cute puppies? Go figure. “All good?” I asked, sitting in the leather chair and started browsing through the files on the desktop. “The loop’s working, and I’ve activated the transfer.” “Excellent.” I inserted a memory stick and started my own download of a variety of personal folders I knew he had on his computer, then deleted them. “What else are you doing, Mammon? I see some activity going on.” “Just work your magic, Ice.” Ice was my most skilled computer geek. I’d trust him with my life. He came to Lucifer’s a couple of years after Toni and I moved in. Much like me, Lucifer took Ice off the streets and gave him a new start. He and Hammer were like the brothers I never had. Of course, Ice was one of Lucifer’s golden boys, so we share a bond deeper than friendship. In fact, half of the members of the Fallen Angels were Lucifer’s golden boys at one time or another. Who said beauty didn’t go with brains? Ice cursed in my ear. “What?” I asked opening another program. “It’s taking longer than I anticipated. There was an extra firewall in place.” “We still have three minutes left. Have faith.” My gaze went to the screen that was split into four sections. Two of the sections were the cameras in Adam’s room. I didn’t want to look, but couldn’t stop myself. Curiosity not only killed the cat, but also broke his heart. The image of Adam kneeling in front of Lucifer, sucking that bastard’s dick, burned into my head. I now wish I hadn’t looked. “Fifteen seconds. Start shutting it down,” Ice said in my ear. “Make sure you erase your tracks. We’re cutting it too close for comfort. I’m going to mess with some of the cameras to help you out.”

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“Thanks.” I start to close the programs, fingers flying over the keyboard before removing the memory stick. “Shit, get the hell out of there, Mammon.” Ice’s voice held panic. “I’ve been made.” I stood, but didn’t shut down the last program. “Tell me you got the download.” “Yeah, now get out. Someone’s headed your way.” With a curse, I finished wiping away my presence, though I knew Lucifer would know it was me. I’d deleted specific folders. Ones that he would surely notice quickly. I ran through the secret entrance and hit the button just as the security guy entered. I heard him shout just before the wall slid shut, only I didn’t stick around to see if he knew about the passages. “Tell me you heard from T,” I demanded. “About a half an hour ago. It’s a go. Be safe, boss.” “Be home soon.” I ended the call. “Hopefully,” I murmured as I sprinted into the dark passage.

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Chapter Nineteen Adam

“Beautiful, beautiful pet,” Lucifer practically cooed in my ear with his arms wrapped tightly around me as if I would run. Which is exactly what I wanted to do. I felt dirty. The clothes. The man holding me. The satin sheets we lay upon. The disturbing taste of cum in my mouth. Everything made me feel revolted. Though I wasn’t sure how I’d look Marc in the eye now. “I believe you will give Mammon a run for his money as my favorite. So easily you have already won me over.” I was disgusted with the way he spoke. How he didn’t use contractions like every other person in the English-speaking world. It also sickened me the way he used men. From what I understood of the members of Fallen Angels, Lucifer had helped them kick drugs, get out of debt, and off the streets; in return, they worked for him. And now, I had a pretty good idea what else some of the members did to repay Lucifer for his “good will.” There was a knock at the door only a moment before the lock clicked, and Farber opened the door. One of the men I’d observed skulking around the house earlier barged in. “Sir, there’s been a security breach. I found someone in your office.”

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Lucifer released me and sat up. “Who was it?” Gone was the smooth, eloquent speech. His voice was clipped and gruff. “I don’t know, sir. He escaped through a passage in the wall.” “You didn’t go after him?” Lucifer demanded, standing and fixing his clothing. The man looked down. “I’m sorry, sir. I…I…didn’t know about the passages.” I kept my expression blank, not wanting to give away any knowledge of what was happening. My chest fluttered. The plan had been for Marc to be out of there before he was discovered hacking the system. Had something gone wrong? Perhaps the man walked in on him, and Marc didn’t get all the information. All of this would’ve been for nothing. “Lock down the house!” Lucifer ordered, leaving the room without even a glance back at me. The security man followed. The door slammed, and the lock clicked again, keeping me prisoner. I jumped off the bed and turned the knob. Locked. “Fuck!” “Later. We’ve got to get our asses out of here.” Marc and Toni stood in the entrance to the hidden passage. “Don’t forget your shoes,” he said when I started toward them. Marc was right. I still wore the clothes Lucifer wanted, but my running shoes I’d had on earlier were under the window. It took me only a moment to slip them on, then I followed my guides. “Did you get it?” “Yes, however, it took longer than Ice expected and alerted security. The reason for the hasty exit.” “And our way out of here?” “Taken care of,” Toni said, taking the lead. I followed them through the darkness, having complete trust that they knew where they were going. That they would get me out of here, hopefully in one piece and alive. How

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easy it was to trust someone when your life was in mortal danger. Because I knew, if Lucifer caught us, my life would be forfeit. What seemed like an eternity later, we emerged into the night. Toni still led the way as we ran across the large lawn toward a building detached from the house. I was glad I’d kept up my running four times a week. The building turned out to be a garage filled with at least twenty vehicles. All different makes, models, and colors. There were even a couple of motorcycles in the corner. “The Hummer’s our best bet. We won’t have to stick to the road with it.” Toni nodded. “I thought so too.” She handed Marc the key. I couldn’t have agreed more with Marc’s decision. The three of us piled into the vehicle, Marc behind the wheel. In the distance, I saw flashlights bouncing around and heard the barks of dogs in the air. “They’re coming. Go. Go, now.” Marc gunned the engine, and we were on our way. Marc maneuvered the vehicle expertly, managing to avoid dogs, security personnel, and whatever else got in our way. “Wait. Won’t this have a GPS unit in it? Lucifer can track us anywhere we take it.” “Got it covered.” Marc glanced at me, but said nothing else. That one quick look and his clipped response sent a chill down my spine. Granted, the situation was tense, but somehow it felt focused toward me. I could only wonder what was going through his mind. He knew going in what I might have to do. Had he somehow seen me with Lucifer, before he ran out of the room? If so, how much had he seen? I just wanted to forget all about it and get on with my life. I had a feeling it wouldn’t be that easy. Marc finally turned on the headlights, and we drove about fifteen minutes before he stopped. “Come on. Our chariot awaits.”

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And it was. Hidden behind some brush there was a Jeep Wrangler. The four-wheel drive would be an advantage if we took to rough terrain. We abandoned the Hummer, but before Toni or I could get into the Jeep, Marc stopped us. “We can’t leave here without checking for bugs.” He opened the driver’s door and pulled out a small black device. It lit up with green lights when he pressed in a code. “What’s that?” Toni asked, looking over her shoulder. She seemed as anxious as I was to go. “This will make sure Lucifer hasn’t managed to plant a tracking device.” He swept the device over Toni, both front and back. She was clean. He turned to me, but wouldn’t meet my eyes. That pissed me off. However, I held my tongue. Now was not the time. The damn device gave off a shrill alarm, when he swiped it over my neck. I jumped. “What the hell?” “Take off your shirt. Throw it by the Hummer.” While I ripped off the shirt, glad to be rid of it, he finished his sweep. I was clean. “Here, just run this over me about a half inch away.” He handed the detector over to me. Like Toni, he was clear of trackers. It just showed me who Lucifer trusted. Then again, he had little reason to trust me, while Marc and Toni had lived with him for a long time. It was only because of me that either one was doing this. Again, guilt stabbed at my chest for putting them into this danger. Once more, Marc got behind the wheel, and Toni jumped into the back, leaving the passenger seat for me. I slid in without a word, but my mind whirled with what had happened earlier and how it would affect the growing relationship between Marc and me. “Where are we headed, Marc?” Toni asked, leaning between the front seats. “The Den.”

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“Wait.” I turned toward Marc. “Lucifer knows where the Den is, doesn’t he? I don’t see Lucifer not knowing where you are.” Marc shook his head. “What you think is the Den, where you’ve been working the past couple of months, isn’t our real Den. The Fallen Angels have a secret Den.” He focused his attention on the road. “When we were at the cabin. While you were…tied up, I made a phone call. I didn’t know who you were or what your agenda was, so I had Hammer transfer us over. He, Ice, and the rest of the team are already there and waiting for us. It’ll take us about forty-five minutes to get there.” “I hope you know what you’re doing, Marc.” Toni sighed, giving me a sympathetic look before sitting back. “Me too,” I heard him say under his breath. I silently agreed.

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Chapter Twenty Marc (Mammon)

Silence crowded the vehicle as I drove north from Lucifer’s place. I took the scenic route, making sure we weren’t followed. So far, so good. However, that didn’t ease my mind. Other concerns swarmed in. I kept glancing over at Adam. His bare upper body enticed and urged me to touch his delicious skin. My fingers tightened on the steering wheel, and I focused my gaze on the road so I wouldn’t give in. My jaw twitched. I couldn’t stop the picture of Adam on his knees taking Lucifer into his mouth from rolling over and over in my head. Anger and jealousy boiled in my blood. I knew I wasn’t being logical, and I couldn’t hold any of it personally against Adam. Hell. I’ve been Lucifer’s lover, one of his boy toys, since I was barely an adult, when he got me off the streets and out of trouble. Adam knew it. So why couldn’t my mind stop creating situations between the two? So I did the only thing I knew to protect myself until I could sort everything out. I distanced myself from Adam. Kept my head in the game. Reaching into my pocket, I took out Adam’s phone and tossed it into his lap. “Call your contact. Have him waiting for you at Café Paradise. A table for three.”

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“Do you think it’s wise to do this now? I mean, Lucifer, he’s…” “I’m about to totally screw over the man who saved my life more ways than I care to think about. Before I hand over any information, I want a deal for my people and me. I won’t go into this blind and hands tied.” “You’re right.” Adam dialed the phone. I glanced into the rearview mirror at Toni. She chewed on her bottom lip and looked anxious. God, I hated putting her through this. All I’d wanted was the best for her. To give her the opportunities I’d not had or had been too fucked in the head to take advantage of. Is that so wrong? Listening to Adam’s side of the conversation, I knew his contact gave him a hard time. “I don’t give a fuck about protocol, Harris. If you aren’t there waiting, alone, you won’t have what the Agency has been trying for years to possess.” Adam disconnected the call and handed it back to me. “He’s not happy, but he’ll be there.” I placed the phone between my legs and nodded. Leaning over, I opened the glove box, withdrew a piece of black material, and threw it into Adam’s lap. “Put this on.” Adam picked up the hood. I kept my focus on the road. My chest tightened, and a chunk of my heart ripped off. “Understand it’s not just my welfare at stake. I won’t allow anyone to harm Toni or the six men at the Den.” I glanced at him and was glad the darkness cloaked my anguish. “The Den is the only place that is safe right now. I won’t risk it being uncovered. Not for anything…or anyone.” I felt Adam staring at me for several breaths. I forced myself not to care that he was hurt or angry. No matter what I felt for him, I had to put my sister and family first. I wouldn’t let them suffer for my screw up. Adam let out a couple of curses. “I wish…” His words fell away.

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The city’s lights were on the horizon. We weren’t too much farther from our destination. “You wish what? That you’d never taken this assignment? Or maybe that we’d never fucked?” Had my mouth said those cold, heartless words? It didn’t even sound like my voice. My gaze snapped to the rearview mirror. In the dark, I couldn’t see Toni’s face clearly, but I was sure she’d heard me. Damn. I hate airing my dirty laundry around her. She didn’t need to know who I was sleeping with, but then again, she probably knew more about that subject than I gave her credit for. “Fuck you, Marc,” Adam growled. He placed the black hood over his head, aligning his nose with the one hole in the soft material. “Been there, done that,” I shot back, and regretted it the moment it flew out of my mouth. Angrily, I flipped open the phone and dialed Ice. “We’ll be there shortly.” “Hammer’s waiting for you.” “Tell him not to open the gate. Only Toni’s going down.” “You and pretty boy not coming with?” I swallowed the growl. “We have business to finish.” “You’re the boss. Just be careful.” I hung up the phone, not responding. If I’d been careful to begin with, I’d not have taken Adam into my group. I’d not have had sex with him. I’d not have fallen in love already. Twenty minutes later, after taking some back roads and going around in a few circles, I pulled into a parking garage and drove up three levels. I parked in the reserved parking space near the elevator. Hammer was leaning against the car parked in the next spot. Toni had the door open and jumped out of the vehicle before I could put the damned thing into park. The next instant, her arms were wrapped around Hammer, giving him a hug.

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“Just sit tight for a few minutes, Adam,” I said quietly as I opened the door. He didn’t reply, which probably meant he was still pissed. I ignored the ache in my gut, knowing this was going to cost me. How much? I wasn’t sure yet. But I knew we were both treading on thin ice with the trust issues. Hammer and I exchanged quick greetings, then got down to business. “Take Toni below. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” “With pretty boy?” He nodded toward Adam. I shrugged, not letting on how much it would hurt to leave him behind. “Guess I’ll just have to wait and see how things go.” “Can you trust him?” I looked over my shoulder at Adam. Trust. A small word, but it took a lot of faith to believe in it. “Yeah, I trust Adam. Just not the people he works for.” I turned to Toni. “Mind Hammer. Once this is all over, we’ll take a vacation. Figure out what we want to do with our new life.” Toni wrapped her arms around my waist. Her head lay on my chest. “I’m scared, but I have faith in you. And meanwhile, I’ll make a list of things I want to do and places I want to go. A long list.” She smiled at me and winked. My lips curved into a smile. I could always count on her to cheer me up. “Go on. Hammer’s right behind you.” She kissed me on the cheek. “Don’t be so harsh on Adam. He really likes you.” She turned and sauntered toward the elevator door. “You know what to do if this doesn’t go well?” I asked Hammer, but kept my eyes on Toni. We’d had this discussion time and time again. He didn’t approve of my arrangement, but I didn’t care. No matter what, my first priority was to keep Toni safe the best way I knew how.

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“Yeah, Mammon. I know what to do.” His disapproval was heavy. He handed me a new cell phone. “Here. Use this until you get back.” Then he handed me a 9mm to replace the one I’d left at the cabin. Lucifer had a rule that we weren’t allowed to carry weapons at his place. I had abided by it, relying on our brains and brute strength. I nodded. Reaching into my pocket, I took out the memory stick with the copy of everything I’d downloaded at Lucifer’s. Included were a few extras, just in case. “Put this in a safe place. It’s our ticket to freedom from Lucifer. I’ll call later, when the deal’s done.” I got back into the Jeep and let out a deep breath. Adam stayed silent. I didn’t know what to say, so I said nothing.

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Chapter Twenty-one Adam

I seethed beneath the hood. He didn’t trust me. After all I’m trying to do for him, he

still thinks I would betray him. Blind to where we headed, but not deaf to what happened around me, I’d heard bits and pieces of Marc’s conversation with Hammer. Enough to know that he had a lot on the line if this all went south. However, that didn’t make me feel any better. Did my feelings not matter to him? What about all that had happened between us in the last twenty-four hours? Did that mean nothing to him also? The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. “You can take that off now.” I ripped the damn hood from my head and threw it to the floor, taking deep cleansing breaths before I gave in to the urge to punch him. Looking around, I saw that we had pulled over to the curb and that Café Paradise was a block in front of us. Harris would be there, waiting for me. For us. “Don’t tell him a thing until an agreement has been made. Signed and sealed,” Marc instructed.

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I turned my glare on him. “Not that I have much to tell. That is unless you want me to tell him the compliment Lucifer gave me, when I finished sucking his cock.” I wanted to hurt him, the way his cold behavior hurt me. From the brief break in his expression, I’d done just that. Shit. Now I felt shitty for doing it. Couldn’t Marc see that this was a tough time for me too? That maybe I needed some comfort. A few words of encouragement. Someone to tell me everything would be all right, despite the things that had to be done. Obviously, that was too much to even hope for. Quick as lightning, Marc pulled me to him, and his mouth crashed down on mine. I fought, squeezing my lips shut and pushing at his chest. But that only lasted the length of a breath. Time enough for his scent to invade my senses and overtake any idea of protesting. My body relaxed, my mouth opened to his probing tongue, and my fingers balled his shirt into my fist so I could pull him closer. His groan vibrated through my body, rocking my cock to life. I was lost, as was my anger. Damn him. His brutality mixed with passionate heat. A perfectly arousing combination. One of his hands threaded through my hair and grasped the strands tightly. I groaned, loving it when he yanked my head back, breaking the kiss and exposing my neck. His mouth licked and sucked on my neck. “Mine.” Wait. Had I heard correctly? Though my heart pumped faster than normal, it skipped a beat. Surely, he couldn’t think that I’d let him just lay claim to me whenever he felt the need. Yet, here I was. Groaning in pleasure, loving every touch and the kiss he gave me. I must be absolutely fucking insane. I forced my fingers to release his shirt and really push at his chest. “Marc.” He didn’t seem to hear me. “Marc. Stop. We have to stop this.” I pushed one last time, disengaging my lover.

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Marc glared at me and growled. In the streetlight, his eyes glimmered menacingly. Similar to loathing. So be it. I was tired of being used. I’d had enough to last me a lifetime. Not wanting to get into it, I got to business. “Harris should be waiting on us.” Marc shook his head as if he cleared his thoughts. I knew how he felt. Mine were still in a terrible uproar. Oh, to just collapse in bed and sleep for a week. Maybe then I’d feel more like myself. Marc reached into the back seat, fumbling with a box on the floor. I hadn’t noticed it before. He pulled out a T-shirt and handed it to me. “You’ll need this.” I gaped at the shirt in hand. “You’ve had this in here the entire time? Why didn’t you give it to me sooner?” I’d sat here for over two hours in just my shoes and leather pants. Marc shrugged. “Didn’t think about it.” He didn’t give me time to respond since he quickly jumped out of the Jeep and stood in front of it, waiting for me. “If I get through this in one piece and still sane, Marc, my love, you are going to pay dearly,” I mumbled, pulling on the shirt, and then followed him. We walked into Café Paradise, and I immediately found Harris. He sat at a table in the middle of the small restaurant. In the open for all to see. However, if I knew him, another agent was near, and there was a bug somewhere that would record every word we said. I stepped in front of Marc and led the way. My eyes shifted, looking around the café. Alert. I chose the chair on Harris’s right side knowing he was right-handed and wore his gun on that side. Harris could be hot-headed. Best if I could stop him from shooting my lover, whether he deserved it or not. I really didn’t like the contact I’d been paired with. Ted Harris was an aging, egotistical ass. His salt-and-pepper hair was thinning and styled in a way that didn’t complement the man’s long, thin features. His eyes were gray, dull of life, except when he saw a chance to suck up. Only then did they give off the slightest sparkle.

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I shook my head and bit back a chuckle. The man stuck out like a sore thumb with his drab gray suit. I don’t think Harris could blend in if his life depended on it. And this was the man who was to be my example? I think not. Marc took the other chair to Harris’s left. He leaned back and gave off an air of casualness. It irked me that he could outwardly look so calm and collected in such a stressful time. Even after that devastatingly arousing kiss. “Well, well. If it isn’t the leader of the Fallen Angels.” Harris stared at Marc, but spoke to me. “This is just too easy, Hardy.” “Hardly,” Marc growled. His only indication that he was all too aware of the dangerous situation he was in. Once taken into custody, Marc would be nearly powerless to help Toni. “Mammon comes with me as an ally. We have the information that is needed to take Lucifer down once and for all.” Harris perked up, as I knew he would. I saw the anxious greed sparkle in his eyes. Whoever was responsible for putting away the most untouchable man on the continent would surely be well rewarded. However, I wasn’t doing it for the fame or money. Unlike the rest of the Agency. “I can guarantee it gets where it needs to be.” He held his hand out, expecting me to just hand it over. I laughed. Did he really believe I was so naïve? “I’m not a jit, Harris. If you really believe I’d have information that important on me, you’re the one who needs a refresher course in protocols.” The sight of all that excitement draining from his face was rewarding. I wasn’t usually a spiteful person, but being paired with Harris had been a pain in the ass. Besides, it was Marc who had the crucial information, and I don’t have a clue where he placed it. I could only hope he’d handed it off to Hammer and didn’t have it on his person. “So, what is this all about?”

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“A deal,” Marc said, gaining Harris’s attention. “Myself and the six members of the Fallen Angels are to be completely cleared of any crime, from before and after joining up with the Fallen Angels. They are to be left alone. For this price, the information will be turned over to the Agency.” Harris sputtered a few sounds, and his eyes looked as if they were about to pop out of his head. Much like a puffer fish with the way his mouth opened and closed. And the shade of red his face became was fire hydrant red. “Not possible.” Harris finally shook his head. “Listen, paper-pusher.” Marc leaned forward, his face close to Harris’s. His tone was low and harsh. I’d had that same determined don’t-fuck-with-me tone turned on me just recently. Not a pleasant time. He pushed a cell phone across the table. “Call your boss. Tell him that it’s done my way or no way at all. I’ll disappear with the information you so desperately want, and you’ll be chasing your tails for years, scrambling to get what I got in five minutes. The Fallen Angels are free of all crimes, or I’m outta here.” Harris’s eyes seemed to bug out further. I was idly curious if they would pop out. Fear glowed within them, and sweat gathered on his brow. It’s no wonder the man wasn’t in the field. He’d never hack it. At least I’d kept my cool when Marc interrogated me. “He’s serious, Harris. And I agree with him. The Fallen Angels are just Lucifer’s pawns. Besides, they’re the ones who got the information.” I shrugged. I didn’t mind giving them the credit they deserved. Unlike my supposed mentor. He picked up the phone, and I saw his hands tremble. I bit back a smile. Harris called me the new cock, despite the fact I’d been with the Agency for several years. Always rode my ass about abiding by the rules and to grow up. Well, when you’re out in the field, the rules go to shit. They don’t always relate. This was one of those times. Harris stood and walked a few feet from the table. Within sight, but he spoke so low I couldn’t discern what he said.

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“Can I trust your Agency to keep its word?” Marc asked, surprising me by the gentle tone he now used. “I’m not sure, but I’d like to say yes. If not, you do what you told Harris. All of you disappear.” Marc sat back and went back to his regal casualness without a word. Harris took his seat again and cleared his throat, before he spoke. “The Director wants to meet with you. Both of you. She’ll be here within the hour.” My brow rose. Boy, this must really be important shit. Director Wilson rarely came out into the field or stuck her nose into an assignment. At least, not with any of my previous assignments. “Guess we’ll order some coffee while we wait.” Marc smiled menacingly at Harris.

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Chapter Twenty-two Marc (Mammon)

I picked at the remainder of food on the plate in front of me. I fought off exhaustion. The last time I’d slept was right before I caught Adam using my phone. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was over a day ago. It was only adrenaline that kept me awake and going. My life and that of my family depended on this. Letting out a long exhale, I looked around the small café. Harris stood up and took a walk. I could see him outside, pacing in front of the window as if he were nervous about something. Adam actually stayed seated, and he too picked at the food we’d ordered. He looked as tired as I felt. Black circles under his eyes. At least the swelling from our fight the day before had decreased. I was still stiff and sore, but the beating wasn’t as bad as I’d first thought it was. We hadn’t spoken to each other, and it didn’t look as if he was interested in starting a conversation. Then again, what did I have to say that wouldn’t drag us into another argument…or another make-out session? Luckily, I didn’t have to worry about talking to Adam. The doors opened, and a woman strutted in. Holy Mary, Mother of God. If I were straight, I’d be all over that piece of meat.

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This was clearly Director Wilson. She was all legs and beauty. Blonde hair pulled tightly away from her face in a bun. Eyes the color of a clear summer sky. Lips as dark as blood. She wore a black designer suit, the skirt not quite reaching her knees, and her two-inch heels clicked on the tile flooring. She was a perfect picture of a serious businesswoman, down to the attaché in her left hand. She strutted confidently into the café, as if she owned the place, followed by Harris and another agent. She didn’t even pause to look around. She headed straight for Adam. She sat in the chair Harris had vacated. Her followers hung back, watching. “Agent Hardy.” She acknowledged Adam and threw down a manila folder on the table. “I’ve thought about your deal.” She turned her attention to me. “Unacceptable.” “Director --” Adam started, but she cut him off with just a look. My face was expressionless. Something I’d perfected during my years with Lucifer. I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back in the chair. Aloof. Uncaring. At least, that’s what I wanted her to see. Inside, I tried not to panic. “What’s wrong? Too difficult?” Director Wilson smiled, then laughed. She tapped the folder. I reached out and pulled it toward me, pushing the plate aside. Opening up the front cover, I found my picture staring up at me. As I flipped through it, I found a list of offenses I’d committed since I was a fifteenyear-old punk. Following mine was a set of papers for each of the Fallen Angels’ members. The government had kept very good tabs on our activities. None of which incriminated Lucifer. This, I expected. It was the way Lucifer operated. Nothing ever led back to him. However, the very last page had Toni’s picture on it. Beside her picture was a list of charges. None of which were true. Anger seethed. “It’s not to our liking, Mr. Insman. It’s too one-sided.”

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What the hell? One-sided? They get what they want, as do I. Isn’t that how deals work? “What do you propose?” I closed the folder, not letting her see how the contents bothered me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Adam shake his head in warning. He knew her and her ways. I’d make sure I was cautious, and all ends were tied up before we agreed to anything. Her lips twitched. “As I said, it seems as if you benefit from all of this.” “Really? I thought practically handing Lucifer over to you would make you happy. And since it was our asses we risked, it’s only fair we reap some of the benefits of getting rid of the biggest gun smuggler and drug dealer this side of the Mississippi.” “Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Insman. We appreciate the cooperation. Agent Hardy must be an exceptional agent to have convinced you to turn against the man who’s kept you out of jail all these years.” My jaw clenched and fought the urge to tell her to go to hell and walk away. But that wouldn’t help Toni, the Angels -- or Adam. Damn it. I hate it when someone has me by the balls. Been there. Done that. Thought I’d learned my lesson. “I have my own reasons for doing what I do.” “I’m sure you do.” Wilson glanced at Adam. I didn’t like the knowing glance she gave him. Was this all a setup? Had Adam been sent in for the specific purpose to seduce me? Doubt nipped on the edge of my brain. I wanted to glare at Adam, but didn’t. I kept my attention on Director Wilson. She was the one who held my future’s outcome. “The Fallen Angels have skills that exceed exceptional. Our best agencies had trouble pinning down enough evidence for convictions for all the crimes your group has committed.” “Most of those are bogus,” I growled, leaning forward. Wilson shrugged. “Perhaps, but who would believe a group of hackers? However, we may be able to compromise.”

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“Go on.” I didn’t like it, but what was the harm of hearing her out? She pulled a stack of papers from the attaché and placed them on top of the file. “The American government will agree to exonerate every member of the Fallen Angels of every crime ever committed. Including those of your sister.” Adam’s low grunt of displeasure and shifting in his chair grabbed my attention for a moment. His expression and body language screamed disapproval of what was happening. Did he know something I didn’t? Or perhaps he too wasn’t sure if the Agency could be trusted. “In turn, you’ll hand over all information pertaining to Lucifer. The Fallen Angels will also agree to help in the prosecution and sign contracts to work for the Agency for no less than ten years, at which time, you’ll have another team trained to take your place.” “Ten years?” Adam interrupted. “Director Wilson, this is ludicrous.” His hands were fisted on the table, knuckles white, twisting at the napkin. I shook my head. “You want us to switch from one tyrant to another. I think prison would be a better choice than forced slavery.” We’d had enough of that from Lucifer, but I wasn’t about to tell her that. “I assure you, Mr. Insman, the Fallen Angels will become legitimate employees of the United States government. Your expertise will be used to protect this land and make it a better country to live in.” I huffed and sat back. “Are you sure you’re not a military recruiter?” Her gaze narrowed on me. She didn’t like my humor. “Five years guaranteed service to us. That’s the best offer I can give you. It’ll be in writing. A legal contract. Every member will keep a copy. No reneging on the terms on either side once the contract’s signed.” The offer wasn’t too bad. Five years of service in the government, then freedom. It had a better ring than what we were presently getting. Money wouldn’t be a problem. I knew all

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of us had overseas accounts with enough money to retire comfortably on. We had learned a few tricks from Lucifer, and he paid damn well. “I can’t answer for the other members, and I won’t make a decision until we all agree.” “Of course.” Again her lips twitched as if she had an ace in the hole. “Take the contract and look it over. The offer is open for two days. After that, I can’t guarantee the terms to stay the same.” Director Wilson stood. “I must request that Agent Hardy stay with you until you decide what you do. He will know how to reach me.” She nodded her head to me and pretty much ignored Adam as she turned with her attaché in hand and left the café. Harris trailed behind her, but he glanced back and sneered at both Adam and me. She’d left the stack of papers that was supposedly the contract and the folder with information on every Fallen Angel. I sighed, feeling as if the weight of the world rested on my shoulders. “So…” I looked at Adam who looked as stressed and annoyed as I felt. “Should we read through this now, or wait until we get back to the Den?” I didn’t mention the fact he was stuck with me for a while longer. Adam leaned forward, his hand rubbing over his face. “Let’s do this now. I have a feeling there will be more surprises before this thing is through.”

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Chapter Twenty-three Adam

Surprise was an understatement as Marc and I sat there, guzzling more cups of coffee, and read through the ten-page contract Director Wilson had left. When in the hell had she had time to put this together? “What the fuck?” Marc mumbled in disbelief, flipping a page back and forth. “What?” I leaned over to see what had caught his attention. He pointed to the beginning of a paragraph. I read it and felt my face heat and my stomach clench. “I don’t believe this.” “Who the hell is this woman?” I shook my head. All I knew was that she had connections high up. “The boss.” I reread the paragraph again. In non-legal terms it stated that Marc would continue leading the Fallen Angels throughout their contract, with the addition that the leadership would be shared with…me? I would be the group’s contact person with the Agency. Marc and I would work together. A partnership. Holy shit. How had that come about? Why would she want that? “I don’t know what to say. I never… this is as much of a surprise to me as it is to you.”

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“Is it?” His gaze narrowed as if he didn’t believe me. “I swear, Marc. I didn’t know they had this in mind.” My hand raked through my hair, brushing it out of my eyes. Damn, I was so tired. I could barely think straight. “Unless…” “Unless what?” “Damn it.” I flipped through the pages again. “Unless what, Adam? Talk to me.” Now he wants to talk. But this isn’t about us. “They planned this. From the very beginning.” I found what I looked for on the fourth page. Their mistake. “I should’ve known something was up when they assigned me to your group.” “What are you talking about?” “Look at this.” I pointed to the paragraph. “Remember Wilson’s first offer was ten years? Then she lowered it to five. This contract says five. She knew you wouldn’t go for the first one.” “She just guessed.” “No. This. See how this describes the organization of the Fallen Angels. It goes into specific detail.” I looked at Marc in the eye. “I never gave them this information. Nowhere in any of my reports did I get into this much detail. My assignment was to get information to use against Lucifer. Not the Fallen Angels.” I flipped through the folder and found Toni’s page. “I never knew about Toni until you told me. How did the Agency know?” “Son of a bitch. If you didn’t tell them, who did?” I shook my head, baffled. Could this really have been planned by the Agency? How would they know that Marc and I would… Of course. “A mole.” “No. Impossible. All my people are loyal to me. Been with me for years.”

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“Then how was I taken into your fold? It seemed too easy then, but I didn’t look too closely at it.” I rubbed my eyes. This thing was getting more and more complicated. If the Agency already had a mole in the Fallen Angels, why would they need to send me? Hell, I knew only basic computer applications. Strategy was my forte, which somehow had gotten me into the Fallen Angels. Only, I hadn’t counted on the Agency out-strategizing me. “Let’s head back, and we’ll go through it.” We settled the bill and walked to the Jeep. My mind raced. What was this all really about? Or more so, who was this all about? It wasn’t just about Lucifer anymore. That much was obvious. The Agency wanted the Fallen Angels and had gone to great lengths to get them under their care. “Talk to me about the others,” I said, once we got back on the road. “Hammer. He’s your second in command.” I pictured the man who’d pestered me since stepping foot into the Angel’s Den. If it weren’t for the scar and crappy attitude, he might actually be handsome, with his shoulder-length hair and dark hazel eyes. Marc nodded. “Lucifer found him in an alley, close to death. He’d had a run in with a john. That’s when he got the scar on his face. Lucifer wasn’t interested in him as a golden boy. Too used, he’d told me once. But still, he’s one of us.” “All right.” I mentally marked him off. My gut told me Hammer would never turn on Marc or the others. “Fury?” Now that man had issues. “He has anger management problems, but this isn’t his style. Fury would rather beat the shit out of someone than do something like this behind our backs. Lucifer found him abandoned when he was ten. Raised him and taught him how to fight as a way to manage his anger. I think he thought to use him as a bodyguard one day, but even Lucifer had a hard time dealing with him. We were all amazed when he fit so well into our group.” Marc was right. Fury was the muscle of the group. He was six feet three and all power. Every inch of his beautiful Cuban self. Not usually the friendly sort, except to Marc.

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“Ice and T?” Those two were scary at a keyboard. While Ice could hack any system made, T could decode information faster than you could say “poppycock.” The geekiest of the geeks. I had no trouble with either. “Ice was a golden boy after me.” Marc bit his lower lip and glanced at me. He looked hesitant. “None of this is going any further than this Jeep. I promise.” “Ice is like a brother. He and I… Well, let’s just say Lucifer had fun during those years. As for T,” he quickly went on, “he did his time with Lucifer after Ice and I left the nest, so to speak.” I nodded, now understanding the closeness the three had, though I’d only experienced a short time of Lucifer’s charm. I could easily picture why Lucifer enjoyed having Marc and Ice together. They were on the opposite end of the spectrum. Where Marc was dark in hair and eye color, Ice was light with white blond hair and sky blue eyes. While Marc’s body was built with sharp, masculine angles, Ice had a softer, almost feminine build. I shook the visual from my mind. T. Yes, he would make a good golden boy also with his boyish good looks, wavy chestnut hair and dark green eyes. Even though I’d never seen him completely without clothing, T had the body of a swimmer. Slim, but muscular. A hidden strength behind the beauty. “That leaves Caesar and Dominic,” I deduced. “What’s their story?” “Caesar was my find about five years ago. I helped him kick the drug habit. We discovered his knack for electronics and gadgets.” Caesar reminded me of a surfer from California with his disheveled dark blond hair. However, it was his eyes that left the biggest impression. One was brown like chocolate milk, but the other was a soft blue. I’ve seen him wear contacts to make his eye color match

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when he went out on missions. In my opinion, I don’t think he should hide them. They are beautiful to look at -- as was he. I just didn’t state my thoughts out loud. “Dominic has been with us for two years. He was with Dege for a short time, but we needed his expertise with weapons for a job. He’s been with us since. Just kind of fit and no one asked for him back.” “Where did Dominic learn his skill?” The image of Dominic filled my mind. Short, tidy strawberry blond hair. Blue green eyes. Nice-looking, fit, but nothing to really write home about. That had to be the link. The others were handpicked by Marc. Had intimate history together. Dominic was handed off and just sort of stayed for his knowledge. “His background showed a time as an Army Ranger. Special Forces. Weapons were a personal favorite of his. Everything checked out.” “I’m sure it did. Just as my credentials checked out.” I looked out the window. The sun had risen long ago. I was so tired. “Who was it that suggested that I be brought in?” Marc glanced at me. “Dominic.” I sighed, knowing my suspicions were just confirmed. “It all pieces together. The Agency got someone in over two years ago. First with Dege’s group, then yours. That’s how they know your ways. The Den. Even how they chose me to go in.” “How would they know that you and I would…?” “They didn’t. It was just by chance. Dominic must have reported back of our interest in each other.” I turned to look at my lover. “Were we that obvious?” “Apparently. Hammer and Ice have given me shit about you since you first arrived.” Marc turned the Jeep into a parking garage and went up three floors. He parked near the elevator. “You suddenly trust me?” I picked up the hood from the floor.

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Marc sighed. “No. If Dominic is our mole, the Agency probably already knows about this place.” “What do we do about that?” “The only thing to do now. Confront him.”

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Chapter Twenty-four Marc (Mammon)

Betrayal was such a bitch. And I was getting really tired of it. I’d taken Dominic in because of his expertise. Trusted him with the welfare of me and my family. Now, I find that he’s not to be trusted at all. The elevator went too slowly as we lowered to the hidden floor beneath the parking garage. My fingers flexed and relaxed, itching to strangle his fleshy neck. I could clearly see my hands wrapped around Dominic’s throat, squeezing his windpipe, cutting off his precious, life-giving oxygen. It would be satisfying to see him suffer. And it easily took my attention away from my mixed emotions concerning Adam. Speaking of which, Adam shifted from foot to foot nervously. I wished I could tell him everything would okay. That we’d be all right when this was all over. But I couldn’t because I didn’t know how this would end. The moment the elevator doors slid open, the anger wiped away my uncertainty. T was the first one to greet me. “Where’s Dominic?” I growled, gaze searching.

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“He’s in the back.” T’s brows drew together, and his gaze flashed to Adam, then back to me. “Get his ass out here. Now!” My body trembled; fury rolled along my veins. T nodded and ran down the hall calling out Dominic’s name. Less than a minute later, Dominic ran into the main room behind T. “What’s going on?” His eyes shot around wildly. The innocent act was too much. I exploded. Before I even stopped walking, I punched Dominic in the face. Receiving the satisfying feeling of his jaw crunching beneath my fist, he landed hard on his back. Would figure he’d have a fragile jaw. “What the hell, Mammon?” Hammer rushed into the room, followed by Ice and the others. “You don’t know how much I want to kill you, asshole.” Was that really my voice saying those words? It was low and gravelly. Thick with roiling emotions. Dominic held his hand to the left side of his face, looking up at me in shock. He shuffled to stand. “If you get up, I’ll deck you again,” I warned. He stopped and collapsed back down to the floor. A hand dropped on my shoulder. It was Adam. I’d know that touch anywhere. My shoulders relaxed and I took a step back. “T. Get some rope and tie this bastard to a chair.” “Mammon, what is going on?” Hammer stepped between Dominic and me. “Talk to us.” I finally took my gaze from the traitor and focused on my lieutenant. “Pack up whatever will fit into the vehicles and take Toni. The Den’s been compromised.” “Impossible. There’s no way Lucifer could find this place,” Ice jumped in. I shook my head. “Lucifer isn’t our problem. But the government agency that Adam and Dominic work for has us made.” There was a gasp of surprise off to the side along with

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some curses. They knew about Adam by now, as I’d instructed Toni to fill them all in, but Dominic was the real surprise to them. “No.” Dominic shook his head, his voice was thick with pain. “No, it isn’t. I haven’t…” He scrambled again, trying to rise. I pulled the gun from my waistband and pointed it at him. He crumpled to the floor and kept shaking his head. “You were saying?” Dominic looked up at me. Tears glistened in his eyes. “Please, let me explain.” “Why should we believe you?” I think I did real damage to his jaw, because he was having trouble speaking. “Just listen, please.” T came back with a straight-backed chair and a handful of rope. Without a word, he helped Dominic up into the chair, then proceeded to bind his wrists together behind his back. T bent and secured Dominic’s ankles to the chair legs. “He’s not going anywhere. Put away the gun, Marc.” Adam spoke softly over my shoulder. His voice was calming. A quick shiver shot through me hearing him speak my name around the others. Slowly, I lowered the gun before I slipped it into my waistband again, making sure the safety was on. “Will someone tell me why Mammon is acting all paranoid?” Ice looked around, confused. “Dominic here is a mole.” “Bullshit,” Caesar sneered. “Tell them, Dom.” I kicked Dominic’s leg. Everyone crowded around him, forming a semi-circle. His gaze slid to each of us.

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“’Fess up, shithead!” I yelled, tired of all this bullshit. Exhaustion dogged me, and I wasn’t about to take any more shit. “He’s right.” Dominic hung his head. “I work for the Agency. The same one Adam works for.” A chorus of growls sounded, followed by curses. I held my hand up for silence. “We’ll discuss Adam later.” “It’s okay for lover boy to screw you over, is that it?” Dominic’s now swollen lips tried to form a sadistic sneer. I backhanded him, letting my temper get the best of me. It felt good. “Why are you still here, Hammer? There’s work to be done.” “I’m not going anywhere until we get to the bottom of this,” Hammer growled. I should’ve known. He and Toni were the only ones brave enough to tell me about my ass. “You want to know what’s up? I’ll give you the Reader’s Digest version.” I quickly told them about the meeting with Director Wilson and what she wanted in return for the information on Lucifer. Then how we figured out about the mole. I left out the part where Adam would share in the leadership. It was going to be hard enough to get them past their resentful feelings of betrayal. But then, Adam had only been here for two months, not two years like Dominic. I think that’s what hurt worst, believing that someone had your back, when really he was just spying on us. “He’s been slipping details to the Agency. The contract had specifics about our operations and the front Den. This one’s in jeopardy.” “I swear,” Dominic sighed. “I didn’t tell them about this one. Can I please explain?” He lifted his head and looked into my eyes. “Why would we believe you?” Ice asked, glaring at him. Unfortunately, once the attention was off Dominic, they’d look at Adam that way. I withheld a sigh. If only I had a bed and a month to sleep away all my problems.

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Fury slipped behind Dominic, yanked back his head by the hair, and swift as lightning, a knife materialized at his throat. “I say we dust him. He knew we were on to him, and he simply disappeared. No body. No proof. No conviction.” “Please,” Dominic whimpered. I watched his Adam’s apple bob against the blade. Sweat seeped from his pores, and he reeked of fear. “Step away, Fury.” He didn’t move. His arms bulged with stiffness. “Now!” I was at rope’s end. My sanity close to being lost forever. Slowly, Fury withdrew the knife and stepped away. It wasn’t hard to see that he wanted to do exactly as he threatened. But there would be no bloodshed, at least, not now. “Tell them the truth, Dominic,” Adam urged. I’m surprised he had the nerve to speak, since the others would easily turn on him as well. “You’ve got one minute to say your side.” Dominic sighed, his eyes downcast. “You’re right.” His words were slightly slurred and roughened. He did a couple of stretches with his jaw before he continued. “I’m with the Agency. I was sent in to infiltrate Lucifer’s groups. I saw an opportunity to get in with his elite Fallen Angels and couldn’t resist.” “And we fell for it,” T groused. “I sent my contact information. Guilty as charged. But only at first. That first year I was here, I played nice. Did what I had to do to get information for them. I did my job. Then…” His voice dropped away. “A kick from your conscience?” Ice asked with a sneer. Dominic huffed. “Something like that.” He looked up into my eyes. “I leaked information that kept them satisfied. Things to keep them busy. I didn’t want to do it anymore. I tried to get reassigned, but they wouldn’t let me. I swear to you, I never told them about this place. I knew if anything went wrong, this would be the only place you’d

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have. I…I just couldn’t. This has been more of a family to me than my own flesh and blood ever were.” Damn, damn, damn. It was times like this that I hated being a leader. I had to be the one to decide if he told the truth or not. My decision. My mistake if I was wrong. “He’s lying,” Fury growled. His fingers slid over the blade lovingly. “Do you have proof?” I asked, already knowing the answer. Dominic shook his head. “Of course not. First rule. Destroy all evidence. Be untraceable. All you have is my word.” “Which is shit,” T sneered. “Yet, you take the word of another agent of the Agency, Mammon? Why? Because he’s your new fuck buddy?” I raised my hand to punch him, but Adam stopped me by catching my arm. His grip tightened around my wrist. I’m so fucking tired. Life’s a bitch. The others watched my reaction closely. Damn it all to hell. I never asked for this. I just wanted to live up to my bargain with Lucifer, without having to be in his bed every night. “Up the security, Ice. Make sure all is on the up and up.” Ice nodded and turned. “And make sure to add the new stuff.” “It hasn’t been tested yet.” I looked at Dominic. “Isn’t it about time?” His gaze went to Dominic, then Adam. “Yeah, I guess it is.” He walked down the hall. “Hammer, make sure Toni’s secured.” “Uh-uh. No way you’re locking me away,” she protested. “Don’t argue with me, Toni. We don’t have time. Just go with Hammer until we get things straightened out.” She opened her mouth to protest more. “Please, Toni.” She stopped

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and looked at me. She must have seen the desperation in my eyes, because she turned and followed Hammer. “What about these two?” T indicated Dominic and Adam. “Caesar, you watch over Dominic. If he gets too yappy, gag him. Fury, you and T secure the perimeter. Adam stays with me.” Before anyone could object, I turned, grabbed Adam’s shoulder, and walked toward the hall.

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Chapter Twenty-five Adam

I felt numb. Confused. I wasn’t sure I understood what was happening. Marc was so irate with Dominic and what he did, yet he’d been nothing but distant toward me. Okay, with the exception of that heated kiss outside of Café Paradise. Marc pushed me down the long hall full of closed doors. He opened a door to our left and shoved me inside, then slammed it shut. I jumped at the sound. Not good. I turned and watched Marc run his hands through his hair. It was disheveled and oily, only reminding me how long it had been since either of us showered or slept. “So, what happens now?” “You’re staying in this room, and I’m going to calm down. Then, maybe, I’ll figure out our next step.” I looked around the room. “You believe Dominic about not leaking this place to the Agency?” I walked a fine line. The people who could send the entire group to prison also employed me.

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Marc sighed. “Only time will tell. But if they really want us to work for them, they’ll leave us alone, whether or not they know where we are. Still, I don’t like to think our only safe house was exposed.” “Marc, I’m sorry for bringing this all down on you.” He shook his head. “I knew it would happen eventually. I’d just hoped it was still down the road.” I closed my eyes briefly, trying not to let the guilt eat away at my conscience. It wasn’t only me. Dominic was in here long before I was even on Lucifer’s case. Which reminded me… “You saw me with Lucifer, didn’t you?” I didn’t know if this was the right time or place for the discussion, but it bugged me. Weighed heavily on my conscience. Marc turned his back to me, his body rigid. I approached him and put my hand on his shoulder. The moment my skin made contact with his shirt, he turned quickly, catching me by surprise. In a blink of an eye, he shoved me against the door, and Marc’s body pinned me in place. My body completely relaxed under his, safe. It didn’t even protest the weight, like an old friend. His mouth smashed into mine with an assaulting determination. I moaned in ecstatic lust, my fingers threading through his hair. How could I want someone as much as I wanted Marc? I felt out of my mind with desire, need overriding all logic. “What you do to me,” he murmured against my lips, breaking the kiss to take a breath. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get enough of you.” I felt the same, but didn’t have time to voice it, because I was too busy gasping as his mouth traveled down my neck, nipping my skin, bruising it. My body shivered; it felt too good. His hands eagerly pulled at my shirt, nearly tearing it from me. I released his hair so I could raise my arms, allowing the material to be jerked over my head. As soon as I was free

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of it, my fingers went for the waist of Marc’s pants. They trembled, and I had trouble getting the button released, making me curse. Marc’s hands covered mine, stilling the movement. I looked up, fear suddenly claimed my heart. Was he stopping this? I was going to scream if he thought to do so. Instead, I gazed upon his sweet smile, and my heart melted along with my anxiety. “There’s so much to say. So much to work out.” I shook my head. He was right. We had trust issues, and our relationship had begun on lies. If we were to become something in the future, we’d need to clear the air. “Not now. Please.” My voice raised a pitch with desperation. My cock pressed tightly to my pants, threatening to rip them apart at the seams any moment. He sighed, and his eyes closed a moment. I waited, breath held in my lungs. “Promise me we’ll at least figure” -- his eyes opened, and his gaze slipped up and down my body -- “all of this out.” I nodded. His fingers slid between mine and released the button. It took me only a breath before I slid a hand into his pants and held him in my palm. He moaned and ground his hips into my hand. I squeezed the hardened flesh and was happy to drag a gasp from Marc. Watching this man react to me was something I’d come to love in such a short time. Marc pulled away, and before I realized he’d left me, we were both unclothed and back in each other’s arms. The next thing I knew, I was sprawled on my back on the bed. The weight of Marc was comforting and wanted. There was no past. No future. No problems. Only me and Marc, here and now. “I want to taste you. Feel you fill my mouth,” I murmured in his ear. Marc growled, and I felt his body tremble at my words. Yes, he wanted it as much as I did. He couldn’t say no, could he?

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Thankfully, he didn’t. However, he pulled away, and I almost screamed when his heat was removed. The anxiety fled quickly when I watched him turn around, lie on his side, his face near my throbbing cock. His own thickness was close enough that his scent filled my senses. A tremor vibrated through every muscle. Anticipation filled every cell. “Suck me, Adam. Take me in your mouth like you want.” Without hesitation, I dipped my head and licked around the head of Marc’s cock. It was purple, swollen, and already leaking his essence. Delicious, thick liquid I eagerly slurped down, before sucking his entire length into my mouth. I jumped and forced my teeth not to close on the flesh between them as he took me into his hot, waiting mouth. I swallowed hard and turned my attention to what I had desired since our last time together. His pure male taste filled my mouth, and I savored the pleasure of it. It was hard to focus my total attention on Marc when his mouth delectably consumed me. I groaned and tried my best, though I was already so close to my load spewing. But what the hell. It was more likely I’d get killed in the next twenty-four hours than indulge again in sex with Marc. If I came before him, I would just be able to focus more on giving him the best blowjob of his life. Simultaneously, we started fucking each other’s mouths. Just what I needed to push me over the edge. My balls tightened, and my cock swelled thicker. I held back as long as I could, but Marc scraped his teeth over the extra-sensitive tip. My muffled scream echoed in my head as my orgasm quaked my body. I had to pull back off Marc to catch my breath for fear of choking on his thickness. Once the dazed aftereffects subsided, I wasted little time returning the favor to my lover. I used every trick I’d learned to tease and tantalize Marc until he whimpered with the need to come.

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With one last twirl of my tongue around his swollen head, I scraped my teeth on the sensitive underside before strongly sucking him fully into my mouth. His cum exploded into the back of my throat, the muscles already contracting and forcing it down. I didn’t release Marc until every last drop was cleaned off. Only then did I roll onto my back, eyes closed and a shit-eating grin spread wide across my face. I sighed as my body relaxed for the first time in days. I felt Marc shift his position, and then his arms wrapped around me. We didn’t speak. I knew I didn’t want to disturb this moment with words, despite the earlier promise. Whatever it was between us, we’d work it out. That is, if we were still alive after all of this. Not wanting to think about what was to come, I snuggled further into Marc, nearly wallowing in his warmth, and let the exhaustion overtake me.

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Chapter Twenty-six Marc (Mammon)

Something woke me. Something small had disturbed the quiet. Slowly, I opened my eyes to inspect my surroundings. Hammer. It was a good thing I wasn’t too modest. And obviously Hammer wasn’t shy with the way he boldly gazed at my and Adam’s entwined bodies. He stood just inside the door, leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. He wore his usual black jeans and a black T-shirt. I’d been bugging him for months to add some color to his wardrobe, to no avail. Hammer’s long hair was loose and hung so that it hid the scar on the side of his face. He raised the visible brow and jerked his head toward the door. His stoic expression told me nothing of what was in his mind. With a sigh, I gave a slight nod and watched him leave. I carefully slipped away from Adam with great reluctance. I knew our time was limited; it just went by too fast. Stepping into my jeans, I grabbed my shirt from the floor and quietly left Adam alone.

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To Hammer’s credit, he didn’t comment on the unclothed, limb-entwined state he’d found Adam and me in. Of course, there was no doubt of Adam’s allure to me now. Or how far that attraction had gone. I hope he doesn’t give me grief about it later. “Lucifer destroyed the other Den.” Hammer rubbed his eyes and yawned. We were all running on fumes. Even with a catnap, I felt fatigue pressing upon me. “Upset, was he?” We walked slowly down the hall. In my mind’s eye, I clearly saw Lucifer in one of his rare fits of rage. The ones where someone ends up either dead or in the hospital. I’m just glad I wasn’t there. “Beyond pissed. He’s gunning for you, Mammon. You and your” -- he glanced at me -“cocksucking boy toy.” The tone he used told me how much he still distrusted Adam. I couldn’t blame him. We’ll all have issues to sort out when this is all done. What hurt more than Hammer’s obvious dislike of my lover was the image of Adam on his knees, with Lucifer’s cock in his mouth that flashed in my head. I quickly shook it away. I couldn’t think about that now. Lucifer was angry, and he’d use any way possible to get to me. Mental or physical, as he unfortunately knew most of my shortcomings. But I wouldn’t let him get to me this way. As much as my chest hurt at the thought of my lover with Lucifer, I knew deep down that what he’d done, he’d done because there was no other choice. I’d just have to get over it. “Our abrupt departure screwed up his weekend plans, I guess.” Hammer didn’t have to know what transpired at Lucifer’s. Or how we achieved what we did. Hammer chuckled. “You’re taking this too calmly, man.” I shrugged. If he only knew how my gut was twisting and my nerves were set on edge. “When Adam and I devised this plan, we knew what the results would be.” I stopped and turned to my friend. “But don’t you agree that this is long overdue?” Hammer’s gaze met mine. It was several seconds before he spoke. “Yeah. Long overdue. I just wish you’d let me help you more.”

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“Sorry, man. This was something I had to do myself. Besides, I know you’re not crazy about Adam. It was hard enough without your nagging ass around.” Hammer shrugged. “Possibly. Still, you know I got your back, right? No matter what.” He handed me Dominic’s cell phone, which I slipped into my back pocket. “Thanks. Toni okay?” Hammer nodded. “She’s been keeping T on his toes.” I started walking again. “I bet. Just make sure she’s safe when this all goes down. I don’t want her anywhere Lucifer can get her.” “Ice is already on it. Her new identity is put together and ready to go. Caesar will take her out of here if the need arises.” “Good.” Hammer’s hand landed on my shoulder, stopping me just before we got to the main gathering area. “I trust it’s not just your dick thinking when it comes to pretty boy.” He jerked his head back down the hall, indicating Adam. “Of course not,” I said through clenched teeth, suddenly defensive. “I won’t explain my actions to anyone.” “And Dominic? Will he get off so easily?” I huffed. “Trust me. Adam didn’t get off too easily. Those bruises. He got those before Lucifer came into the picture.” I sighed. “I’ll do right by Dominic.” Hammer nodded, turned and walked back down the hall, trusting me to deal with this business. Without another hesitation, I entered the main meeting area. “Take a break, Caesar,” I told the man sitting in a chair against the wall. He stood, stretched, and left the room. I dragged his chair over to where Dominic sat, still bound. I flipped the chair around and straddled it, my arms propped on the back. I sat there for a few moments and watched

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the man I had thought of as a friend. Was he really any different than Adam? They had both been doing their jobs. Just as I had done all these years for Lucifer. So what made me so different from either one of them? “Answer me something,” I broke the silence. “Name one reason I should trust you.” Dominic met my gaze unwavering. His bloodshot eyes and fatigue crowded his expression. “The time I spent here with the Fallen Angels. It was the first time in my life I felt part of a family. This small band of misfits did the one thing my dysfunctional blood relatives or the years I served in the military didn’t. Made me feel as if I belonged.” Though I didn’t have a rough childhood, I got what Dominic said. I never felt like I truly belonged until I formed the Fallen Angels. He was correct. I’d put together this small band of misfits, as he put it, and made it a family. “I swear. I didn’t tell anyone about this place or anything else that would jeopardize the lives of those of us here.” “You told them about my sister.” He nodded. “But they already knew about her. The guardianship Lucifer has over her is public knowledge. Wasn’t hard to put you two as siblings.” I stared into his eyes. Dominic didn’t look away. Good man. “How’s your jaw?” He shrugged. “Been better.” I stood, reached into my pocket, and pulled out a Swiss Army knife. Stepping around behind Dominic, I cut the ropes. While I rounded back around to free his ankles, he rubbed his wrists. “What happens now?” He looked around nervously, but stayed seated. That non-action gave me hope that he meant every word he said. However, only time would tell.

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“We set some rules. First, you’ll have to fight hard to earn back the trust you lost. Second, no more calls to your contact.” I pulled his cell phone from my pocket and threw it on the floor where it broke apart. “The Agency wants us. I have two days to decide. They will wait. Until it’s decided, you’re not a part of them. You’re a Fallen Angel. Just as Adam is. Agreed?” He nodded. “Thank you, sir.” His gaze briefly lowered in meekness and gratitude. “I won’t let you down again.” I laid my hand on his shoulder. “I hope not.” Damn, I’m putting my trust in two people who betrayed me. What in the hell is getting into me? I must be getting soft. Or maybe just tired of all the cloak-and-dagger games. Who knew? I sure as hell didn’t. “And I know testosterone and anger was sparking earlier, but don’t ever think I’d put my own sex life over the safety of the group.” Dominic nodded; his gaze glanced down at his feet briefly. “I’ve been around long enough to know that. I’m sorry, but as you said, I was angry. You don’t know how long I’ve been both dreading and wanting my cover to be blown.” I gave him a short nod, thinking what it must have been like in his shoes. “Get some rest in your room. Just remember that we’ll all be watching you. Closely.” “Of course.” He got up, walked away, and stopped before entering the hall. “Mammon?” I turned to him. He opened his mouth, then closed it again. He had questions about his future. I could see it in his expression. But didn’t we all? Especially me. Dominic shook his head. “Nothing.” He turned and walked away. I enjoyed the few minutes of silence as I pondered what to do next. There were a lot of options, but none that weren’t dangerous. No matter what way I looked at it, we were taking a big risk. First, I had to go over some details with the others. Then, tell Adam that, once more, he’d be at the mercy of Lucifer.

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Chapter Twenty-seven Adam

Hands roamed over my body. The touch soft, gentle. The stroke of a lover. I groaned and arched my back into the fingers. “More,” I sighed. He chuckled and added a tongue to the caresses. However, something wasn’t right. My body became still, tense. The shivers of pleasure became chills of distaste. My stomach started churning as a familiar scent filled my nose. With my heart pounding so fast it seemed to be just one long beat, I opened my eyes and found Lucifer bending over me. My breath caught when I tried to scream. No sound came out. My throat had closed to sound and air. “Don’t worry, my kitten. I’ll make sure you get exactly what you deserve.” I jerked awake, covered in sweat, with the scream still stuck in my throat. My eyes darted wildly around the room, and my brain quickly tried to absorb my surroundings. I was alone in a bare room. Lucifer wasn’t crouching over me. My fear was for nothing. The sound of water rushing from a shower seeped through my foggy mind. Marc.

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He’d been with me when I fell asleep. Of course he was still here. With the relief, the emotional confusion of my situation returned. I was glad he wasn’t there to ask about my nightmare. But then, I wish he still held me. My jaw twitched with annoyance. I was being so…damn female. My fingers brushed through my tangled hair and was about to get up when the shower stopped. I gazed at the door and waited, and my heartbeat sped up slightly. I bit back an annoyed growl, hating the way Marc affected me. I felt weak when he was near and not just in the knees. He brought down all my barriers. Broke through the walls it’d taken years to build to do my job correctly. “What a pussy,” I mumbled, just as the bathroom door opened. A cloud of fog followed Marc out into the room. My gaze glued onto the hunk of man striding toward me. Damn it all, if he wasn’t the most gorgeous man in the world. My gaze slid over the tight abdomen with droplets of water still shimmering on the tanned skin and over the white towel wrapped around his waist, hoping for a sight of that lovely cock it hid. “Switching sides on me?” Marc asked with an adorable smile. “With you around? Never.” I forced my eyes to meet his. “Looks good.” Marc’s brow rose, and the corner of his mouth twitched. His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Me? Or maybe the thought of a hot shower?” I swallowed hard. What a flirt. And I loved it. Two could easily play at that game. I reached out and snatched the towel away. He gasped, but I feasted my gaze hungrily on his stiffening cock. My mouth watered, remembering what it felt like to have it fill every inch of me. “Adam,” he breathed out. I reached out again, only this time I aimed for his now erect cock. My movement stopped when a knock sounded on the door. “Marc?” Toni’s voice called out.

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“Fucking A,” he cursed, snatching the towel from my lap. “Just a minute, sis.” He turned to me. “Get a shower, Adam. I’ll have Toni bring you back some clothes, and she’ll take you to the dining room. I’ll meet you there, and then we’ll go over our next move.” “And what’s that?” I asked, standing, uncaring of my nakedness. The moment was gone, and reality crashed back into our lives. “We give Lucifer what he wants.” “That is…?” I asked, already knowing the answer. “You and me, darling.” My stomach lurched, and the nightmare came back to the front of my brain. A tremor rippled through my body as I stood, nodded, and walked numbly to the bathroom.

***** I barely remembered the shower. I knew it was hot. My sore body drank in the slight relief the pounding heat gave. However, it didn’t thaw the coldness that had seeped into my chest. The last thing I wanted was to be near Lucifer again. It had taken a lot out of me to give him that blowjob. Also, it had caused a big crinkle in whatever it was that had formed between Marc and me. Now, he expected me to make my life worse by making myself bait? “Hey!” Toni yelled. “Minor here.” I gasped in surprise, jerked the towel I’d been using to dry my hair down to cover my privates, and jumped back into the bathroom. “What the hell, Toni?” I closed my eyes a moment and took a breath to calm my racing heart. Wrapping the towel around my waist, I stuck my head around the doorframe. “What are you doing in here?” Her back was to the door, but her shoulders shook. She was laughing. At me! I swallowed the scream even as my face flushed red. Teenagers sucked.

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“Sorry.” She glanced over her shoulder, then turned slightly toward me. “Big brother told me to show you to the dining room once you’re dressed. He said I could wait out here. He thought my innocent eyes would be safe. Guess not.” She smiled and pointed to the bed. “Those should fit.” My gaze followed her finger. On the bed was a neatly folded set of clothes. Aaah, jeans. Much more comfortable than those tight-ass leather pants. “Thanks,” I muttered, snagging them and going back into the bathroom to change. Toni leaned against the wall near the doorway when I exited the bathroom again. Her arms were crossed over her chest, with one foot propped on the wall behind her. She too wore jeans and a T-shirt with Grumpy Bear from the Care Bears on it. She had an air of casualness, but her expression was thoughtful…and familiar. Much like Marc’s. “All right. I’m starving. Let’s go.” I tried to rush her out, not wanting to find out what put that look on her face. The fates, once more, were against me. “Marc isn’t easy to live with. He’s overbearing, bull-headed, arrogant, and a control freak.” I stopped and looked at her with my brow raised in question. “And this is my business, why?” She stared at me in silence. I felt as if she could see deep inside my soul. See something even I didn’t know was there. Again, resemblance to her brother. I reminded myself she was just a fifteen-year-old girl. She didn’t know anything about me. “Don’t let him fool you.” Toni shrugged. “Inside is a boy who grew up too quickly. A boy who craves something he never thought he’d find.” She threaded her arm with mine and pulled me out of the room. Her words had me speechless.

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“Just don’t tell Marc. I’d hate for him to think his bad-ass persona’s completely ruined. This will be our little secret.” She smiled up at me, and I felt my heart melt. I did the only thing I could do. I nodded. Toni was so much like her brother, it was eerie. And I couldn’t help but like her.

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Chapter Twenty-eight Marc (Mammon)

“Are you crazy?” Hammer stared at me as if I’d grown a tail. “Hell will freeze over before I let you do this. This last stunt was insane and you were lucky to escape unharmed. Toni could have been seriously hurt.” His gaze bore into me. T paced off to my left, and Ice sat stoically in front of the computers. Fury leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest and one foot propped on the wall. The complete picture of aloofness, with the exception of his eyes. The black of his eyes glittered with malice and disapproval. Deadly to any who crossed him. He didn’t say a word. I looked at the three. They were like brothers to me. I trusted none like them. But I knew this was something I had to do. There was no way any of us could ever move on with Lucifer hanging over our heads. It no longer mattered that the Agency wanted him alive along with all his intel. Lucifer had to go. “I know, but I have to do this.” “There’s got to be another way,” T spoke up. “Another way for what?” Toni walked in, her hand locked around Adam’s elbow.

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“Your brilliant brother has a fucked-up plan that’s going to get him killed,” Hammer said through clenched teeth. “Don’t tell me you’re going after Lucifer.” Caesar walked in with Dominic in tow. The whole gang was there, and tension surged in the room. I don’t know if it was because of Adam or Dominic. Maybe both, since everyone now knew they were employed by the Agency. It didn’t matter. We were the Fallen Angels. A group. A family. I’d fight like hell to keep it that way. Adam’s eyes locked with mine. I resisted the need to go to him and reassure him with a touch. It wasn’t easy. “You’ve got a plan?” Adam asked, his voice steady…emotionless. I nodded. Toni released Adam and stood directly in front of me. Her palms cupped my face. “We can leave. Go far away from here. Just the two --” She paused and looked back at Adam, then the other men in the room. “All of us. We can disappear. Become new people.” My hands reached up and covered hers. She was so innocent, yet there was a depth to her eyes that told me she was wiser than other girls her age. She understood more of the real world than any fifteen-year-old girl had a right to. I spoke softly, hoping she would understand what I had to do. “I won’t spend my life looking over my shoulder. Waiting for Lucifer to find us. And he will…eventually. You know the type of resources he has. Even if he’s put away, he’ll find a way to take his revenge. On me. On everyone I care about.” Tears gathered in her eyes, but none fell. She let out a shaky breath. My heart clenched, hating that she had to have this in her life. “Lucifer’s dangerous. Something’s not right with him.” She removed one hand from my face and tapped her temple with her index finger.

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I smirked and huffed. “I’ve known that for a while.” I pulled her other hand from my face and cradled it in my hands. I needed her touch reminding me why I risked so much. Toni shook her head, and her gaze darted to the others. “No. It goes deeper than just his sexual preferences. He’s getting more and more…I don’t know, but it’s not good. If it’s something he can’t control, he just gets rid of it. And it’s been years since he’s been

generous.” I knew what she meant. It had been a long time since Lucifer did any charitable acts, like the way he helped many of us. Instead, he just went from group to group, using the ones he wanted. “I know. However, it’s time we stood up for ourselves. We’ve fought too hard for what we’ve achieved. Our skills. Our independence. I won’t allow him to just come in and wipe it out in one second. I don’t care if the Agency wants him. This is personal.” Toni shrugged. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.” I let go of her hands and placed mine gently on her head. I leaned down and kissed her forehead. My heart swelled with love because she was my best friend. I’d do anything to protect her. “I can’t believe you’re encouraging him.” Hammer gaped at us. Toni let out another long breath, closed her eyes before turning to my second in command. “My brother’s the most stubborn man among you.” She received several huffs of agreement for that statement. I’m glad they knew me so well. “He’ll do what he thinks is right for all of us.” Hammer’s fingers curled into fists, and his face darkened. Toni stepped away from me to stand before him. Everyone was silent and watchful of the two as they stared at each other. Slowly, Hammer’s body relaxed, and his fingers loosened. Something nagged at the back of my mind. I’d never seen Hammer respond like that to anyone but Toni. Suddenly a

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few things clicked into place. Could it be? No. Impossible. Toni was too young, for Christ’s sake. Hammer was almost as old as I was. Toni interrupted my thoughts by turning away from Hammer and directing her words to me. “Gonna fill the rest of us in on this preposterous plan of yours?”

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Chapter Twenty-nine Adam

“This is bullshit,” I grumbled, plopping down into a chair. “I feel so damn useless. What help am I sitting here?” Caesar let out a low grouse. “Uh, hello. Can’t just kidnap someone and have no place to go. Someone’s gotta get things ready. Duh.” I turned and watched him sort through the things he’d placed on the dining table. Though he looked all of nineteen years old, he was actually older than me. And a genius with those electrical gadgets we used so often, despite his laid-back attitude. “You aren’t useless. Wasn’t it you who planned this thing?” I threw my hands up in the air with agitation. “Precisely my point.” I turned back and settled more into the chair, pouting. This wasn’t like me, but I was beyond frustrated. I hated how vulnerable I felt as my nerves were rattled from thinking of Marc getting so close to Lucifer again. So many things could go wrong. And if the plan didn’t work, Lucifer wouldn’t be so pleased with Marc’s visit. Caesar put down the rope he wound and came to me. “You know as well as I do that Mammon and Fury were the ones best suited for the job. Besides Toni, they both lived in

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that house longer than any other member. And she gave them a refresher course on all the tunnels.” I grunted, still reluctant to admit he was right. Besides, my plan was safer and less crazy than the one Marc had concocted. It had taken very little to convince the others to go along with it. My reasoning made it sound much better to kidnap Lucifer and bring him onto safe ground until we could pass him on to the Agency. Who knew how a stand-off on Lucifer’s turf would have turned out? I know, they’re both idiotic schemes, but at least here we had the advantage of surprise and outnumbering Lucifer. And I wasn’t being used as bait. I glanced at my watch. They weren’t due back for another hour. If it took longer, Mammon promised to call. Caesar went back to getting things ready for our “soon-to-arrive guest.” What Marc had planned after he brought Lucifer here, I wasn’t sure. We’d decided to turn him over to the Agency. But would that really help? And what would Marc do until the other agents arrived? Doubt and an unsettling feeling clenched my gut. The creaking of one of the front steps made me jump out of the chair. Hammer, Ice, T, Dominic, and Toni had stayed at the Den. Fury and Marc weren’t expected yet. He would have called if they were going to be earlier than planned, to give us the heads-up. “You cased the perimeter, right?” Caesar asked, looking to the front door. “Yeah,” I answered softly. My hand automatically went to the butt of my 9mm, secured in its holster at my waist. I saw Caesar grab hold of his own weapon. The Fallen Angels might be tech junkies, but we all knew how to defend ourselves. Another creak from the front porch drew us closer, preparing for trouble. We expected no one else and were too far off the highways for a tourist to stumble across. That’s why I’d chosen the secluded cabin in the middle of the swamp. I silently hoped it was just a curious animal. A bear?

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I signaled Caesar to take a position to the right of the door, while I silently slipped to the left. I watched as the doorknob started to turn. My hand tightened on the gun’s grip, and my index finger tensed on the trigger. Our eyes were trained on the door. A bear didn’t turn handles. “So predictable,” a voice sounded behind us. As I turned, I heard the whoosh of a dart gun, then the sound of a second dart fired. A half second later, before I could raise my gun or shout a warning, I felt a sting in my neck. My vision blurred, and I felt myself falling to the floor, unable to brace for it or even to keep hold of my weapon. “What the hell --?” I wanted to ask, but it only came across in my thoughts. My poor, paralyzed body slammed hard to the floor, knocking the breath from my lungs. Encompassing darkness followed within seconds.

***** Something slapped my cheek, making it sting. My head was so fuzzy, and my eyes heavy. A slap landed on my other cheek. “Wake up, sleeping beauty.” I knew that voice. It was the same one I’d heard before my world blacked out on me. “I told you that you made the darts too strong.” “Shut up.” My eyes fluttered open, fighting back the leaden feel to them. Slowly, my vision cleared, and I looked upon my captor. Not good. In fact, I think I’m screwed. My gaze darted around the room, trying to convince myself this really wasn’t happening. Just like me, Caesar was tied to a chair, ten feet away. He looked as groggy as I felt; only he was gagged with a thickly rolled piece of material tightly tied to his head. Fear glinted in his eyes, matching the emotions in my gut. “Welcome back to the living, Adam.”

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I turned my attention to Asbeel. Like Mammon, who was the leader of Lucifer’s geek squad, Asbeel was the leader of the muscle squad. They were the ones he called to do the dirty work none of the others would do. He was a mean, sick son of a bitch like his team members. His name meant “deserter from God.” His methods could be gruesome because he was someone who enjoyed toying with his marks before they died. I’d only met the man once. Right after I’d become a Fallen Angel. The brief meeting was enough to make me never want to see him again. Asbeel held out my satellite phone. “Call Mammon.” “Fuck you,” I snapped, not feeling as brave as I sounded. The bastard actually smiled at me with amusement, but that joy never made it to his cold eyes. Scary. “I’m gonna hit this button to call your boss, and you’re gonna give him a message.” Caesar whimpered, drawing my attention. Asbeel’s partner had Caesar’s head pulled back, exposing his neck, and a blade pressed to his throat. Damn. I really wasn’t getting a choice in the matter. I ground my teeth and nodded. Asbeel pressed the speed-dial button that would ring Marc and held it up to my ear. The shit got deeper. “Adam?” His voice was like smooth molasses over my nerves. “Yeah. We have a problem.” God, do we have a problem. “We’re about fifteen minutes away. What’s wrong?”

I was out for forty-five minutes? Damn. What was it that they shot me with ? “Caesar and I have some -- unexpected guests.” Okay, I was being nice. Especially when I really wanted to call Asbeel every name in the book. But then again, I didn’t want to alarm Caesar any more than he was, and I didn’t want Marc upset so he’d charge in and do something stupid. “Adam. Who’s there with you?”

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I looked up at my captor, and he sneered down at me. He really wasn’t a handsome man. Brown hair cut in short, military style. His nose crooked from being broken too many times. He was as big as an ox. But it was those icy blue eyes that held absolutely no emotion. They were enough to freeze you with fear they were so cold and dead. “Asbeel and one of his goons.” Marc cursed some colorful words. Adam was glad the phone wasn’t on speaker. I heard Lucifer laugh in the background. “Shut the fuck up before I gag you.” I heard the sound of something hitting flesh, followed by a grunt. That was very much Fury’s style. Before I could say another word, Asbeel withdrew the phone from me and put it to his ear. “I know you have Lucifer, Mammon. I think a trade can be worked out.” I couldn’t hear Marc’s response, but I could only imagine his answer. Though he never said it, I got the feeling Marc wanted me as far away from Lucifer as he could get me. Why? I hadn’t a clue. He’d even had the nerve to suggest I stay at the Den with Toni. It was only because I’m a stubborn son of a bitch that I was included with Caesar to get the cabin ready. But the big question was, how had Asbeel found us? “No. We’ll do this in person.” He looked at me as he continued speaking. “Your boys are safe -- for now. But if you try anything that even smells fishy, they’ll be dead within seconds.” He ended the call and threw the phone onto the couch. “We have fifteen minutes. I think you and I should talk.” His lips curved into a sadistic grin. Glaring at him, I got the feeling I wouldn’t like this conversation.

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Chapter Thirty Marc (Mammon)

My chest tightened, craving the air my body desperately needed. My teeth clenched shut, and I tried not to let the others see my hand tremble, which was difficult when I held a gun. It was my tell, and your enemy should never know that. Lucifer stopped at the top of the steps on the porch. I wanted desperately to punch that damned smirk from his lips. He was too confident. Though I did like the swelling and color surfacing on his jaw from where Fury had hit him. Gave me a moment of pleasure to see him hurt. “Didn’t I tell you that getting rid of me wouldn’t be easy? I have eyes and ears everywhere.” My jaw ticked in annoyance. Now I regretted my decision not to gag him. I knew the truth of his words all too well and should’ve expected it. I’d only hoped I would’ve had more time to exact some revenge for the hell Lucifer created for me. “Go,” I ordered, pressing the gun’s barrel into the back of his neck. His smirk wavered briefly. An inch of satisfaction seeped in. Lucifer wasn’t as impervious to fear as he’d have others believe. The real question was, what did he fear? And could I use it against him?

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I reached out and opened the door. Fury had my back, but I hadn’t a clue what we were walking into. I could only trust Asbeel that Adam and Caesar were unharmed. Then there was the fact that T and the others wouldn’t reach the cabin for nearly hour. Would we even be here still? Alive? I pushed those dismal thoughts away. We wouldn’t get out of this if I allowed doubts to rule my thoughts. There was no sound, no movement from inside. Eerie. “After you.” I pushed against Lucifer’s neck with the barrel. There was no way I was going in first. Lucifer took several steps, crossing the threshold, and I followed, only to stop abruptly as my gaze fell on the scene before me. My stomach tightened, and I forced my throat to swallow the rising acidic bile, burning the tissue of my esophagus. Adam and Caesar were tied to chairs. Both looked like shit warmed over; their faces were already swollen and discolored with bruises. Dried and fresh blood mingled around their mouths. Adam’s gaze found mine in an instant. His beautiful green eyes were pleading, but I couldn’t understand what he tried to tell me. “Son of a bitch,” Fury muttered behind me, and I heard the cocking click of his gun. “I wouldn’t do that.” The door closed behind us. I risked a glance back, keeping my gun pressed tightly to Lucifer. His hands were bound at his back, but he was still dangerous. “Fuck,” Fury spat. Asbeel’s underling, Pace, held a gun to Fury’s head. “I could break your body in half like a twig.” “That may be true, Fury, but it would be better for everyone if you laid down your weapon and had a seat.” Asbeel strode from the bedroom and stood behind Adam. “And I can assure you we’ll have our business concluded before the rest of your people make it here.” Asbeel must’ve taken lessons from Lucifer, from the confidence he showed. As if every detail was carefully planned, and fate wouldn’t dare screw them up. Let’s just hope he was wrong, because from my view, I saw little hope. Damn, there went the doubts again.

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“Well?” Asbeel raised a brow at Fury. When he hesitated, Asbeel grabbed a handful of Adam’s hair with one hand and thrust a blade under his chin with the other. “I’m waiting.” Fury growled at the same time I saw what he did. The quick jerk to Adam’s neck had broken the crusted, dried blood and reopened the wound at his throat. Rage throbbed through my veins, my face turned to stone, and my gaze narrowed on the man who held my lover. “You said they were safe.” Asbeel shrugged. “They aren’t dead, are they?” He turned his gaze back to Fury. “But that can change rather quickly.” “Do as he says, Fury,” I ordered, not taking my gaze from Adam and Asbeel. More mumbles came from Fury, but from the sound of the gun being gently placed on the floor and the rustle of material, I knew he did as he was told. “All right. Let Adam and Caesar go, and we’ll talk.” Asbeel released Adam, but didn’t move away. “I don’t think so. These two are my bargaining chip. I would suggest you release Lucifer, since it’s obvious we have the upper hand.” “Don’t.” Adam shook his head. Asbeel reached out and slapped the back of his head so hard it rocked forward, making Adam grunt. “Shut up.” “Don’t touch him again,” I growled. It took a great amount of self-control not to rush Asbeel. “He did this to himself, the stubborn fool. He values his pain and own life less than he does others. All I wanted were answers to my questions, but he refused to cooperate. It wasn’t until we started in on Caesar we got somewhere. Then, you had to show up. Rotten timing, Mammon. I was having so much fun.”

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Lucifer laughed. It was the first sound he’d made since we walked into the cabin. “A sadistic bastard, isn’t he? That’s why he’s my go-to man.” I couldn’t argue with that. I knew Asbeel’s reputation. A lot of people were frightened of him. Even more didn’t even like to say his name, let alone think it. Being in over our heads was an understatement. “Release me now, Mammon, and I just might not kill you.” “But I’ll wish you had.” I spoke low so only he heard me. Lucifer chuckled. “You know me so well. But what choice do you have? With just a word, Adam and Fury will die before you pull the trigger.” He was right. Asbeel had pulled his gun and had it pressed it under Adam’s chin, and Pace probably had his gun to Fury. I had two choices. To relent or watch them die. My intention with this plan had never been to kill Lucifer, though I preferred to. Just a little payback, then hand him over to the Agency. “You’re not as smart as you thought.” Asbeel smirked at me. It was like rubbing salt into a wound. “As soon as Farber found Lucifer missing, he sounded the alarm.” He shook his head. “You should’ve known the safe houses would’ve been checked.” “My mistake,” I snarled through clenched teeth. I’d hoped to have more time before Lucifer was discovered missing. That miscalculation was going to cost us, big time. “Your last. Now let him go.” Letting out a long, silent breath, I unsheathed the small blade from my waistband and cut the ropes binding Lucifer’s hands, then dropped it to the floor. He turned, stepped back from the gun and held out his hand. “The gun.” My gaze slipped to Fury who was scowling, looking like he was ready to kill someone. If I gave the word, he wouldn’t hesitate. Caesar’s eyes were wide, his brows drawn together with worry. Though he’d seen a lot in his life, he wasn’t used to dealing with Lucifer’s

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violent ways. Lastly, I looked at Adam. Those damned eyes begged me. This time I knew they told me not to do it. Asbeel had hit it on the head. He would sacrifice his own safety and life for others. Stupid fool. I couldn’t let him do that. Not for me. I wasn’t worth it. I was just another one of Lucifer’s whores. No matter how much I tried to deny it, it would never change. I had given my soul to the devil all those years ago, and I was paying the price for it now. In order for those I cared for most to survive, I had to submit to my fate. Be Lucifer’s toy and bend to his will. My body moved in slow motion as I handed the gun over. Sealing my fate.

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Chapter Thirty-one Adam

“No!” I screamed when I saw Marc hand over the gun. My overactive imagination had Lucifer turning it and shooting him point blank. Then there would be a chain reaction of gunshots as Fury, Caesar, and I were put out of our misery. What was the man thinking? The defeat in Marc’s eyes screamed at me. He’d given up. It was disheartening to see the leader of the Fallen Angels, a strong dominant man, submit to someone not worthy of his obedience. Lucifer smiled in triumph and placed his hand on Marc’s shoulder. “Kneel.” The order was sharp. My jaw gaped when my lover complied without protest; his eyes lowered to stare at the floor. “You have what you want. Punish me. Do what you want with me, but let them go. It wasn’t their idea. I take complete responsibility, sir.” “Like hell,” Fury growled. Caesar gasped. I was too stunned to speak.

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Lucifer was amused by Marc’s words and laughed, then quickly sobered. “Never doubt, my sweetness. You will be punished. As will those who followed you so loyally.” His fingers gripped the gun, he swung his arm, and fired a shot. I jumped, expecting to feel the burning pain of a bullet in my chest. However, Caesar screamed, and the sound seared my ears. I looked over and watched as his body writhed with pain and a bright red spot grew bigger by the second on his thigh. Luckily, it wasn’t a kill shot, missing the femoral artery, but I’m sure it hurt like a bitch. My gaze jerked back to Marc and found he hadn’t moved from his kneeling position, but he watched Caesar wide-eyed, his body visibly trembling. “Please.” I couldn’t hear his voice, but I’d read his lips. I shifted my sight from Marc to Fury. The emotion in his eyes matched his name, sparking with violence. The only things holding him back were the gun barrel pressed against his temple and Pace speaking into his ear. It had to be something to make such a big, agitated man stay in place. “I’m very disappointed in you, Mammon.” Lucifer lowered his gun and walked away from Marc, who still stared at Caesar. My mind whirled. I didn’t see all of us getting out of here alive unless we did something. Even then, we might not all make it out. “You were my favorite. I made it known to all my people. I took you in and gave you a home. Nourished you, groomed you. I even took in your sister and provided her with the best opportunities life has to offer. You were my heir. And how do you repay me? With thievery and deception.” Lucifer stood next to me, while Asbeel stepped to the side. Lucifer’s face was expressionless, however, Asbeel wore a mask of disgust, his gaze trained on Marc. “The mighty has fallen,” Asbeel whispered.

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Damn it. Damn it. I couldn’t seem to think. I was the strategist. The one who created plans for our missions. Why the hell couldn’t I figure something out now, when our lives depended on it? “You’re nothing but the slut you were when you came to me!” Lucifer’s voice boomed, all cool gone from it. The man was pissed. Lucifer grabbed my chin with his thumb and index finger, lifting my head and turning it from side to side. “How many times do I have to tell you about the faces, Asbeel? The risk of permanent scarring is too easy with the pretty ones.” Asbeel grunted. “If he’d been more cooperative, he’d be as pretty as he was this morning.” He dropped his hand from my face, and I glared at the devil himself. “He’ll heal. Chained to my bed, I’ll make sure he gets all the attention he needs.” A chill cold as ice ran down my spine. As absurd as his words were, I believed he would do just what he threatened. And chained to anyone but Marc’s bed was out of the question. I’d fight to the death to prevent it from happening. Now if only I could stop them from taking us from the cabin. Maybe, just maybe, we’d have a chance if I could get Marc to snap out of whatever horror that ran through his mind. But first, I had to get loose. Caesar wasn’t in a good position to help, either, being wounded and tied to the chair. Lucifer glanced at his watch. “Time to go. Pace, can you handle getting Fury into the trunk?” “Yes, sir. But couldn’t we just kill him and leave him for the others to find? One less problem.” There was a blood lust simmering in the man’s eyes that told me he loved his job. Enjoyed the rush of a kill. Lucifer shook his head, and I couldn’t stop a huff of breath in relief. Fury was our brute. If we were to get out of this, he would be a big help. Besides, he wasn’t tied up -- yet.

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“No. I’ve spent too much money on this one through the years. I’m sure I’ll find something to help keep him under my thumb.” He gave Fury a smile that was downright evil, and I so didn’t want to know what was going through that man’s head. “Once he’s settled, I’ll let you drive, Pace. Mammon will sit up front with you and be a good boy, won’t you?” I resisted looking over at Marc. I didn’t want to see that he’d yet to move a muscle. Whatever power Lucifer held over him, it tore at my gut seeing him this way. Instead, I shifted my gaze to Fury. Yes, we could do something. They had to untie Caesar and me, right? If they did it before they took Fury -- maybe, just maybe. I locked gazes with Fury and hoped he’d read the eagerness and determination in my eyes. “Asbeel and I will have a little fun with my new toy on the long ride.” Lucifer’s fingertips drifted over my shoulder, and I shivered with disgust. No way in hell I’d let that happen. “What about the other one?” Asbeel asked. “Mammon wouldn’t ever let me have that one.” Was that a pout? “He was very protective of him. And now -- I have other toys to keep me occupied. Kill him. That will be our present to the others.” “No,” Caesar and I said at the same time. Marc was still eerily silent, but from the corner of my eye, I saw him flinch. “Yes. I think his death will hurt my Fallen One much more than if I took him. Of course, if I had more time, I’d fuck him and then kill him. Alas, I won’t get the pleasure.” Lucifer was probably right. Marc’s guilt would swamp him, knowing that he hadn’t been able to protect Caesar, one of the few members who hadn’t been exposed to Lucifer’s nasty ways.

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I felt the ropes holding me to the chair fall off; however, it still left my hands bound together behind my back. My gaze shot to Fury, and he saw the same as me. It was now or never. I slipped out of the chair and onto my left knee, swung my right leg to the side and hooked Lucifer’s ankle. I put everything I had into the momentum and knocked Lucifer right onto his ass. Chaos reigned. I didn’t have time to see everything, but I knew Fury took on Pace, and Asbeel was headed in that direction. He probably thought I couldn’t do much damage since my hands were still secured. I took the advantage, jumped on top of Lucifer, and tried to either pin him to the floor or subdue him for a bit longer. I hated to be so close to the man I thought of as a pure monster, but what choice did I have? Caesar was still bound, though I vaguely heard the chair hit the wood floor, and it scraped across the hard surface, like he tried to free himself or at least, tried to get a bit of a safer distance from the fight. Fury took on two, while Marc kneeled, head down, oblivious to the pandemonium. “Damn it, Marc! Snap out of it!” I wrapped my legs around Lucifer’s. He had a tough time gaining the upper hand with all my wiggling. I even managed to twist my upper torso so I could elbow him in the gut. Too bad he somehow blocked my knee to his groin. That would have been much more satisfying than the grunt of air being knocked from his lungs. More curses came out as I struggled to keep Lucifer distracted from the other commotion. Then I cursed Marc and whatever shit was going on in his head. I lost ground, and within several breaths, Lucifer had me on my back, arms still bound behind me, and now trapped beneath me. Not comfortable. “And here I was going to play nice with you. But no more.” His fingers gripped my throat and squeezed. It became harder and harder to breathe. “Marc,” I tried to call out to my lover. If I died, his name would be the last sound from my lips.

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The pressure on my trachea worsened, and the edges of my vision became smoky, slowly darkening as each second passed. Just when I thought I’d gasped my last breath, a loud roar rang in my ears, and the pressure was gone. My lungs burned as oxygen flooded the fragile tissue. I focused on my would-be killer. His face was etched with an expression of shock. His hand went to his chest where a spot of red bloomed. Lucifer’s jaw opened and closed like a marionette’s as the look of pain slipped in with disbelief. I lay there shocked as well. Half-deaf from the discharging of the gun. Then, there was the rushing of my blood flooding my ears and the pounding of my heart working so hard at getting oxygen flowing through my body again. Who shot Lucifer? Was it Fury? Or maybe the gun went off in a struggle? It wasn’t until Lucifer’s body slumped to the side when I saw Marc still kneeling on the floor, but his arms were outstretched, trembling hands holding a semi-automatic handgun. The one Pace had held on Fury just moments ago. Marc’s face was pale as a sheet, but his eyes glimmered darkly. Something I couldn’t even think to put words to were housed in those eyes that had once lustfully looked upon me. It was frightening seeing a man I barely knew. Using my legs, I shoved my body out from under Lucifer, giving him an extra kick just for good measure. Only then did I look around. Pace lay on his back several feet away, eyes open, and his neck at an odd angle. Asbeel was closer to the kitchen area. He appeared unconscious, his chest rose and fell with a steady rhythm. But I could see blood pooling from several wounds, his shirt dark with fresh blood. Then, there was Fury, his upper body heaved with breath and the exertion of cutting the ropes holding Caesar, who appeared to have escaped most of the chaos. Their mouths moved, but I couldn’t make out their words. A shiver slipped through me as I noticed Fury smile. I could be wrong, but I think he actually enjoyed the battle. Couldn’t say the same for me.

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Chapter Thirty-two Marc (Mammon)

Shocked. Numb. There was no doubt about it. I felt neither hot nor cold, but my body trembled all over. I couldn’t stop. It was even harder for me to catch my breath. The only thing my eyes could focus on was Adam. He looked like crap, but he was alive. His breathing was heavy, and he looked scared as hell. He should be. So should I, but I couldn’t feel it yet. Which was a blessing. The gun fell from my hands, and I crawled across the floor toward Adam. I had to touch him. Feel that he was warm and still breathing. I couldn’t let my eyes deceive me. I had to know. “Adam.” My voice came out as a harsh whisper; my throat was raw like I’d screamed for hours. Had I yelled? I reached out, and my fingertips touched warm, sweat-covered flesh. Alive. “Adam. God, Adam. I was so scared.” I wrapped my arms around him, needing to feel his body next to me. He grunted, but my poor mind didn’t register if it was out of pain or another reason. “I’m sorry.” My hands roamed his body, searching for wounds, blood.

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Then, I realized he wasn’t embracing me back. Why not? My fingers found his bound wrists. Damn. My fingers still trembled so badly I couldn’t untie him. “Fury.” I called, frantically working at the ropes, but getting nowhere. “Fury! Help me!” Okay, the logical part of my brain said I was overreacting, but the other half…it was nearly insane with fright. No ropes. No restrictions. No more. Hands pulled my fingers away, and my first instinct was to protest until I saw the blade cutting away the restraints. “Thank you. Thank you.” My eyes closed the moment arms wrapped around me. Home. That was my mantra and warmth started seeping into my frozen heart. I was home. “Marc. Jesus, I --” Adam’s words dropped off into sobs, and that’s when the dam broke. All the terror, guilt, and shame hit me like a Mack truck. A small variety of joy and relief swept through also, but it only added to the tears streaming from my eyes. I’d been in hell. Frozen in my submission, trying to help those I loved the only way I knew how. I’d been wrong. Surrendering to Lucifer had only made things worse. I don’t know how long we sat there, rocking each other, sobbing. Once we settled somewhat, his lips brushed across my neck, and I shuddered. I couldn’t resist inhaling his wonderful scent and snatching a taste of his flesh. His groan vibrated on my lips as lust flared, pushing back the other emotions. “Mammon.” I nearly jumped out of my skin when a hand touched my shoulder. Caesar knelt beside us; a bandage was wrapped around his thigh. I reached out and took his hand. “Fury got a hold of T. Ice and Toni are still safe at the Den. Hammer, Dom, and T ran into the rest of Asbeel’s group at the highway.” The cobwebs cleared as reality set in again. This wasn’t over. There was still a lot to deal with. Glancing over at Lucifer’s lifeless body, I knew the Agency wasn’t going to be happy with us.

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“Are they all right? Anyone hurt?” I straightened, but didn’t let go of Adam. He didn’t try to pull away, either. He lifted his head, the conversation gaining his attention, fingertips lightly caressing the small of my back. It was comforting. It made all of this easier to deal with. “T’s got a flesh wound, but he’ll live. They were on the lookout for trouble, so they weren’t caught unawares. They’ll be here in five.” Relief sank in as easily as my next breath. No more of my people were hurt. Good news. “We have to call the Agency.” Adam spoke softly, almost as if he dreaded to break the mood. “The clean-up will be easier with them.” I sighed loudly. “I know.” “Dominic already did. They’re on their way.” Caesar stood and went to where Fury talked on a cell phone just outside the door. My body still trembled, but I was calmer now that we were all out of danger. “Marc.” I looked down at Adam, nearly drowning in his beautiful eyes. Make that one beautiful eye, since one was already halfway closed because of his swollen cheek. How many more

times will he be hurt because of me ? “It’s not over yet, is it?” My eyes closed for several seconds, and I could feel my teeth clenching as tension slipped into my muscles again. Letting out a long breath, I shook my head. “There’s a lot to explain and clean up. The Agency is going to be mad as hell for what we did here. Then there are Lucifer’s dealings and his other groups. It could take months to even scratch the surface.” “And then there’s us.”

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I nodded. Our future was uncertain. There was so much to talk about. But would we end up together? Only time would tell.

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Chapter Thirty-three Adam

Toni chattered nonstop as Dominic pulled the SUV into its parking spot. She was so excited to see me and was determined to fill me in with all that had happened since that dreadful night three weeks ago. It was hard to believe that only three weeks had passed. Twenty-one days since I’d last seen or touched Marc. It seemed like an eternity. However, if the Agency was to help us, we had to follow their rules. Mostly. Director Wilson had some very specific demands and since she was fuming over the small fact that Lucifer was dead… Well, we knew she had us tightly by the balls, if we were going to get out of this nearly unscathed. Dominic and I were whisked away from the cabin as soon as Agent Harris had it secured. I went biting mad, not wanting to leave Marc, and he was much the same, only we both knew this was the first step to being free of Lucifer’s grasp. At least, that’s the logic my mind told me, though my emotional side clung to my lover.

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Dominic and I were debriefed. My fellow undercover agent had it easy. They kept Dominic one week, reprimanding him for insubordination, then they let him take a couple of personal days before returning to the Fallen Angels. Lucky bastard. I got the shit end of the deal, having to stay another two weeks longer negotiating the contract the Agency offered the Fallen Angels. The only good point was that I was able to talk to Marc on the phone every couple of days; however, it was recorded, so we couldn’t speak freely. We kept it strictly business. No emotion. No closeness. But just hearing his voice was enough to make my heart flutter and my cock twitch. I missed him. With the contract agreed upon and signed, I was able to return to the Fallen Angels as the group’s liaison to the Agency. I just hoped both sides would hold up their end of the bargain. I had a feeling my job wouldn’t be easy in the near future. “Adam. Adam, are you even listening to me?” My vision cleared as I turned to gaze at Toni. She stood in front of me, hands on her hips, and an annoyed expression on her pretty features. Identical to her brother’s. “I’m sorry, Toni. What were you saying?” She sighed and shook her head. Throwing her hands in the air with disgust, she grumbled something under her breath I totally missed, then continued on. “I give up. I’m not talking to either you or Marc until you can focus.” Hearing Marc’s name got my attention. “What about Marc?” Was I sounding too eager? “Never mind.” She put her hands on my shoulder and pushed me toward the elevator that would take us down to the Den. “Just go.” My feet did as she said and walked to the elevator. I was only slightly aware that Toni and Dominic followed. My mind was elsewhere. More like on someone else. And that someone was who I wanted to see, smell, touch -- and fuck.

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I barely remembered the ride, didn’t notice the jump in my stomach as the elevator dipped before settling. As soon of the doors opened, my eyes searched. And searched. And searched. But I didn’t see Marc. “Hey, welcome back.” Ice smiled, looking up from the laptop in front of him. Fury was bent over Ice’s shoulder looking at whatever was on the screen. Fury glanced at us, grunted, and waved before turning his attention back to the computer. Guess my presence was no problem now. Business as usual. Toni swept past, grabbed my arm, and pulled me down the hall. “Toni, what are you doing? Why the hurry?” “Until you and Marc see each other, do whatever you two are going to do, none of us will have your attention.” I dug my heels in and stopped our motion. “What are you talking about?” Toni leveled her gaze at me. “Marc has been driving everyone insane. He’s been distracted, his mind off in la-la land. So not my brother’s usual behavior.” “And that has to do with me how?” She huffed with a grouse. “Duh. Wake up, Adam. He’s head over heels for you. Your calls were the only thing that made him smile and lifted his spirits. It was easy to put one and one together.” I shook my head. “He didn’t smile very often.” “He did with me. But since you’ve been gone…ugh! He’s been a grumpy brooder.” “He has?” She rolled her eyes and pulled me along the hall. She didn’t knock or even pause when we came to Marc’s door. She threw open the door and shoved me inside. I felt as stunned as Marc’s expression. “Now. Neither one of you leave this room until you are both in your right minds.”

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The door slammed, and I was finally alone with Marc. Free to speak what I wanted. To do as I pleased. Only now, my throat closed up, and my feet froze to the floor, body stiff and unsure. Marc stood, and his gaze roamed my body. I felt heat build everywhere his eyes touched. It made me tremble with lust and anticipation as I recognized the flames flare to life in his gorgeous eyes. “Adam.” The way he said my name sounded like a relief, as if he’d just let out the last breath his lungs held. “Hey,” I choked out. His lips twitched, trying to smile. “I bet you Toni found a way to lock the door so we can’t leave.” My cock twitched, slowly growing thicker as it filled with arousal. Damn it. I wanted this man. Not just now, but every day. I realized that I wanted to wake every day to the sound of his voice, to the sight of his eyes, and the feel of his touch. I turned and went to the door. “Adam, wait.” I stopped, standing still. “Don’t go. I’m sorry, it’s just…” I reached out and locked the door, then turned around. “Now, no one can come barging in on us.” I reached into my pocket, pulled out the cell phone Agent Harris had handed me before leaving HQ and turned it off. With my mind set, I walked up to Marc, who stared at me with wide eyes. “Cell phone,” I demanded with my hand held out. His brows drew together, but he reached to his waist, unclipped it from his belt and handed it to me. I turned it off and tossed them both onto the dresser.

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“I’ve missed you,” I said. “It took every ounce of control not to hunt you down. Of course, Hammer pointed out that I’d have to fight my way through security and would probably be shot in the process.” I chuckled. “You’ve got the best computer geeks at your back. I’m sure you would have found a better way than manhandling your way through.” Marc shrugged. “Maybe. But it killed me not to see you. To be with you.” Amazingly, we still hadn’t touched. I tried to behave, to see where we stood. Of its own accord, tired of waiting, my hand reached out, and I palmed his cheek. The heat from his body immediately soaked into me, sending shots of electricity through my nerves. “I think I frightened Harris. I wanted to see you so bad, I was a complete ass. I think I’ve hung out with Fury too long.” Marc’s lips finally slipped into a smile. “He can be good for the soul sometimes.” “And in a fight,” I added. The smile slipped from his mouth, and I silently cursed myself for bringing up that night. I’d promised myself that I wouldn’t, and look what I did. “Marc, I’m --” “Don’t. It’s in the past.” I sat at the foot of the bed, hands clasped together between my legs, and my gaze lowered. “Don’t you think we need to talk about it?” “Does it have to be today?” I sighed. I wanted so much to say no, but couldn’t. I knew if we didn’t do this, we never would, and it would forever hang over whatever relationship we’d build. “Yes.” I tried to think of how to start. “You understand I was just doing my job, right? I hated the lying and pretense, but I had little choice. I can only hope you forgive me for ever misleading you.”

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Our gazes locked as I desperately waited for the words I needed to hear. “I know that, baby. Three weeks is a lot of time to think. It’s all the in the past. Besides, if you hadn’t been assigned to us, you and I wouldn’t have met.” His lips twitched in a quick smile of assurance. I wanted to feel good about his words, but there was still the business that had happened at Lucifer’s. “I didn’t want you to see me that night. Never wanted to hurt you. You’ve got to believe me that I didn’t want to do what I did.” I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to wipe the memory away. “I saw no other way.” I didn’t have to clarify what night I was referring to. Just by the way his eyes darkened and his expression sobered, he knew. “I wish I hadn’t seen it, either. But it was my own fault. I didn’t have to open that program. I just couldn’t help myself. I also knew Lucifer, so it shouldn’t have surprised me.” He sighed. “I don’t blame you, Adam.” Marc sat heavily beside me. Neither of us touched. “I told you before that Lucifer --” I turned and watched him. “You know that he was a Dominant. You got a tiny taste of what it was like to be his golden boy.” I nodded as a shiver rushed up my spine. I didn’t want to think about that night and what I did. “To actually be one, well, it was a lot more…detailed. He accepted complete submission. What Lucifer wanted, he got. One way or another.” Marc stood as if staring into the past and paced. “The man was a genius at getting even the most rebellious person to submit. The harder the challenge, the better. He thought of it as a game. Everyone who lived under his roof surrendered their will to Lucifer.” “I thought you said Hammer and Fury weren’t --” “They weren’t his golden boys. But that didn’t mean he didn’t have them under his control.” He let out a long breath. “The minute I brought Toni into the house, I knew he owned me.”

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“He knew it too.” Marc nodded, and I could see how it pained him to acknowledge that, once again. “That’s how I was able to get as far as I did. He had complete control over Toni’s life. Her legally appointed guardian. She was as trapped as I was.” “Which is why you wanted my help to get her out of there.” “Yes. He planned to marry her off next summer, though he told her it wouldn’t be until she turned eighteen. I found the marriage contract on his computer when we got the stuff you needed.” “And that’s how Toni inherited all of Lucifer’s estate.” Dealing with the contract between the Fallen Angels and the Agency wasn’t the only mess Director Wilson had me working on. Marc nodded. “Thank you for working it out so that she’s taken care of. I’ve stashed away enough money to support her comfortably for the rest of her life, but this will be hers.” I shrugged. “Lucifer actually had a good number of legitimate businesses that were doing very well. I thought it best if those went to her. The two of you have more than earned it.” When he came to sit next to me, my gaze followed him, trying to read every movement. “So, what you did at the cabin. It was a complete surrender? You would have gone back to being his whore if it saved us?” Marc met my gaze. “In a heartbeat.” There was no hesitation. His eyes never left mine. “Why?” I had to know. I wanted to really understand if it was more because of me rather than the others’ safety. He answered it without my asking. “Fury and Caesar are family. Yes, I would have done it for them, but that night, it was because I love you.” The oxygen fled my lungs. He loved me. He was willing to sacrifice all he had to save me. Because he loved me. My heart sped up, and my stomach fluttered. I reached out and dragged his body to me, our lips met and passionately kissed.

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“I love you, Marc. God, how I love you,” I said, between kisses and nips. “I couldn’t bear the thought of being without you. And to be the cause of you having to go back to him…” I shuddered. “Sshhh. It’s all right now.” His fingers ran through my hair, brushing it from my face. “I was in a bad place that night, but in the end, I did what needed to be done. The only thing I regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.” “Then you never would have met me.” I nibbled at his nipple through his shirt. “No,” he sighed. “I wouldn’t have. So I’m glad I waited a few extra years.” I flashed him a quick smile. “So am I.”

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Chapter Thirty-four Marc

My chest tightened, and my heart pounded with excitement. He loved me. Adam really did. We were both willing to give up so much for the other’s safety. How can that not be love? “I need you, Adam.” I sucked on his earlobe, and he shuddered. “I need to touch you. Feel your skin next to mine.” I bit the lobe so that he groaned. “Let me make love to you.” “Yes,” Adam said as a sigh and melted into my body. “We have too many clothes on to do what I want.” My lips moved down and pressed the spot where his pulse raced in his neck. His throat rumbled under my lips, and he pawed at my shirt. I stopped his hands, placing mine over his as I took a step away. His eyes widened, and I saw a glint of fear rise in them. I gave him an assuring smile and stripped. “Too many clothes.” Adam let out a whoosh of breath. His hands went to his shirt, and his fingers trembled as they fumbled with the buttons.

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“Let me help.” I reached out and jerked open his shirt, sending buttons flying. My gaze roamed his exposed chest, and the blood rushed to my groin. I couldn’t get enough of looking at his body. Seeing it every day for the rest of my life wouldn’t be enough for me. “You keep this up, you’ll be buying me a new wardrobe,” Adam smirked. I shrugged. “I’m good for it.” My hands tugged at the belt at his waist. “Yes, you are.” His head leaned forward and attacked my neck. His touch felt so good. It sent sparks of electricity through every nerve of my body. Exciting. Soothing. Perfect. How had I thought I was content with my life without him? Several seconds later, we stood unclothed, hands straying over heated flesh. Nothing stopped us. No restrictions. Adam was my partner -- in more ways than one. “You are --” My words dropped off as my throat suddenly felt tight and description escaped me. “I could say the same about you.” His fingers grazed my chest, traveling down my stomach to play in the hair surrounding my jutting cock. “Jesus, Adam.” I shuddered, my cock swollen and already ready to explode like an adolescent. Amazing what this man did to me. Adam kneeled before me, and his hands slid over my thighs. His mouth was on me before I could utter a sound. My head fell back, and my hands grasped at his head. His mouth sucked aggressively, while his tongue smoothly brushed my tip. My blood became fire as he quickened his pace and nearly devoured me. “Yes,” I hissed as my balls tightened, my hips bucked forward, shoving my cock deep into my lover’s mouth, and released my load. He sat back on his heels with a smile after sucking me dry. “Pleased with yourself, are you?” Adam’s brow rose, his smirk deepened. “Less than five minutes. I think it’s a record for me.”

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The chuckle that rose from my chest felt good. I felt ten years younger and a lot less burdened. That’s what Adam did to me. He made me feel myself again. No more hiding or being someone I really wasn’t. “Don’t think you’re finished yet.” “The angel of greed strikes again.” He said it playfully, but the reminder of my old name, who I was before Adam came into my life, wiped the smile from my face. I reached down and took his hands into mine and helped him stand. I felt as if I fell into the shimmering green pools he had for eyes. “Mammon’s dead.” I cradled his face in my palms. “He died three weeks ago. It’s just Marc. No more ancient names. No more playing. I’m Marc Insman. What you see is what you get.” Adam kissed me, dragging the breath from my lungs. I eagerly responded in kind, as our tongues twined in a wicked dance only lovers knew. “It was Mammon I lusted over, but Marc that I fell in love with,” Adam said breathlessly when he finally pulled away. “Now, am I going to fuck you or wind up with blue balls?” My stomach quivered as I pulled him to the bed. I was nervous. Despite the several times we’d been intimate, I’d never truly released control over to Adam. It was a defense mechanism I created during my years with Lucifer. Though my body may have been a bottom, my mind and heart never were. But now -- things had changed. I loved and was loved in return. I wanted to give all of myself to my lover. I wanted to be with Adam every way possible. Lying on my back, I watched silently as Adam retrieved the condom and lube from the bedside table drawer. Gazing upon him as he prepared himself for our lovemaking aroused my cock to life again. “Looks like someone really missed me.”

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I relaxed and spread my legs with a smile. “He missed you very much.” I took my cock in hand and stroked in rhythm with Adam as he spread the lubricant over his sheathed cock. “We have much to catch up on.” With his other hand, Adam fingered my ass, slowly sliding one finger in. Then two. I bucked up when his fingers scissored inside of me, stretching, making me ready. A moan burst from my throat as a third finger was added. “So hot and tight.” I swallowed hard and tried to keep my breathing fairly even as my senses began to overload. It wasn’t working. “I can’t wait to fuck that tightness,” Adam moaned as he slowly withdrew his fingers and positioned himself between my legs. I watch through hooded eyes, spreading my legs wider to accommodate him. My body tensed as he placed his tip at the opening of my ass. It had been a while since I’d had anyone inside of me. Adam paused. He stared at me with his brows slightly together. “You want me, don’t you, Marc?” Shit. He must have sensed my apprehension. It wasn’t because I didn’t want this. It’s just been awhile. “For fuck’s sake, Adam. If you don’t get that beautiful cock in me right now, I’m going to go insane.” His expression smoothed, and the corner of his mouth twitched with a smile. “Can’t have that. Toni would never forgive me for driving her brother into crazyville.” With that he pressed past the entrance. I gasped, fingers clutched at the bedspread, and my back arched. My ass burned as the pleasure of my lover filling my body sent near orgasmic shudders along my nerves. “Holy Mary,” Adam groaned. His head was thrown back, and his chest heaved. “Don’t stop,” I urged as I adjusted to his intruding size. The burning turned to mindnumbing pleasure. “Fuck me, Adam. Give it to me hard.” My voice was deep and gravelly as I begged for my lover to take me, surrendering all I had to him -- including my soul.

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Adam rammed in and out of me, hard and quick. His grunts joined mine as I bucked up to meet his strokes. Our gazes locked as I fell into his depths, and the pleasure he gave my body. “Stroke your cock, Marc.” I almost missed his command since it was spoken so soft and breathy. I didn’t even think to protest as my right hand took hold of my thick, aching cock. It was weeping to come again. I was amazed I had anything left to release after the intense orgasm just moments before. “That’s it,” he groaned, pounding faster. I laid my head back and let my eyes close, the fucking-tastic sensations of Adam filling my ass and the heat from my hand touching myself overwhelmed anything else. “Come for me, Marc. Let me watch your seed spill.” I did as my lover asked. My body relaxed, letting go of all control and allowed myself to climax for the second time in less than an hour. A new record, for no one had ever turned me on as much as Adam. My name was growled as Adam thrust once, twice more before I felt his cock stretch me just a little more as he climaxed, filling me with his cum. Adam carefully withdrew from me and fell to my right side. “Perfect.” His voice rumbled like a purr. I agreed with a sigh, wiped my hand on my stomach, and turned to draw him into my arms. I was sticky and gooey inside and out. I should shower, but at that moment it was more important to hold my lover. We lay there in silence for several minutes as our breathing calmed. “So --” Adam started, but then stopped. “Are you done at HQ?” Our nickname for the Agency’s headquarters. “Mostly.” His arms tightened around me as if the thoughts of work would tear me away from him. “I’ll have to go back in a couple of weeks to finish some of the crap from Lucifer’s

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estate, but until then, I’m free of that place. A bit of a vacation until they activate the Fallen Angels for duty.” Silence fell again for several breaths. I knew he had something to ask, but I stayed quiet and waited until he was ready. He loosened his hold on me and shifted so that he rose up on one elbow to support his head. His other hand brushed my arm, his fingers dancing lightly over my skin. My flaccid dick gave a twitch of pleasure, but didn’t harden. “Where does this leave us?” He gazed down at me. “I mean, well, what’s next for us?” My handsome lover was flustered again, and I loved seeing him this way. He appeared so innocent, almost vulnerable, and only I could calm him. I liked that I could do that. “I love you, Adam. We’re partners, both in love and where the Fallen Angels are concerned. I think we should find a house big enough for the three of us and live our lives as fully as we can.” Adam smiled. “It sounds like you’ve already planned this.” I shrugged. “Our future’s been on my mind. But I only want to do this if you’re ready to commit to me.” His brow rose in disbelief. “I love you. I was willing to die for you. If that’s not commitment, then I don’t know what is.” “Yes, and I love you even more for it.” Adam sat back a little. “I’ve always wanted a little sister. Thought it would be fun to have someone to boss around and look after.” I huffed. “Careful what you wish for. And Toni isn’t really one to push around. If there’s anything I’ve learned in the past few weeks, it’s that she’s more than competent to take care of herself. She hates to be bossed around. I think that’s one reason Lucifer shipped her off to school every chance he got. She probably clashed too much with his dominance.”

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Adam laughed. “Imagine that. Your sister having a stubborn streak. Who would’ve thought? I feel for whichever man Toni marries.” I punched him in the shoulder. He fell onto his back, and I rolled on top of him. “Hush your mouth. The words ‘Toni’ and ‘marriage’ in the same sentence aren’t allowed. At least not until she’s forty-five, and even then, that’s iffy.” “Understood.” Adam’s hands caressed my back, and his head lifted to nip at my bottom lip. “Think we could stay in here for the rest of the night without anyone knocking?” “That was Toni’s plan.” I dipped my tongue into his open, waiting mouth and groaned. “Mine too.”

Marty Rayne When I’m not being a wife, mother, and grandmother, I am creating passionate worlds of fantasy. Pushing the limits and experimenting with new angles and worlds. Books have been my first love since I could remember. I love getting lost in new and exciting worlds. The characters claim me, even for just a short time. Writing just naturally came next, but I never really took it seriously until a few years ago when I gained access to the Internet. With the encouragement and help of a wonderful friend, I decided to venture into the field of writing. I live in Florida and enjoy time at the beach. Okay, not so much the water. I’m not crazy about sharks, but I love watching the waves roll in and the feel of the sand between my toes. I also enjoy motorcycle rides with my husband and learning karate with my children.