Chapter 13 Diantha
Diantha
Orfeo drives my shit-ass car back to Echidna, parking a few blocks away from Devil’s Row. All the nerves have finally caught up to me, and we move briskly through town in total silence. I try not to worry at my bottom lip in an effort to keep my lipstick intact.
As we cross the big, empty parking lot behind Hades House toward the back entrance (notably less glamorous than the front), Orfeo takes my hand in his and tangles our fingers, pulling me close to his chest.
“There will be demons on the first floor, near the bar, keeping watch of the front door,” he whispers. “Maybe a few humans will have come down from the party on the second floor to get some fresh air and have a drink. Everyone else is going to be upstairs. Try not to make eye contact.”
I furrow my brow, eyes fixed on our quick-moving feet. “Okay, if you say so.”
“You and I are going to go directly into Alfo’s office, which is to the left of the back door.
You will need to lead me, but I will introduce you to everyone.
Try not to look surprised at any of the information I share.
Remember, they smell all of your emotions.
Nisos and Leo will also be there. Nisos is the little rat-faced fuck and Alfo’s most loyal devotee.
That dumb son of a bitch is convinced he’s next in line to take over Alfo’s empire.
Leo is Alfo’s half-brother and the actual heir.
Remember that, but don’t think about it once we’re in the room.
” He pauses to catch his breath. Tonight is so bitter cold it’s somehow even getting to him.
My teeth chatter and I pull my peacoat tighter around my body.
I wish I were in a big sweater and snow boots. “Their relationship is complicated.”
I tug at his hand, and we pick up our pace again. “Got it. What about after we finish our conversation? I take your hand and lead you out of the room?”
“Yes, exactly. I will tell them that we are going upstairs to fuck.”
It takes me a second to recover from my shock and spit out a choked, “What?!”
“Yes, try to contain your enthusiasm,” Orfeo deadpans, sliding his hand up from mine and pulling me into him.
His exposed chest still radiates warmth, but not as much as usual.
“I’m not allowed to just be around humans in a casual way.
If we’re together, it has to be because you’re using me for pleasure. ”
A wave of sadness passes through me. “Right. Got it.” I don’t turn to look at Orfeo; I’m afraid of what emotions might be living in his eyes right now. “We leave and go upstairs. Then what?”
“We will find a safe place for your body, and then I will give you more information. Remember, you have to trust me.”
I blow out a breath. My stomach twists and throbs; my heart starts to race. What the hell have I agreed to?