Devilish - A Demon Stepbrother Romance (9 page)

              His muscular arms wrapped themselves around my thighs, keeping me pinned to the bed and at the mercy to his tongue. With a scary level of skill, he brought me over and over again to the edge of all-consuming pleasure. But as if he knew he was driving me mad, he wouldn’t let me fall. He just continued to stroke my pussy with his tongue, sending burning wave after wave of ecstasy.

              I felt his tongue swirl around my engorged clit. I gasped, the feeling too sensitive,
too good.
“Oh fuck!” I muttered as he stroked each side of the nub, beckoning it to grow. I heard his muffled chuckle as he teased me cruelly with his tongue.

              He gave another pass around my aching clit before clamping his lips around me and sucking hard just as he thrust in a hard finger deep inside me.

              I threw my head back and screamed as everything within me shattered. Liam seemed to have wrung pleasure from me like water twisted out of a towel. I was left panting and motionless, too exhausted to possibly move even a finger.

              I hardly felt Liam rise from the bed. I barely felt him take off my loose blood soaked hospital gown and then tucking me in under the covers.

              My eyes barely opened in time to catch Liam at the door. “Why?” I asked simply. Why did he do that? Why would a demon want to do that?

              Liam’s eyes darkened. I could see something happening behind his eyes beyond just the lust shared a few moments ago. “To show you this is how it will happen,” he said simply.

              “What will?” I asked, sleep tugging impatiently on my eyelids.

              “When you give me your soul,” he answered. “You will give it to me fully and willing. And I will devour it.”

Chapter Fourteen

              Sitting in the office, I marveled at how completely healed my body was. It was still such a miracle. The night of the attack had been a slow destruction of my body and will. It had been painful, god it had been painful, but towards the end, I had become so numb, so removed, I could hardly feel anything more.

              But yesterday’s gunshot had completely caught me off guard. Just that one singular point of pain had radiated through my body in such an intense way that I had honestly thought it would tear me apart.

              And yet, now here I was, completely restored! I couldn’t believe it.

              Liam sat across from my desk, one long leg crossed over onto his hard thigh. When I had woken up this morning, I had wondered if it had all been a dream.

His tongue, his breath, his touch.

But as I sat up in bed, the sheets fell off of me, revealing my completely naked body. My cheeks had flushed a bright red. So it had been real. That devilishly handsome demon, dripping with blood—
my
blood—had brought me to a screaming orgasm and a peaceful slumber.

I blushed just looking at him now. He looked cool and collected as always.
No, not always
, I corrected myself. Because I also remembered the look he had the day I was shot. I remembered that dark cloak of demonic aura that had surrounded him. I remembered his green eyes glowing like burning emeralds. And I remembered the lethally sharp rage he held within him as he killed two men with his bare hands.

That brought me up short.

“Were you questioned by the police?” I asked suddenly.

Liam looked up, pulled out of his own thoughts. “The police?” he asked, confused.

“Yeah, for you know, the gunmen,” I said, feeling unreasonably shy about mentioning what he did to them aloud. But there must’ve been questions. After all, two men were left dead at the scene! Granted, they were the ones that stirred all the trouble up but still, I couldn’t believe that with two bodies, Liam had just been allowed to prance off free of charge.

Liam slowly smiled as he realized what I was asking. “Yes, there were questions,” he said. “They wanted a witness’s account of what happened.”

I sighed in frustration. “You know what I mean.”

He laughed. “No, they didn’t ask me about the bodies,” he said finally, sating my curiosity. “Nobody did.”

My brow furrowed in confusion. “Nobody asked you about the two dead gunmen?”
Even about the one you punched so hard, you burst open his guts?

Liam shook his head, an amused smile playing on his lips. “I think the cops who arrived on the scene thought it impossible that someone could dispose of the bodies in the way that they were disposed of.”

“Delicately put,” I said, thinking about how he had backhanded a man with one swing to completely break his neck.

Liam chuckled again. “Quite,” he replied.

Another beat of silence fell between us as we retreated into our own thoughts. It was funny. I couldn’t believe how comfortable I felt with Liam now. If anything, he has shown me how much he
isn’t
human with every passing day and yet, I only felt more secure by his side.

He didn’t waver. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t scare. He was just so constant and ready and present. He stood by me and let me take the lead in meetings with Harrison or with dinners like at Senator Folsom’s. But I knew he was by me, watching over me, and guarding me from whatever might arise from the situation.

And then there were moments like yesterday. Liam had immediately thrown me behind him as soon as he had seen danger. He had covered me with his body and tried to get me out of danger.

But when danger had found me anyway, I had seen a glimpse of what his true side was like, what true demonic anger was capable of. And it was wrathful.

I knew the bargain we had struck was, by any standards, an insane one. I knew that in the end, it was me who would be losing the most. But with every passing day, I cared less and less. Having someone next to me who was just as invested in my revenge, just as invested in having my heart’s wounds healed, made me feel calm and…happy.

I looked up at Liam and saw him in what looked like deep thought.
Weird.
I wonder what demons pondered. I was curious about what he was thinking so hard about. With his brow furrowed and his eyes lowered, it was clear he was thinking
something
. I was about to ask when he suddenly snapped his head up.

Catching my eye, he nodded and said, “So when do we kill Lawson?”

I blew air out in a sudden puff. “Well,” I said. That had not been what I had expected him to say but at the same time, he was right. Lawson was the one.

And I was here to serve vengeance.

“I suppose there’s no need to be too sneaky,” I said slowly as I tried to think over the situation. “I mean, afterwards, it’s not like they’ll have a body to arrest. Right?” As comfortable as I was with the situation, saying out loud was another matter. Killing Lawson meant the end of my time on earth as well.

Liam locked eyes with me. “Right,” he said firmly.

I swallowed and nodded. “Well, I know that around this time of the year, Lawson has a house in the Hamptons he likes to go to during the weekends. I can find out and confirm if he is going there this weekend.”

Liam pressed his lips together as he took in the information. “Does he go with his wife and family?”

I thought about it. “No, I don’t think he’s gone with his wife in years,” I said, thinking about their estranged marriage. “And Lawson has only one kid. A daughter. And I think she’s living in Europe somewhere.” Not wanting to be part of the family business but also not wanting to really work for a living either, Tricia Lawson had become some kind of artist and had moved in with a string of boyfriends in Paris, last I heard.

“Good,” Liam said, slapping a hand on his knee. “This shouldn’t be too hard then.”

I shook my head, still a little confused. “Why would Lawson try to do something so public like that?” I asked, referring to the shooting. It made no sense.

Liam shrugged. “Who knows?” he said. “Maybe he thought he’d be less likely to get caught the more outlandish and crazy the murder attempt. I mean, it’d be hard to peg that one on RL Co., if you ask me.”

That was true. Who’d believe that a multi-billion dollar company would just set loose two gunmen on the streets of New York?

“In the end,” Liam continued, “it won’t matter.”

I felt the darkness of his statement. It wouldn’t matter because Lawson would soon be meeting
his
end.

Liam rose and headed towards the door. “Double check Lawson’s position for this weekend,” he said. I nodded before he left the office.

Finding myself with a moment alone, I looked over the big broad desk. It had always been quite messy when dad had been around. He had always been such a meticulous businessman and yet his workspace had looked like a crazy person had been living there.

The large desk was empty now. I didn’t run Madewell Ltd like I had always thought I would. Knowing my time would be limited, I knew that it wouldn’t be fair to the company. And appointing Jeremy had been the best decision I had made so far. The transition had been quite smooth and he was good at keeping me abreast of any major developments.

But I had to ensure that things would continue to go this smoothly even after I…well, just after. I had watched my father work too hard to build Madewell and I myself was quite invested in the company as well. I had always hoped to succeed dad in the seat of CEO but now I had to do the next best thing to take care of our family’s legacy.

I reached down into a drawer and pulled out a blank sheet of paper. With a smooth hand, I wrote on the top of the page, “Sophia Emily Madewell’s Last Will and Testament.”

I would call my lawyers later today and have them write up the official version once I had finished here. I would make sure it got probably notarized and filed safely. I wondered if my lawyers would find it odd that a twenty-seven year old was filing a will.

But then again, after what happened to my parents, I’m sure they would understand.

With a deep breath, I wrote my final words, “I, Sophia Emily Madewell, being of sound mind and body….”

Chapter Fifteen

              It had been my idea to come but I still felt hesitant nonetheless. I knew Liam was behind me, standing by the car. He had driven me. It was only a twenty minute drive and I didn’t want to hire a stranger to drive me to such an intimate space.

              I had told Liam to stay by the car. He had not argued or said anything smart in return. He had only nodded and stood silently on guard.

              It was quiet. And solemn. And achingly sad.

              Holding the small bouquet of violets, I approached the columbarium. The wall held a string of dully glowing plaques, naming the cremated deceased and the dates of their lives.

              I approached slowly, feeling a weight suddenly pressing on my shoulders with every step. I knew they were dead. God, I had been there the night they had been murdered. But I hadn’t thought I’d have a chance to see this side of their death. The aftermath. The burial. The graves.

              I finally reached the wall and found the small plate on middle left of the wall.

Here lies Eric and Carolina Madewell

and their beloved children, Sophia and Liam Madewell

Love Beyond All Measure Will Keep Us Together

              Scalding tears fell unheedingly down my cheeks as I read the inscription. So we had been buried all together. As a family.

             
Love beyond all measure will keep us together.

              That was mom. That was definitely all mom’s doing. Perhaps in their will, mom had specified which quote she would like to be put on their plaque. Of course, I doubted she thought she’d be sharing that plaque with her children as well.

              There was a little hook by the size of the plaque. I gently placed the violets in the hook with shaky hands.

              Would it never cease to overwhelm me? I had literally come back from the dead after seeing my family murdered. And yet, standing in front of their graves, I could barely keep myself together. It seemed another level of real to see my vibrant mother and my strong father wrapped up in this tiny little niche.

              But my sadness was soon overshadowed by my anger. They hadn’t just died. They had been taken from me. They had been tortured and brutally murdered. God knows how Liam had died. I had thought about asking this demon version of Liam several times about Liam’s death. But I had been too scared. I didn’t think my heart could take the knowledge.

             
I’m so sorry, Liam, for whatever pain or horror you went through
. That sweet, funny stepbrother of mine. He had deserved so much more.

             
Love beyond all measure will keep us together.

              Except it wouldn’t. Not anymore.

              It would all end soon. Lawson would be at his Hamptons estate this weekend. And there, I would end his life with my own bare hands. But in doing so, I would also be ending mine as well.

              But this time, there would be no chance at that airless limbo space. There would be no chance for heaven or even hell. I had traded in my soul, my eternity, to find justice for my family.

             
But that’s not what I would want, sweetheart
, I heard my mother say in my mind. My sweet, loving mother. I had always wondered how she had ended up with a reformed gangster as a husband. But whenever I would ask that of my dad, he would laugh and say, “And just who do you think was there doing the reforming?”

             
I know, mom
, I replied silently.
But it’s what
I
want.

             
Nothing can be changed. We will still be gone. Don’t let anger consume you, honey. Be at peace. Be at peace and be with us.

              I shook my head. My tears slowly dried on my cheeks.
No, that’s something I can’t do. There is no peace without justice. He will pay. I will
make
him pay.

             
It’s not worth it,
I could hear my mom plead.
You are worth more than our justice. You are worth more than this rage.

              I sighed. I put my hand against the cold plaque, wishing with all my heart I could give my mother one last hug, one last kiss. I hadn’t even been able to hold her as she had died.

              And no one had been left to hold me as I had died.

             
Maybe not, mom
.
Maybe I’m not worth more.
My anger, my howling rage, it was something that burned so deep within me. I could not conceive of letting it go. To ask of me that was to ask me to let go of half my body. It couldn’t be done. One was sustained by the other.

             
I know the choice I made, the sacrifice. I realize what this means for me in the end.
It meant I would never be with them again. Love beyond all measure would not keep all of us together any longer.

              I kissed my fingers then pressed my hand against the cold plaque.

             
I’ll love you always and forever. No matter where or how far I am, I will always love you, mom, dad.

              Liam.

***

              A cool breeze off the lake washed over me. I closed my eyes, letting it soothe me.

              I stood, barefoot on the dock behind the house. I remembered playing here often in the summers as a kid. I would jump into the lake and swim as far as I could, thinking if I swam far enough, I could somehow reach Europe and meet a princess.

              But then I’d get tired halfway and just paddle back home to my non-royal life.

              I snorted at the memory.

              I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling cold even though the air was still quite warm.

              Liam had been quiet the entire ride back home from the cemetery. He seemed to have instinctually known I just needed silence. But once home, I couldn’t go inside right away. I needed air. I needed space.

              This was it. Seeing that plaque was as close to a goodbye as I’d ever have with my family. Because tomorrow we would be heading to the Hamptons and tomorrow Ron Lawson and I would meet our end.

              It was oddly hollow, knowing how everything would end. I wasn’t frightened, I wasn’t in denial, I wasn’t angry. I just felt…satisfied. This was what I had been after. And now I was getting it.

              Meting out justice will feel sweet and that sweetness will carry me over into oblivion. Or at least, I hoped it would.

              I shivered again. I didn’t belong in heaven anyway. How could someone as angry and obsessed with vengeance as me get into a place of eternal peace and tranquility?

              No heaven was for my loved ones. I would remain down here to bring justice to their memory. And once that was done…well….

              I heard the wooden planks creak behind me. I turned around and saw Liam with a blanket around his arm. He wrapped it over my shoulders. “You looked like you were cold out here,” he said simply.

              I turned around towards him. He had that same introspective look he had had in the office the other day. “What are you thinking about?” I asked.

              Liam looked at me. His eyes blazed with a darkness that made my cheeks flush and my toes curl. His mere
being
was so potent.

              “I was thinking about you,” he said quietly.

              I looked at him in surprise. That was the last thing I had been expecting. “Me?” I asked, startled. “Why?” Was he worried my rage had gone soft again?

              Liam stared at me with a look akin to wonder. He ran a hand across my cheek, brushing stray locks behind my ear. “Because for the first time, in a very, very long time, I feel surprised by a human,” he said solemnly. “I feel awed.”

              I wanted to close my eyes at his touch, savor it. But I fought my instincts and instead stared up at him. “Why?” I asked again.

              A small humorless smile played at his lips. “You don’t know how rare you are, do you?” he said. Tall and broad, I felt enveloped by his presence. “True, I was attracted to your soul at first. Your unusual rage and anger for one so young and small.” He grinned when he saw me make a face towards his remark for my age and size.

              “But now I see so much more,” he said in a low voice that rang with sincerity. “See as much as I have and you would realize how incredibly, unbelievably rare you are. Brave, fierce, and smart. You astound me.”

              It was odd. Growing up, I’d always gotten more than a fair share of male attention. Men were always giving me double takes or buying me drinks or showering me with compliments. Growing up an heiress, I’d had magazines ask me for photo shoots and interviews about my body and beauty, asking how I managed both.

              But this was different. Liam didn’t care about what dress size I was or how shiny and long my hair was. He saw deeply and directly into me. He saw the core of what I was made up of and he saw it clearly. It left me feeling vulnerable and exposed. Yet, it was not a bad feeling.

              So many, including even my dad, had always underestimated me. Being a girl, a younger sister, a daughter, everyone had just assumed some kind of deficiency in me.

              But not Liam.

              He ran a hand down my arm. “So unbelievably fragile,” he murmured as if to himself, “And yet, sharper and harder than anything I’ve ever seen.” He looked at me. “You’re beautiful.”

              He didn’t mean my face or my body. He meant
me.
He meant the thing most deep within me was beautiful.

              A warm glow blossomed deep within me. “Liam,” I whispered. But got a chance to say no more as his lips captured mine, crushing me.

              His arms wrapped around me, pulling me against his hard body. I felt so open under him. So exposed. And yet, I had never felt so alive and real. I melted against his lips, letting his tongue explore my mouth.

              With his easy breathtaking strength, he lifted me off my feet then laid me on my back. The blanket fell beneath me, cushioning me from the hard dock boards.

              I wrapped my arms around his neck, reveling in how strong and solid he felt. His body laid over mine, pinning me under him. His hand reached down and yanked my sweater up. He pinched my nipple through my bra as he kissed me. I squealed against his lips as the painful pleasure of his touch coursed through me.

              There was an urgency in both of us. We could feel time slipping through our fingers. This unique experience of both of us walking the earth as temporary people was about to end and we were anxious to leave it in each other’s arms.

              He reached down and quickly pulled up my skirt. With a strong grip on my panties, he ripped them off, tossing them carelessly aside. I felt a cool breeze kiss against my exposed thighs and pussy. But I didn’t care. I was too deep in the throes of my body’s needs. “Liam,” I whispered harshly, my desire making my voice break, “I want to feel you inside me. Please.”

              His eyes glowed brighter at my words, his jaw tightening in lust. He unbuckled his pants quickly and in one hard, smooth thrust, he sheathed his entire sizeable cock within me.

              I arched and uttered a silent scream as I finally felt whole. I shuddered as my pussy clenched around him, urging him in deeper. Liam groaned above me. He braced himself on his forearms, cradling my head. We savored the initial moment of joining.