Chapter 2

Two

Nash

Keeping my eyes on the ground, I continue to play submissive to my asshole cousin. Ken is such a fucking dick, and I’m about over it. I have been his good little whipping boy for centuries now.

This is the first time he’s even allowed or invited me to leave Hell. I have been by his side doling out his orders without a complaint I might add since the moment my feet touched the grass of Tennessee.

That was four months ago and every day is the same. Wake up two hours before the King. Make sure his clothes are pressed and ready for him, then rush to the kitchen to ensure his boring breakfast of two eggs on plain bread and black coffee is steaming hot for whenever he deems to exit his room.

That’s just the first part of my day. Then comes the countless tasks and ridiculous errands he requests I run. I honestly think he makes some of the shit up to annoy me.

He doesn’t want to torture me?

Yeah right. He lives to torture people. It’s what makes him who he is.

Though his recent obsession with a high schooler is interesting. Him claiming she's his isn't possible. I know that he's never cared to pay attention to our laws, but the Devil's bride needs to be someone of importance and a human teenager no matter how sexy she is won't cut it.

Leaving Ken to make an ass out of himself, I walk around the property checking for any hounds.

They can never stay away from their father for long and the last time we had an escape from Hell, Grace, one of the hell hound pups, decided to eat a whole plane full of people before she was captured.

Thankfully Inca was able to cover it up with some turbulence issues and a plane crash, but still those dogs are a pain in my ass.

Rustling in the bushes has me moving closer to investigate. The night breeze relaxes me, and I take in a deep breath of the clean air.

I love it here and I think when it's time to leave, I'm going to request that I stay. It's time for me to branch away from the family.

I'm innocent in all of Ken's sins.

Growling reaches my ears before I make it all the way to the bushes. Conjuring a ball of light in my palm, I await the attack, but nothing happens.

“Show yourself!” I order adding a little power to my command. The growling continues, but no one reveals themselves.

Losing patience, I step closer and burn a few branches, then laugh.

“Well aren't you cute,” I coo to the six foot alligator snared in the bush. “Are you stuck?”

Bending low, I continue to talk to the reptile as I free him. He watches me warily but due to my power of persuasion he won't try to bite my hand off.

When he's free, I step to the side and walk toward the house, knowing he's following. “Come, I'll get you some food,” I call over my shoulder.

As we reach the front door Inca looks amused and nods to me, opening the door for me and my new friend.

“Master won't like this,” he mutters and I laugh.

“Well he has a new pet so it's only fair that I do too.”

Shaking his head he sighs. “Master Nash, your cousin has been a loyal and good King for centuries. Don't you think he deserves a little enjoyment in his life?”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes and hurrumph as I pass our butler. I may be Ken's right side servant, but Inca has been the house manager so to speak for longer than Ken has ruled.

“Maybe now that Ken has found his mate he will stay here on Earth and someone else can take over in his place. I think you would look delicious on a throne.”

Inca licks his lips and shoots me a wink before leaving me to feed our new pet.

I walk mindlessly into the kitchen and grab some raw meat from the fridge, tossing it to the ravenous gator.

I think about what he said. Me? The new Devil?

Yeah… I think I might like that after all.

Starla

“He saved your life then ordered you to have dinner with him? I don’t know Star, that sounds like a huge red flag to me,” Hendrix, my best friend in the world, mutters to me as I continue to throw clothes all around my room.

“Please, don’t, you said you were here to help me pick out an outfit. Not berate me and have me second guess this date more than I already am,” I whine as I dig into an old pile of laundry I never hung up.

“Why is it I’m the guy and you could eat off of my floors, but you, the girl have the messiest room I have ever seen.”

“Wow, sexist much!” I snap, then laugh as I look over at him and see that he’s now wearing one of my old bras. “Hendrix please, focus. I only have twenty minutes until he will be here, and I can’t go in my robe!”

Sighing, he unsnaps the bra, tosses it on the pile in the corner and helps me pick out something cute, but still modest. I may have shaved everywhere in the shower, but that doesn’t mean I’m easy.

Though my behavior yesterday may have shown him I am. I’m blaming it on the concussion that I had at the time. I still think that doctor was magical. I feel incredible. Not a hint of a side effect from the accident.

“I’m surprised your mama is even letting you out on a school night?”

“Yeah, I was too, but I guess she’s loosening the reins a little or after hearing that her baby almost died, she’s not going to hold me back. Life is too short Hendrix.”

Pausing with my jean skirt in his hand he stares out the window for a minute. He does this sometimes. Loses himself in his head. When we were little he said that he could hear voices sometimes, but they have faded as we’ve grown.

“I have a bad feeling about this Star, so just keep your phone on at all times and call me if anything is up. Where is he taking you?”

Handing me the skirt, I smile and take it, then slip it under my robe and up my hips. Now I just need a top. “Hand me that sheer tank and green sweater.” Hendrix looks at where I point and frowns, but thankfully listens.

“Everything will be okay. He’s taking me to the diner for shakes and then a walk by the river.”

I quickly dress, then sit on my vanity chair and turn so Hendrix can do my makeup. Have I mentioned that he’s seriously my best friend in the whole world. When I was just learning how to contour he would sit and watch videos and tutorials for hours with me.

When he asked to practice I practically squealed in delight. He will make a woman proud one day, but for now he’s mine. I licked him when I was three and I won’t release my ownership until I’m good and ready.

“Bring your watch,” he mutters while curling my lashes. I try to nod, but he scowls so I grunt in agreement.

“He better treat you well or me and Holden will bring the wrath of the angels down on him,” he proclaims, and I roll my eyes.

Him and his twin brother, Holden, are going to be the death of me and keep this chastity belt around my panties locked for eternity. I want to wait until marriage to have sex. I have always felt that way, and it wasn’t because of my grandmother or my faith.

“Yes, well Holden is off on his own adventure tonight so maybe you should try to find something fun to do too, huh?”

He gives me a wink, and I groan. “Do not spy on me, Hendrix Michael Saint! I like Kennedy. He’s sweet, and when I was with him he made me feel safe, and the way the butterflies in my stomach acted…” I sigh and Hen fake gags.

“Yeah, fine, whatever. You, my love are gorgeous as always, and your date is about to ring the doorbell.”

Standing, he moves to my bed and collapses on top of it, grabbing my kindle and makes himself comfortable.

“Go, I’ll clean this mess and be here when you get back so you can gush like the girl you are.”

I rush over and cover his cheek in lipstick, annoying him, then stand and race to the door.

“Love you brat,” he shouts, and I laugh as I head down the stairs to the man of my dreams, who is waiting for me at the door with flowers and a smile that could heat the pits of Hell.

“Well aren’t you a breath of fresh air,” Kennedy says, moving closer to kiss the back of my hand and give me the flowers.

“Thank you, these are gorgeous, Mom?” I turn and hand them to my mother who is gaping in the entryway of the living room and foyer. She gives me a smile and a subtle nod, taking them from me.

“Are you ready, Angel?” Kennedy asks, offering me his hand to take. I reach for it and bite my lip as the shocks that seem to always be between us run through me once more.

“I’m all yours, Mr. Morningstar.”

Five years later

“Starla!” someone screams, pulling me out of my head. I turn to face Hendrix who is all out of sorts.

“Sorry, I’m a little spacey today, but can you believe Ken and I have been married for five years today. Seems like yesterday I was walking by the river with him,” I say with a stupid grin on my face.

“Yes, well table four is asking for you,” he snarks, then turns away as I finish filling these drinks for table six. I give him a nod, then grab the dishrag from the sink and wipe my hands off.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell Maci as she flirts with one of our regulars. She smacks my ass as I pass by her and I laugh, shaking my head. She’s lucky I love her.

I fix my white corset, checking that I’m covered, then lift up the counter and make my way over to table four.

I’m not surprised at all to see my husband, Kennedy, leaning back, enjoying a drink while he watches the girls dance. When he sees me, I’m immediately in his lap, straddling him. I give him a quick kiss, then lean back and sip on his beer.

He licks his lips and nuzzles my neck, causing me to laugh and shove him away. “If you want a lap dance, Mr. Morningstar, then you have to pay me,” I tease and he rolls his eyes, holding out his hand for his beer.

I bat my eyes and give him one more kiss, then climb off of his lap.

“So what’s up? Why is the big bad boss down here with us lowly folks?” I joke, and he gives me his winning smile. The one that brought me to my knees at the age of eighteen.

“I missed you. How much longer are you working the bar tonight?” I check my phone for the time and sigh.

“About an hour. If Nya didn’t call out, then I wouldn’t be here tonight. But that’s one of the chores of owning a business. We will have to celebrate this weekend.” He nods and pouts, leaning over for one more kiss.

“Why don’t you go back upstairs, and I’ll sneak off to give my poor neglected hubby a proper kiss and maybe something extra,” I whisper and nibble on his earlobe.

He groans and makes grabby hands again, but I dart away with a laugh.

Leaving him to sulk, I add a little more sway to my hips as I walk away.

“That man has it bad for you, Star,” Hendrix grumbles, and I nudge him with my shoulder. He’s been exceptionally grumpy the last few days, and I need him to cheer the hell up. I miss the way we used to be.

Ever since Ken came into the picture he’s become more like a big brother than a friend.