Lucifer, p.1
Lucifer, page 1
N.L. HOFFMANN
Lucifer
Copyright © 2019 by N.L. Hoffmann
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return it to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1979, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the author.
Cover Art: Under Cover Designs
Editing: Kim’s Fiction Proofreading & Editing Services
Interior Formatting: EK Formatting
Acknowledgments
As always, there are far too many people to thank. Lucifer is a big release for me, since my readers begged for him.
My betas, because of their dedicated years with me… Without them, I would be lost and would not push myself to publish.
My editor, because she’s fabulous… The things she catches often have me wondering what I was thinking at the time. Hail to the Queen of the Red Pen!
My husband, for his support and always questioning whether or not I’m giving myself enough credit.
Finally, the readers… Your continuous support means everything to me. A lot of you have stuck with me since the beginning. For that, I am grateful.
To Amy…
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter One
Maye
“Well, I really want brownies, but I’m too lazy to get up and make them,” I said from my prone position on the couch.
I was so drained, I felt like throwing a tantrum, like a toddler. But even doing that seemed like too much effort. Being this exhausted was ridiculous. Working as much as I did was even more so, but I had to pay bills. Hell, I should be happy I could make a living doing something I loved. Who else could say they sold enough art to pay rent? Not a lot of people…until after they died anyway.
Most of my time was spent in my apartment painting, then giving my art to Parker, who sold it for me in his gallery. I now used a pseudonym, a necessity after my run-in with an obsessive older lady.
Most of my art ideas came from touching people, seeing into their minds. It wasn’t your usual psychic ability. I couldn’t glimpse the future, but I could see what they’d done during their lifetime…good and bad. It was almost as if I could see into their soul. Some would think having an ability like that would be amazing, but it wasn’t. When I connected with somebody, I felt like I was in that time and place, no matter how long ago it happened.
“I can go get something from the diner,” Parker offered. “I’ll even pay for it because this painting is going to make us both a lot of money. I’m not even joking about that.” He put a hand to his chin and cupped his elbow as he stared at it. “Oh yeah. This is going to be your most expensive piece yet. I wish I knew how you came up with this stuff. Some are dark and creepy. Then you have the ones that remind me of angels. Those are my favorite. Does it have to do with whether or not you’re on your period?”
Not wanting to have this conversation, I rolled from the couch and onto the floor, crawling to my shoes. “That’s gross, and no, I don’t want anything from the diner. I want dessert. You’re too slow anyway.”
He turned and watched me. “And crawling is faster?” He chuckled, running a hand through his blond curls. He was gorgeous. Perfect body, perfect teeth, perfect hair, beautiful blue eyes, expensive suit. It was too bad he wasn’t into ladies.
Laughing, I fell flat onto the floor. “I’m just so tired. But I need to get out and get some inspiration,” I said, reaching out for my shoes and putting them on with a groan, then falling back onto the floor. Maybe I could convince Parker to tie them for me.
“I don’t like what happens to you when you touch someone, Maye.” His jovial expression fell. “It’s strange. The person you touch has no idea it’s even happening. I’ve never seen anything like it before. It’s like watching a horror movie.”
I sighed. Parker only saw it happen one time not too long ago, but once I explained it was normal for me, he wouldn’t quit bringing it up. He continuously asked questions, and I would explain more of it each time, but I wasn’t in the mood now. I was exhausted, ready to punch someone in the face for one wrong word.
“I will tell you all about it one day, Parker. But right now, I’m just too tired.”
“We’re best friends. I should have known about this two years ago, Maye. How is it I am just now finding out about it? You’ve touched me so many times. How come it never happened with you and me?”
There it was. He wanted to know if I saw anything when I touched him. I sat up and groaned. “Can’t this wait?”
Parker hurried over and sat on the floor. “Oh no, girlfriend. I have you trapped. Time to open up to your BFF.”
I sighed. “What I see with you is a pure heart. You always go out of your way for people, for both those you love and those you don’t. You have a problem with being the bad guy, even when the person’s a dick. The one thing that stands out the most is the unrequited love you have for someone you’ve known for years.” I cocked my head at him. “You really should find that person and tell him how you feel. It will complete your soul.”
Parker stared at me, eyes wide.
I slowly climbed to my feet. “Now, I’m ready to get my damn dessert. No more questions, got it?”
I glanced over at the TV, seeing a news story about the latest murder in the city. The second one in as many weeks. They warned everyone to not go out alone. Maybe going for dessert was a bad idea.
“Hello? Earth to Maye?”
I turned to Parker and raised my eyebrows. What was he doing on the floor wearing his expensive suit? I looked down at my ripped jeans, the t-shirt with a cartoon cupcake on it. I didn’t really care what I wore. I had no one to impress. Sometimes Parker bought me clothes, then they sat in my closet until he forced me to go out. He always said something about getting fresh air and being social. I liked being a hermit. People pissed me off.
A few minutes later, we walked downstairs and headed down the street. The diner was just a block away. The cool, fall air woke me enough that there wasn’t much complaining on my part. Parker shook his head at my newfound enthusiasm. We would probably have to hail a taxi to get back home since a warm brownie topped with ice cream would probably make me sleepy.
It was still early enough that most shops lining the street were still open. I looked into my favorite one, which contained antiques and other items you couldn’t always find in other stores. I was just about to walk past when I spotted an older easel sitting in the back.
I snagged Parker’s arm and pointed. “We need to go in and look at that.”
“The place is closing for the day.” Parker said, inclining his head to the man inside, who just flipped the sign over to closed.
Gasping, I hurried over to the glass door. I tapped on it, motioning for the older man to come back to the door. When he opened it a crack, I smiled. “Can I please come in? I need to see that easel in the back before someone else buys it.”
The man seemed to think about it, rubbing his white beard as he contemplated. Finally, he smiled, nodding and opening the door wider. “Good thing you caught me. I would have ignored most people, but I’m in a good mood.” He motioned us to follow. “A few people have looked at this, so if you want it, you probably should buy it now…and I’m not saying that because I want a sale.” He winked at me, then yawned loudly before walking back behind the counter. “I have to start closing down, so let me know when you’re ready.”
I didn’t say anything, too focused on the easel in front of me. It was old and looked as if it would buckle under the weight of a canvas. There was a drawer at the center, but when I tugged on it, it didn’t budge.
Parker sighed. “This is a piece of shit, Maye. I can buy you a better one. Something that doesn’t look like it might collapse on you. We don’t want any of that awesome art ruined, do we?”
I glared at him. “It’s sturdy. I need this.” I flipped the tag over and gasped at the price. “But not for that amount.” I worried my bottom lip, thinking about having to talk the guy down, but before I could move, Parker grabbed a large wooden box sitting next to it, then dragged the easel closer to the register.
Parker called out, “Old man, we’ll take these items.”
The guy chuckled when he came out of the back room. “Okay, but the cat comes with it.”
“What?” both Parker and I said at the same time, not sure what he was talking about.
“When I got the easel in the shop, the cat came with it . And she won’t leave.” He frowned down at a spotted cat that walked out from behind the counter. She meowed, then looked up at me with intelligent eyes. Something seemed off about her, but when I bent down to stroke her soft fur, I smiled. Maybe I could use a roommate.
I sighed, debating. Something niggled at the back of my mind, but when Parker opened his mouth to object, I nodded.
“Fine. We’ll take the cat, too.”
Chapter Two
Lucifer
“Dear gods, what’s with the rocking around?”
I held my arms out to try and steady myself.
All I had was the damn lantern Aden had left me, nothing else. I looked around the small area. Reminding me of the worst parts of Hell, it smelled like wood and something I couldn’t put a finger on. I heard wind whistling from somewhere.
This was my punishment for streaking at the football game? That was normal behavior for me! Was it the gift of speedos? He knew speedos were my favorite. I couldn’t even imagine what I did to piss him off. He was awfully sensitive lately. Nothing I did required such a harsh punishment.
“Come out, Aden! I know you’re watching me, you damn pervert. You have yet to explain why I’m here,” I yelled.
“No shouting, brother. You may be heard, and we can’t have that before the time is right.”
Aden appeared, glowing in all his glory. Whenever he appeared and disappeared, it was just for show. The only thing missing was dramatic music. I averted my burning eyes, almost regretting looking directly at him. They say you weren’t supposed to set your gaze on him. My eyes felt like they were about to burst into flames, but by blinking through the tears, I managed to get through it. Bastard. He was lucky I didn’t wear my speedos and give him quite the show. It could blind a person for eternity.
Once his light died down, I crossed my arms over my chest, frowning at him. “Why have you brought me here? I thought we agreed five hundred years ago that this wouldn’t happen anymore? Did you lie? You know you cannot lie.”
Aden looked away, trying to hide a smile. His white suit was impeccable, as usual, blond hair neatly brushed back, as if slathered in gel. Someone should seriously give him lessons on proper hair maintenance.
“Come now, brother,” I said, gesturing for him to speak. “Let’s not have any secrets between us. I would like to get out of this place as soon as possible.”
“Remember five hundred years ago when you agreed to do a few good deeds? Well, it’s time. Time to make up for all the evil you’ve done in the world.” Aden placed his hands on his hips, pushing back his suit coat from his toned body.
I frowned. “I thought helping the girls take down Nick was enough good for at least a hundred years.”
At the mention of that name, Aden sighed. Our brother had wanted to live in the normal world for a while, but eventually, he turned very dark. People died, and the world was close to ending due to his destruction. With the aid of my daughters, we managed to defeat him. Despite the things he did, we still missed him.
“Yeah, well, we have much more to do, Lucifer. The world is at risk once again.”
“Use your godly powers to fix it!” I snapped, agitated.
I could laugh at a good joke like anybody else, but this was my freedom we were talking about. I had havoc to create, people to convince that being bad was the only way to go. I had my devil duties! The King of Hell never took a vacation. If this could even be called one! Didn’t Aden have minions to help him?
Rage started building, and I felt my horns starting to elongate. Aden glanced at the top of my head, then took a menacing step toward me.
“You won’t help me with this?” he demanded.
I sighed, looking away. He was trying to make me feel bad. Too bad no one could make me care. “Will you wear the speedos I gave you for your birthday?” I asked, cocking my head at him.
Frowning, Aden turned away to look into the darkness of the room. “I guess I will agree, but you must finish this! This woman needs your help. I can’t have you sidetracked. You have the attention span of a toddler.”
I raised my eyebrows, ignoring his last sentence. “Woman? Is it someone famous? I always did want to do bad things with that one actress.” I smirked. “You know, the one in that one movie?”
Aden was suddenly inches from my face. “You will not sleep with this one,” he growled.
I crossed my arms. “Or what?”
I winced, my pants seeming to tighten. When I pulled back the waistband and looked inside, I growled in anger. “Are you fucking kidding me? You can’t put a damn chastity belt on me, Aden. The devil will not be told no. Take it off.” I snapped my fingers.
Shaking his head, Aden began to glow. “No can do, brother. Looks like you have to keep it in your pants.”
“I will not keep it in my pants!” I shouted as he disappeared, his quiet laughter echoing.
Chapter Three
Maye
We stared at my new easel sitting by the window. The moon shone through the glass, casting a glow over it. It was beautiful. Parker probably saw a piece of crap, but I saw something special. When I had tried to open the drawer again, it remained closed. I knew something was in there because when we carried it up the steps to the apartment, I heard something rattling.
Sighing in contentment, I kissed Parker on the cheek. “Thank you for buying this. The price was a little too steep for me.”
“Yeah, I kind of figured that when you dropped the price tag like it burned your fingers. You should really stop being stingy with your money. I know you’re used to not having much, but you have enough now to spend a little every once in a while. When I present your newest piece, I have a feeling you’ll be able to pay your rent for over a year.”
Smiling, I walked over to the box on my dining table and played with the metal lock. “Why did you buy this?”
He shrugged. “Looked like it went with the easel.” He came over to stand next to me, his cologne filling my nostrils, a comforting shiver washing over me. He was my rock. Without him, I would be alone and afraid. Probably would never go outside.
I lifted the box, finding a key taped to the bottom. When I ripped it off, some of the old wood came with it. I winced, wishing I’d been more careful. I stuck the key into the lock and turned.
The lid fought me for a few brief moments, but it finally opened with a creak, revealing an old, leather-bound book. I glanced over at Parker, who shrugged. He was right about it looking like it went with the easel, due to the wood appearing similar, but the book didn’t make any sense. When I ran my finger over the metal lock securing it, it popped open. Weird… Maybe it was broken.
Biting my lower lip, I took the book out and started to open it, but an odd feeling crept over my skin. It reminded me of bugs, thousands of tiny legs crawling over my skin. I jumped back in alarm, tossing the book onto the table.
“What the fuck?” I shivered, unable to shake the feeling.
“What happened?” Parker asked, alarmed. He grabbed my hands, turning them over to look at them. When he found nothing, his confused gaze met mine. “Are you high? Your pupils are huge. Is it meth? You didn’t take any candy from anyone, did you?”
I shook out my hands and slowly walked back over to the book. “Touch it.”
Parker furrowed his brows, then pressed his hands to the dark leather. “Okay…”
“You don’t feel anything?”
Shaking his head, he lifted the book. “Nope. You’re being a crazy bitch, Maye. Calm down and breathe.”
“Try opening it.”
“Okay, sister.” He flipped open the book. “Nothing. Just blank pages.” That seemed strange. Parker set the book back down. “You’re fine. I’m fine. Everyone is fine. Touch it again.”
“Why are the pages blank?” I reached for the book, then stopped. “No.” I grabbed the broom next to me and used it to push the book away. “I might look at it later, but for now, that shit can stay over there.”
He shrugged, glancing down at his watch. “Listen, I have to go. I told Becca I would close the gallery tonight since she has to go to her brother’s birthday party.” He yawned. “I may just close early.” As I stared at the book, not saying anything, he patted me on the back. “Maybe you should think about a nap before you start your next project.”
