Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 110802 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110802 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
He pointed at himself and snickered. “Hello, the Devil.”
Whatever.
The next hour was spent laughing and joking and… well, it was kind of fun. The one good thing about Lou being with them was that not many approached Knox. Their kind was wary of the Devil, even if there were much worse things in hell than him. He might be a nut-job, but he was a powerful nut-job.
Later on, Knox put both their empty glasses on the tray of a passing waiter and whispered into Harper’s ear, “Come on, I want to dance with you.”
“Just a second.” She turned to their group. “I need you to all listen for a minute.” Her sober tone made them move closer. “Something happened yesterday after I left the spa. It was bad and I was hurt, but – as you can see – I’m fine now. You’ll find out all the details soon; Knox will be making an announcement.”
Jolene’s eyes flared. “You were hurt and you didn’t tell me?” The others looked just as enraged, aside from Lou. He did, however, appear annoyed.
“Grams, I love you. I do. But you’re batshit. I couldn’t trust that you wouldn’t do something wild. I couldn’t trust that any of you wouldn’t have somehow involved yourselves. I’m a Prime now, whether I want to be or not. I have to be seen to deal with things, not have my family and friends do it for me, or it will make me seem weak. I know you don’t want that for me.”
“She’s right, you know,” Lou told Jolene. “You can’t be trusted not to overreact.” His eyes narrowed at Harper. “And didn’t I tell you to be careful? Baby Lucifer needs you to be on the ball. Knox, you need to up your level of protection if this delightful child is to ever be born.”
Ignoring that, Knox looked at Harper’s friends. “Harper will explain everything to you tomorrow. Then you can express just how upset you are with her for not telling you sooner. Let her have this night to enjoy herself.”
Devon sighed. “I’m not mad at you, Harper. I long ago accepted that you aren’t the type to call your friends and share your woes. I’m mad that we didn’t leave the Underground with you.”
Raini nodded. “Maybe if we hadn’t gone to the mall —”
Harper raised a hand. “None of you are at fault.”
“Well, I’m mad that you didn’t tell me,” said Khloë, “but I’ll ride your ass about it tomorrow so you can enjoy your evening.”
Knox’s mouth curved. “Good of you. Now, if you’ll excuse us…” He guided Harper away by her elbow, leading her to the crowded dance floor. He drew her against him; one warm hand clasped hers while the other splayed on her back. Their movements were slow, smooth, and perfectly in sync. “I’m truly astonished that you’re smiling.”
She lifted one shoulder. “The shindig isn’t so bad.”
“Remember that next time I want to organize an event.”
Not likely. “Hm.”
“After this, we’ll make the announcement.” What would have been a simple speech would now be something else. “Then I’m taking you to the penthouse, where I plan to do very wicked things to you.”
A flush creeped up her neck and face. “Stop. You’re making me all tingly.” Her rhythm faltered as an icy fingertip flicked her clit. “Don’t, I’m already horny as hell.”
He brushed his mouth over hers just as he slid a psychic finger between her folds. “Exactly how I want you.” But he let the finger dissipate, knowing the sensation would make her burn even more.
Harper bit down on her lip, shooting him a look that swore revenge. “That was cruel.” The music faded away and, smiling, he led her toward the podium… only to find Dario, Malden, Jonas, and the dolphin. Harper’s demon grinned.
As Knox lifted their linked hands just enough to flash their rings, Malden blinked and said, “Black diamonds.” He whistled. “I can’t say I’m surprised.” He raised his glass in silent congratulations.
“Really?” said Harper. With the exception of Jolene, he was the only person to have claimed they weren’t surprised.
“Knox is the kind of person who goes after what he wants and does whatever it takes to keep it,” Malden rightly pointed out. Dario, not looking all that surprised by the rings, nodded in agreement. Harper wondered if his dear old grandmother had foreseen the exchange of rings.
“A little soon, isn’t it?” Alethea said to Knox, voice like a whip.
“Soon?” Knox echoed.
“You hardly know her.” Alethea’s upper lip curled. “Declaring her as your mate was a rash move. This… this is beyond foolhardy.”
“Foolhardy?” Harper frowned. “Who uses that word anymore?”
Knox returned Alethea’s glare. “At what point did you get the impression that your approval means anything to me?”
“We’ve known each other a long time,” she said. “This isn’t you.”
“Giving a black diamond to my mate, marking her as mine in no uncertain terms, is exactly who I am.” He wanted Harper and the rest of the world to know who she belonged to.