CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“I can’t believe you got them to help make dinner,” Persephone whispered, leaning in towards Isabelle. The women turned their gazes to the men. It was almost domestic. Ze and Mammon sat at the small breakfast table, attempting and failing to dice onions. Ze kept wiping his eyes and swearing when he got onion juice in them. The two women giggled as they continued to make meatballs for the first family dinner Isabelle suspected Hades had ever attended.
“You two are pathetic.” Everyone turned at the voice. Belor, Sin of Gluttony, stood at the door shaking his head. His unique, burning orange eyes observed the mess his brothers were making of the onions. Growling, he headed towards the table. “Let me do it, I think you have butchered enough of the food for tonight.” Ze didn’t need to be told twice. He vacated his spot, slapping his brother on the back.
“You’re a lifesaver. I do believe I have found the next level of hell. Cutting onions. I will never understand how you can do it Belphegor.” Ze made a break for the door.
“Don’t fuckin’ call me that, Twinkle Toes, or it will be my fist in your mouth.” Belor shoved Ze out of the way, grabbed the knife, and went at the onions like the expert chef he was.
Isabelle watched as Mammon looked from his massacred vegetables to the perfectly cut wonderment of the master chef, frowning. A flash of silver hair caught her eye, and she turned, spotting Ze trying to make a break for the door and freedom.
“Ze! Just because you’re not cutting up onions doesn't mean you get to run off and hide.” He was brought up short by her voice. He turned around, and Isabelle pointed at the pile of plates and cutlery. “Lay the table, please.” She turned back to the task at hand, a smile on her lips at the grumbling demon completing his domestic task.
Isabelle surveyed the demons completing their assigned tasks. Her eyes settled on Mammon, and she was unable to keep from chuckling. He was concentrating very hard on his mission, a frown between his eyes. It was clear he’d never completed any domestic task in his long life, but he was determined to get it right. She smiled and went back to rolling the meatballs. She felt a soft touch on her arm and looked up to find Persephone smiling brightly. The evening thus far seemed to have brightened her entire spirit.
“There is a small cabin out back. Take your demon there and get him cleaned up. I will bring him some fresh clothes.”
Isabelle nodded. She wiped her hands and went to him, running her hands over his shoulders. He almost purred at her touch.
“Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” His sinful smile was all her hormones needed to stand up and do a happy dance. Taking his hand, she steered him toward the door.
“Why does he get to leave?” The whiny voice of Ze followed them, making Isabelle chuckle.
“That's because Isabelle made the meatballs. Now Twinkle Star, time to start on the garlic bread…” Belor was in full chef mode, ordering his brother around the kitchen like a sous-chef. His commanding voice faded into the distance as Isabelle led Mammon down the path to the cabin.
The small cabin sat further up the hill, nestled among the towering trees. The fact they would be alone in moments wasn’t lost on her. The closer they drew to the cabin, the hotter her blood burned. They took the steps up to the small building, the urgency now pressing on them both.
Before she could even utter a word, his mouth covered hers with an intensity that bordered on desperation. Oh, she knew he had wanted nothing more than to throw her over his shoulder the moment he had laid eyes on her earlier. Admittedly she was in the same boat. Her hands literally itched to feel his skin against hers. Even now, her fingers pulled at his shirt as he backed her against the wall, his mouth laying claim. She was the willing submissive to his dominance.
There was no gentleness in his hands, no soft words of love, or sweet caress. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she heard the door open, then they were inside. She was forced against the door, slightly breathless, but not giving a damn as their mouths fused once more. Strong fingers grabbed her thighs, lifting her, and the hard, hot male stepped between her legs. She melted into a puddle of liquid need. Oh God, he wasn't allowed to be this damn sexy and demanding. It wasn't fair that he could just kiss her and send her mind into oblivion. He pulled back, panting against her mouth, his green eyes burning into hers.
Isabelle could feel his cock straining against his pants, and her mouth went dry as heat coiled and pooled between her thighs. His green eyes searched her face, causing a smile to spread on her lips. She brushed her fingertips over the bruise on his cheek and down the day’s rough growth of beard on his jaw. If anything, it made him hotter, all dark hair and tanned skin, highlighted by shatteringly bright green eyes.
“You’re thinking too hard demon. I can see it.” Her fingers stroked his forehead, the frown easing. His whole body seemed to relax at her touch, his eyes closing. He was all powerful muscle like some great wild beast, imbued with a strength that emanated from his very pores. Isabelle felt honored to be the one who provided him serenity. She was equally humbled to hold power over such a man as him and pleased her touch could bring him peace.
Isabelle smiled as he sucked in a breath, his nose brushing her throat. He held her tight against his body, pulling her away from the door. His eyes were on hers as he led her towards the only other door in the cabin. Pushing into the bedroom, he reluctantly released his grasp on her. “I promise you, Minx, we won’t be doing much thinking soon. But I stink, and I would rather come to you clean.”
Isabelle pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. His eyes locked on her lips, a low groan emanating from his throat. “Keep that up, and you will just have to put up with sweaty dirty demon.”
Isabelle ran her hands down his chest, feeling the ridges of muscle under his shirt, a smile playing across her lips. “And what if I want sweaty, dirty demon?” Her fingers slid under his shirt to scratch along his tummy. He hissed, his mouth claiming hers again, her soft gasp giving him access. His tongue swept in to rob her of all thought, save one.
Lips still locked on hers, he backed her up until her calves hit the edge of the bed. Isabelle returned his kiss with the same desperate fervor, fingers grabbing at clothing. His hands moving to the straps of the long gown she wore, sliding it from her shoulders. From his low growl, it was apparent he had just discovered she was very naked underneath the dress she wore. Apollo had provided her with clothing, just no underwear to speak of.
The dress pooled around her feet, and Mammon pulled away momentarily so he could gaze upon her body. Dusky, rose-colored nipples stood out like small pebbles, begging for attention. His eyes flared as he licked his lips, and he ran his fingers over her satin skin and the valley between her breasts. His hands splayed over her ribs, then roamed around to her lower back and down to her ass. He smiled, his eyes bright, and the small bubble of trepidation she’d felt over her appearance vanished.
Isabelle watched him intently. This had to be the most erotic thing she had ever experienced. He was worshiping her skin with his fingertips, his breathing deep and fast. Each caress sent a flood of heat to her core. How could she feel weak at the knees when all he was doing was touching her?
She licked her lips as his hands wandered once more to her lower back and his head lowered to her neck. He seemed happy to be taking his time, but the soft trembling of his hands betrayed his need. As much as she loved each touch from him, she wanted to experience his body as well. Her fingers moved to the buttons of his shirt.
His demeanor changed quickly. He took a quick step back as if he had been burned. For one insane second, she thought he didn’t want her, but the clamoring need was as evident in his face as it was in hers. This was something else. He kept his eyes down, fists at his side. He seemed to war with himself before speaking, regret in his green eyes.
“I will go for that shower now.” His voice shook as he headed towards the bathroom.
Isabelle narrowed her eyes as he retreated. A second later she heard the shower come on, and she sank to the bed, confusion rushing through her mind. Had she done something wrong? She frowned, but allowed a little trickle of her power to reach for him.
He was ashamed, scared she would find him flawed. He wanted to be more for her; he wanted to be whole. Isabelle’s heart broke. He was shutting himself away because he believed she would find him lacking, not worthy of her.
Decision made, she pushed open the bathroom door and leaned against it, her naked form illuminated by the light. Mammon stood with his back to her, his shirt on the floor. Isabelle felt her heart drop like a stone. He was covered in hundreds of thin scars. Some covered the entire length of his back, others the size of a dime. They crisscrossed his flesh like some gruesome puzzle, continuing around to the front of his body.
His eyes met hers in the mirror. Fuck being empathic. She didn’t need anything but her own damn eyes to see his fear. He expected her to reject him. She was going to have to do something about Mammon’s self-confidence issues. Until then, she would just have to show the foolish man how much she wanted him. She licked her lips and watched his eyes widen, surprise mixed with heat in his emerald gaze.
Her eyes dropped to his midsection where the scars were thicker, wider, vanishing under the waistband of his jeans. Isabelle placed her hands against his fevered skin. He seemed to be holding his breath, letting it out in a rush as she caressed him, his eyes slipping closed. She felt such pain for him, how much must he have endured for his body to be a patchwork of tan and scarred flesh.
“Look at me, Mammon.” She moved against him, the hard peaks of her nipples brushing over his chest. He looked down at her, trembling under her touch. Like a cornered animal, he waited for her next move. Her eyes took in everything from the puckered flesh to the one patch of smooth skin where a tattoo stood out starkly against his skin.
She trailed her nails up his sides and over his stomach, stopping to trace her fingertips over the mark. “What’s this?”
Mammon licked his lips before answering, his eyes shimmering with heat. “My mark, as a sin. Given to me by Hades upon the day of my creation.”
Isabelle studied the design. The pseudo-tribal motif did resemble ‘Greed’ when you looked at it closely.
“Your birth mark.”
Leaning in, Isabelle flicked her tongue over it, then brushed her lips down his upper chest to his nipple, drawing a hiss from him. Her mouth followed a long scar from under his pec to his hip, ripping a strained groan from his throat.
Her fingers deftly worked the buttons to his jeans as she moved to kneel before him, pulling his jeans down as she went. The scars were mostly faded on his lower legs, his tan serving to hide them. His groin was a mess of white lines. Some clearly had been deep, as evidenced by the raised scars.
None of it took away from the sheer power in the lines of his body. His hard cock stood proud, a drop of milky fluid rolling over the velvet head. His eyes watched her with intensity, his breathing rough and hard, clear apprehension in his gaze. Isabelle leaned in, sweeping her tongue over the swollen head. An agonized groan left his chest, and his fingers clutched at her hair.
Her innocence in the act of lovemaking didn’t hinder her actions. She was eager to explore him, swirling her tongue against his flesh, learning, remembering every vein and scar. The hint of saltiness on her tongue and the scent of spice surrounding her bolstered her courage. Isabelle gently nibbled on the weeping head of his cock. By the sudden jerking of his body, it was clear he was close to losing his mind as well as his control.
She thoroughly explored him with her lips and fingers, running them along the length until he was trembling under her touch. Fingers cupped his tight sac, as he growled low in the back of his throat. His hand tightened in a death grip in her hair, a low hiss coming from his throat, right then Isabelle felt like the most powerful woman in the universe.
“Enough, Isabelle!” His voice was rough with need as he reached down and pulled her up his body. His mouth descended to hers, leaving her no recourse but to submit. Her moan intensified the desperation in his kiss.
Isabelle could feel the hard ridge of him pressed against her belly, and she swayed back and forth, almost purring into his mouth. His hands moved to cup her aching breasts, scorching her skin, and sending shocks through her as his fingers plucked at her peaked nipples. His lips left a heated trail of fire across her throat. His teeth nipped at her skin, making her body burn with need.
In one swift movement, his strong arms swept her up and he carried her into the bedroom. He laid her back on the bed, the sheets cool against her sensitive skin and she trembled as Mammon moved to join her, settling himself between her legs. Isabelle could feel his length pressing close to the part of her that physically ached to have him inside. She wiggled her hips, feeling the rough ridge of his cock slide between her wet lips. He let out a low groan, gripping the sheets to either side of her head. A smile spread on her lips at his reaction, so she wiggled some more.
“You will not get what you want until I have what I want, Minx.” His knowing grin was all sin and determination. He obviously had a goal in mind, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to distract him right now.
Fortunately, he seemed to have focused all his attention on her breasts. With tongue and teeth, he sought to drive her to insanity, biting down until shocks of pain rushed through her. Bursts of pleasure mingled with the heightening sensation in a darkly fascinating way. She had never expected herself to enjoy a touch of pain, but God, he was exposing her to so many new experiences…and he had only just gotten started. At this rate she was going to crest the edge of climax from just his mouth ravishing her breasts. She arched as his teeth bit down again. Sparks rushed from the sweet little bites of pain to her womb, making her body tighten. Gods, if he didn’t take her soon, she was going to go insane with the agonizing build to bliss.
Mammon ran his hands up her hips and over her soft stomach, cupping her breasts, bringing them together. Leaning down, he swept his tongue over a pert nipple, and her body lifted from the bed. She was so responsive it was almost impossible to ignore her little mews of need. He pulled one nipple between his lips and bit down on the puckered flesh. Her cry was pure music to his ears, ensuring he provided the neglected bud with the same attention. She was soon writhing under him, her hands pulling at his hair.
She was an impatient little thing, her skin flushing a pretty pink as each touch elicited a soft moan from her sweet lips. Mammon was skirting the edge of madness. He wanted to sink between her wet folds and feel her body grip him while he showed just how truly sinful he could be.
His control was beginning to slip. Why had he not already made her scream his name? He moved from her breasts, his rough stubble leaving a blush across her skin. Sliding down her body, he bit into the soft skin of her hip. The scent of her need coiled around him, robbing him of sanity. He sat back, looking over her lust-flushed skin, then smiled as he parted her folds with his deft fingers, sinking one deep into her aching channel. She arched on the bed, crying out, her hands gripping the headboard as he gently moved his finger in and out of her tight body. A groan left him as he covered her aching clit with his lips, pressing the flat of his tongue against her. She was truly addictive—Mammon knew he would never tire of this.
He plunged his fingers into her eager body, feeling her core pulse around them. She was reaching that precise moment of release, her body shaking. He was determined to give her this. There was so much darkness in his soul. If he could bring a small burst of light into her life, he would dedicate his existence to wringing this pleasure from her. It brought him a small measure of peace. Her cries as she crested ran down his spine, more powerful than any drug.
Mammon growled against her, eagerly drinking down her release while her body pulsed around his fingers. He continued to draw out her pleasure until she was whimpering and shaking, a pink flush now covering her cheeks. She was so beautiful when she came. He licked his lips, feeling his sin eating at him. More, he wanted more. He pressed his thumb against her sensitive clit, and she convulsed, letting out a breathy moan which ended in a whimper of desire.
“God, Mammon, you’re going to kill me!” Her body arched as she wriggled under his touch.
His eyes lit with green flame, pride blooming in his chest. He pulled his fingers from her, took them into his mouth, and licked them clean. Then he smiled and crawled back up her body, his cock pulsing He needed inside her now. Any longer and he was going to be a raving, rutting beast. He was far from done.
Isabelle felt the swollen head of his cock pressing down between her sensitive lips, and her eyes flew open. Whimpering softly, she focused on the demon resting above her. He was panting, sweat glistening on his skin. Smiling wide, she lifted her hands from the headboard and pulled his head down. Their lips met in a dance of tangled tongues and sensual heat.
She felt him stretching her, the foreign intrusion spreading her channel, pleasure sparking from her core right into her womb. Parting her legs wider in an attempt to accommodate his massive girth and length, she cried out from the intensity. How did anyone survive this? She might die from any more pleasure, but her body craved it, needed it, needed him.
Pressing his head against hers. Isabelle could hear him chanting softly. “Go slow, go slow.” A smile pulled at her lips. Bless the poor bastard. Did the fool not realize she didn’t want slow any more than he did? Purposefully, she wriggled under him.
“Damn it, woman, I am trying to be thoughtful here!” Oh, it was clear he was close to losing control. Yes, that was what she wanted. The idea had heat curling hard in her stomach. She wiggled again her body flooding with need around him, his eyes locked on her, burning with green flame, oh yes, this is what she wanted.
He gave a hard thrust, his eyes locked to hers. She breathed through the echoes of pain, her virginity now a dim memory, and tightened her arms around his neck. They didn’t explain the part about pain in sex-ED class, the bastards. Mammon was looking down at her now, concern painted all over his face. The burning began to subside. No chance in hell she was letting a little pain stop her now. He held himself still inside her, refusing to move. Isabelle moved her hips under him, ripping a low groan from his throat.
“Isabelle…” She silenced him, covering his mouth with hers. He groaned, his hands entwined in her hair and took control of the kiss, his mouth claiming hers with a fierceness that stole her reason.
She was incapable of thought; she could only experience the sensations. He drew back his hips, beginning a slow pace that quickly set off sparks within her. Slow and steady didn’t last long, however, and she gasped as he deepened each drive, sending waves of pleasure rushing through her.
Isabelle felt complete for the first time in her life. Their bodies writhed against one another, and each thrust into her drew out a breathy moan. It was too much. The sensation of his cock plunging into her bordered-on pain, followed by a pleasure chaser she craved more with each thrust.
He pulled back from the kiss, their breaths mingling together in heated frenzy. With a growl, he pinned her hands above her head, pulling out almost all the way before thrusting back into her. Isabelle was sure she was about to die, for how could such ecstasy come without a heavy price? The friction between their two bodies set off small pulses deep inside her. The slow, insane build started in her toes, building until she was moaning, crying out with each movement of his body.
Mammon released her hands and shifted so he could lift her hips, changing the position of his thrusts. He hit deeper and she swore she could feel him all the way to her womb. Explosions of ecstasy began deep inside her body, rising with each thrust. Colors detonated behind her eyes as she shattered around him, her screams of pleasure mirrored by his roar of release.
They lay together for what seemed like an eternity, Mammon with his head on her shoulder, Isabelle with her head back, eyes closed. She had never felt so alive; she could have reached for the emotions of everyone in the main house without even trying. Her whole body hummed and pulsed, but what floored her was the peace that had settled around the demon resting on top of her.
“I can’t move…” Isabelle panted, and he chuckled softly against her neck. She lifted her heavy arms to stroke his back.
“Moving is overrated. I am quite happy right here.” He nibbled on the skin behind her ear.
A fresh wave of heat curled in her womb. Christ, how could her body still want more? Sure enough, the burning ache began low in her tummy again, and she wiggled under him.
Mammon hissed at the movement, pulling back so he could see her face. “Insatiable little Minx.”
“Yes, yes I am.” She held no shame in loving what he did to her body. She was already planning many ways she would have him eliciting those screams of pleasure from her in the future.
“You’re scheming. I can see it in your eyes,” his voice rumbled over her.
She flashed him an innocent smile. “I don’t know what you mean. I’m innocent, after all. A pure maiden ravished by a demon.” The demon in question growled, claiming her sassy mouth. He silenced her with his tongue until she was whimpering beneath him, her body clenching with need once more. She panted against his lips, her eyes clouded with desire.
“If you still have the strength to sass me, Minx, I must do a better job with the ravishing.”
“I agree. There must be much repetition of said ravishing. Practice makes perfect, after all.”
Mammon snorted. “Give me two minutes, would you? I’m a demon, not a miracle worker.”