Page 29 of Unholy Night

9

Lyla

Iclimb into the sleigh and pull Mandy against my side. I catch glimpses of switches and screens on the dash, but I don’t have time to study them because Lucifer's portal flames to life in front of us.

“Are you sure you don’t nee--” I slide back in my seat and clamp my mouth shut as the sleigh rushes forward. Of course Lucifer can move a sleigh by himself. His show of strength does make me wonder what his other powers are, and my cheeks flame red and hot when I imagine… things I shouldn’t imagine under the circumstances.

Mandy clutches my hand as we pass through the portal, but once through I realize she’s squeezing the blood out of my fingers due to excitement, not fear. Her face is full of wonder and delight. She stands up and lets go of my hand before turning to look over the backside of the sleigh.

We’re in a small clearing, surrounded by giant trees, but not far away I can see something that looks like a stone structure, light pouring through what must be windows. In the opposite direction is the fairytale castle Lucifer calls home.

“You’re really strong, Mr. Lucifer!” She waves at him. My heart clenches a little. She’s getting attached to him awfully quickly and who knows if we will even remember all of this once we’re done? And if we do remember, what are the chances we’ll see Lucifer again in our lifetime? He’d been clear from the start this is a one night only contract, despite his confusing comments about visiting again. He was undoubtedly just being polite.

“Thank you, Lady Mandy.” I look back in time to see him sweep into a courtly bow that would please any queen.

His gaze swings to me and questions fill his eyes. Did he pick up a change in my scent? I need to distract him.

“Indeed, Lord Lucifer seems to be the strongest of all the knights.” I tilt my head in ladylike acknowledgment.

He steps back as if he’s been struck and places a hand over his heart. “Oh, to be recognized by the stunning and brilliant, Lady Lyla. This humble knight is at your service.”

My heartbeat speeds up and I can’t keep the smile off my face.

He smiles back, leaning forward and resting his arms on the back of the sleigh. His dark eyes dance with mischief and something warmer. His hair is mussed from when Mandy rode his shoulders. It didn’t escape my notice that she used the ride as a chance to touch his horns despite me telling her not to. Thankfully he didn’t seem to mind.

I put my elbow on the back of the chair and rest my face in my hands. I’m well aware of the view I’m providing. This ridiculous jumpsuit shares more cleavage than I normally would show. But for some reason, I feel daring. We are in Hell, after all. Even moms should be allowed to flirt a little in Hell.

His eyes run from the top of my head, over my face, lingering on my lips, before continuing on to what I’m displaying. His expression is appreciative and instead of being embarrassed I feel a little wild. When his eyes finally return to mine, I know the lust I feel for him is returned in equal measure. I also know that what I feel for him is turning into something more than just lust.

“Mr. Lucifer!” Mandy puts her hands on her hips next to me and I shake my head to clear it. I feel like I’m coming up for air after diving deep into the ocean. “I said your name three times! It’s not nice to ignore people.”

She called his name? I meet his eyes and see the same thought flit through his mind.

“My apologies, Mandy. What can I do for you?” He turns his complete attention to her and she seems mollified.

“I asked what do we do now? We have the sleigh, but we still haven’t delivered any presents!” Mandy leans forward, worry giving her words an extra edge. “We’re going to run out of time!”

Lucifer reaches his long arms up and Mandy reaches back, letting him lift her out of the sleigh. “Mandy, do you trust me?” He sets her feet on the ground and kneels before her.

If I had my cell phone with me--assuming it would even work in Hell--I’d take a picture of this moment. Satan kneeling before a little girl, so he can speak with her eye to eye.

“Yes, sir.” She nods solemnly and I try not to fist bump in victory that she remembered to say ‘sir’. I also try to ignore the clench of my heart and gut that she already trusts him so much.

“I am not going to let anyone miss Christmas. This sleigh? It’s magic, just like what we have here in Hell. Time does not work the same way it does on Earth.”

“It doesn’t?” Her eyes go wide and I remember she was asleep for that part of our conversation.

“No. Which means, we have all the time we need.” He stands back up.

“Then why does Santa try to deliver presents all in one night?” Her voice rises in confusion. “That doesn’t seem smart!”

Lucifer freezes, his mouth open as he searches for words. He closes his mouth and looks at me. I shrug. How am I supposed to dispute her logic? He’s the one who’s supposed to have all the answers.

He gives me a look that clearly says I’m no help before turning back to Mandy.

“Walk with me.” He holds out his hand and she readily grabs it. “Hm. I think the reason he does it all in one night has to do with magic.”

“But I thought magic was the reason he could do it whenever he wants.” She looks up at him and pushes her hat back out of her face.