My Decadent Demon (My Demon Trilogy, Book 1) by Nikita Jakz, Alicia Dawn Page B

memories. He chuckled as she wiggled out of his arms. “Sera, you’re going to remember who I am.”
    She merely sniffed, lifting her chin while she tilted in visible vertigo. Cole shook his head, then collapsed onto the couch. His head still throbbed from all that angelic brain tampering. He rubbed his temples, groaning as he watched Sera stand there, her big, brown doe-eyes flashing irritably. “Don't give me that look. You’re better off here.”
    Her glower grew darker, but she still made no move to speak. Or do anything for that matter. It was as if she wasn’t sure what how to react. Cole smirked, certain that as far as she was concerned, he was a male of extremely questionable standings. After all, he did just abduct her against her will.
    Her balance must have returned, because she abruptly turned to scan her surroundings. It didn’t take long, though, for her eyes to narrow back on Cole. “You have no right to keep me here. I am going home.” Shoulders squared, she marched to the door.
    But Cole was quick on his fingers, one snap manifesting a bar across the exit. He shook his head. “No, you’re not.”
    Sera scowled, crossing her arms. “You cannot stop me from leaving. You are merely prolonging the inevitable.”
    Cole snorted. “There’s no way out of here, trust me. At least, not until a few of your brain cells shake loose inside that pretty little noggin of yours.” Her lips pursed. His eyes rolled. He needed a beer. Standing up, he made his way to the kitchen, her angry eyes on him palpable with every step he took. He smirked, confident that a part of her was enjoying the view.
    He pulled open the refrigerator, searching fo r something to shake the funk from his brain. Ah. Beer. He downed half of it in one up-tip. Rubbing the cold bottle across his forehead, he growled. Much better…
    Abruptly he frowned. Sera was being awfully quiet. He walked back into living room, but she was nowhere to be found. “Damn it, Sera,” he growled. “Where did you go now?” She couldn’t have breached his warded locks. She must be hiding. He caught a glimpse of her hair behind the sofa. For fuck’s sake, he was too old for this shit…
    On hands and knees, Sera winced as she scurried across the floor. Hidden behind the couch, Cole was unable to pinpoint her location. She bit her lip as he walked her way, and scrambled around a recliner. Phew. That was close.
    But then he growled, low and rumbly, and the sound was like chocolate liquor. Sweet, sultry sounds! Her moan nearly gave her away. She may not know this male, but that did not negate the fact that he was more handsome than any male she had ever seen, with a voice that tantalized her every last nerve ending. Good Lord…
    The sound of Cole nearing yanked her back to awareness. Before she could stop, she let out a squeak, then quickly scampered u nder an end table. Cole growled and Sera gasped, realizing her foot had been sticking out in clear view. Pulling it closer, she winced a second time. Had he seen it? She hoped not, she thought, remaining still as a hiding statue - even though she knew of no statues that hid.
    The room went utterly silent. Wide eyes darted nervously as she held her breath. Just as she was about to take a peek, a strong hand yanked her by the an kle from her hiding spot. “Aah!”
    “Sera,” Cole groaned down at her, exasperation clear on his features. “I'm not going to hurt you, so stop hiding already.” He picked her up and guided her to the couch, promptly sitting down beside her. “You can’t hide from me, Luv, so don’t do that again.”
    Cheeks heating, Sera suddenly felt rather silly. To hide her embarrassment, she erected a haughty front. Up went her chin. Perfect went her posture. “I will do whatever I please. I am a Seraph and we take orders from no mere mortal.” She hoped that was believable, because inside she was struggling desperately to get her mind off the way her ankle was still burning from his