After a pleasant half hour in Heaven talking with Melody and Holly, Michelle returned to Hell, covered by the Invisibility Robe. Silently, she walked down the hall to check on Adrian in his room. She found he had not only awakened, he had apparently begun dressing in his tight-fitting black shirt and slacks.
Looks like I returned just in time, Michelle thought as she watched him groom his hair to where he usually kept it. He took one last look in the mirror before he headed for the door.
Michelle backed up and quickly stepped to the right in order to avoid contact with Adrian as he strode silently out of his dark room. She was about to follow when he stiffened suddenly and sniffed the air. Oh, no! As soundlessly as she could manage, Michelle slid farther away from him
However, Adrian turned in her direction, sniffing the air. "I smell a mortal . . ." He spoke softly in a sing-songy voice which permitted fear to creep suddenly into Michelle's heart. "A very beautiful mortal, too." Michelle watched in horror as an evil grin appeared on his face. She knew too well that meant he was going to play cruelly with his victim, something no one had lived through to regret.
He's going to find me, Michelle realized with a fear larger than the one she had of his playful taunting. While his voice may seem merely playful to the untrained ear, it was a deadly battle call to Michelle. I have to get out of here before he can get me! Michelle backed up again, hoping he couldn't sense her.
"Come out, come out wherever you are . . ." Adrian purred, taking a step in Michelle's direction. "I'd come out of hiding if I were you. I get pretty nasty if I have to find what I'm looking for myself."
Isn't that the truth! Michelle was now backed up against the wall. Her only choices were to somehow slip by Adrian or to enter Satan's study.
"I know you're here somewhere . . . I can smell you, love." His voice still held the mask of mischief, the icy fury he held for humans and the evil inside his heart slipped out a little and grasped onto Michelle's heart, making her shiver. "You don't have to hide from me. I won't hurt you." He took another step in her direction as he flicked his tongue over his white teeth, a sign of his irritation.
Yeah, right. Michelle looked around for a means of escape. As Adrian drew closer, Michelle decided to use his sense of her presence to let him know what his father was putting him through. Slowly, Michelle walked backwards into Satan's study, where several little letters from Melody's mother lay strewn across his desk. Maybe now you'll understand what's going on, Adrian.
"What's this?" Adrian picked up the first letter on the desk, which Michelle had read enough to know the letter down to the punctuation marks.
Dear Satan,
While I agree that your decision is what is best for everyone and will most certainly have a positive effect on all heavenly and hellish persons, I must politely request that the situation will be kept under control and that the circumstances and consequences will be made clear to your son. I mean no offense, and send this as a caring mother in concern for her eldest daughter. I am sure you will understand, being a father yourself. I am glad that my daughter will play such a role in history, and flattered when you personally selected her as best suited to take the job. Whether they decide to reside in Heaven or Hell, or even somewhere in between, I hope that I will be able to visit them often and that my daughter will be able to present me with lots of grandchildren! I am quite beside myself with excitement for the wedding, and though Melody seems a bit reluctant, I know it is just nerves, the poor girl suffers from terrible nerves quite often and I am sure she will be over her doubts in time for the reception. I do wonder where they plan to honeymoon? If you have any idea of what your son might think, please send a reply, for I plan on sending a few presents their way and would like to book a date beforehand. Please write back as soon as possible, as I am quite anxious to discuss gifts and dates. Melody's sisters are filled with excitement and are dying to know more about her young groom! He must come visit sometime soon, I do insist! That is, if he accepts your generous offer.
With love,
Crystal
Michelle watched in anticipation as Adrian read and re-read and re-re-read the letter. She guessed he would know the letter as well as she by the time he had finished and the true horror of the situation sank in. Guessing Adrian was most definitely furious, Michelle considered contacting Satan with the silent alarm. However, that became unnecessary.
"DAAAAAAAAD!!"
"Son, I was hoping you would find this out a little differently . . ." Satan began as he received his son at the throne. Michelle stood behind the chair, hoping it would throw off Adrian's scent. "I was planning on telling you . . ." His voice trailed off.
She watched Adrian with curiousity as she had never quite seen Adrian like this. His face was completely white with shock and the letter was grasped tightly in his hands, which were shaking quite dangerously. "This . . . this is why you let me out? You are seriously marrying me off . . . and to an angel?" He glanced down at the picture of Melody and dropped it onto the floor. "Of all the creatures in the world, you would have me wed that horrid thing?" He crushed the picture with the heel of his foot.
"Come on now, son. It's not all that bad." Satan tried to cheer up Adrian as I struggled to restrain myself. I never let anyone insult my friends, and Satan knew it. "And be reasonable. This could be a fantastic opportunity for peace with Heaven, and you know the girl's really not that bad! I met her and her mother a while back, when we were discussing plans, she's actually quite sweet, maybe a little shy, but what do you expect from someone you've never met?" Michelle saw the hope sinking in Satan's eyes as Adrian nearly gagged.
"You describe that thing as if you were one of them," Adrian spat, looking up at his father. "She could be the sexiest woman alive and I would rather rip out my insides than be hitched to that . . . that . . ." He paused and Michelle watched as he sniffed the air once again. "Father, I am going to say this once more, and if you don't tell me what I want to know, I will not even consider this request. Why in the hell do I keep smelling a live human in Hell?"
Satan sighed. He knew he had to get Adrian to marry Melody, and if this was the only way he would consider it, then so be it. "Come on out, kid. I won't let him hurt you."
Michelle hesitated in fear as Adrian shifted in his seat.
"Now, woman."
Adrian watched in astonishment as Michelle removed the Invisibility Robe. "Oh, my dear God! Michelle, is it really you?"
Michelle swallowed hard, knowing full-well how much danger Satan had placed her with his decision. She managed a weak smile as Satan said, "I'm glad you remember her so well, Adrian, because she has been assigned to be your watchdog."
"My what?" Adrian rose to his feet, his intense gaze never leaving Michelle's uneasy one.
"Your watchdog. Michelle will be watching your every move, making sure you behave yourself and do as you are told. She will be hidden from you and will not permit you to see herself unless instructed otherwise by me or her father." Satan glanced over at Michelle and noticed how uncomfortable she had become. Was this the same brave girl who had helped Nicky defeat Adrian last time? What was it about Adrian that made her quiver with fear?
Adrian stepped closer and Michelle was afraid she was going to faint as he took her hand. "How could I forget someone so much like . . . like me?" He licked her hand, starting from the middle knuckle, and placed a tentative kiss on her wrist.
Michelle glanced nervously up at Satan, not quite sure of what to do. "Adrian, she cannot speak. She will not answer you at any time."
"What?" Adrian turned to the young girl before him, unhappy he could no longer hear her sweet voice. "What happened?"
Satan shrugged. "We're not sure. She hasn't spoken once since you were defeated two years ago. The doctors said she may never speak again."
Adrian stared deeply into Michelle's eyes and, while he could not see any physical pain, he could see an emotional ache he had never seen in her eyes before. "How am I to communicate with her?"
"You're not. She is a watchdog, not a companion." Satan watched as his son slowly pulled away from Michelle, leaving her completely breathless and utterly disappointed. "You are not to have anything to do with her, do you understand?"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Adrian plopped lazily into the chair across from his father. "This just means this marriage thing is not going to go well."
"Look, son, you're going to have to make an important decision," Satan snapped, effectively gaining his son's attention. "Either you're going to marry this angel and be a good husband, or you're going back into the flask with Cassius." He sat back, having presented the offer to his son.
Adrian glanced from his father to Michelle, then back to his father. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he contemplated his options. ". . ."
"Adrian, son, you can't be serious!"
"Of course, I'm serious!" snapped Adrian, his ferocity startling even Michelle. "She's an angel! I'm the spawn of Satan and you expect me to immediately want to marry some sun-loving sky-living hippie valley freak? I think you're the one who can't be serious!" He shot a glare over at Michelle, who was desperately trying to hide her small half-grin. The smile immediately disappeared.
He was stuck between two dreadful alternatives. If he was sent back into the flask with Cassius, he might have civil company, but he would most likely never be given the chance to escape again. If he married that angel bitch, he would have to deal with a sunny disposition, but might be able to free himself and rule Hell again. After all, he was the only alternative after his father retired. Plus, he would be able to spend time with Michelle . . .
"Adrian!" his father shouted, catching Adrian's attention.
"Fine!" Adrian snapped, rising to his feet. "I'll marry the angel, Dad. Are you satisfied now?" With that, he gathered his cloak about him and stormed from the room. Satan sighed, leaning his chin onto his hand. He had the horrible feeling that this could not end well.
Michelle returned to Heaven again days later with a letter from the spawn of Satan, Adrian himself. It would have been there sooner, but it had to be revised several times in order to make sure no insults of any sorts were noticable. Michelle hadn't realized how well Adrian could disguise an insult until Satan had explained some of them to her.
Knowng Adrian was insulting her best friend as well as his continual attempts to get her alone with him, the last few days had been very difficult for Michelle. She was relieved when Adrian had finally finished the letter and she was sent to Heaven to deliver it. As she walked thorugh the hallways, Michelle's mind began to wander and she soon found herself returning to the memory of her first time in Hell.
Satan and Jimmy walked with her to the throne room, where Satan's three sons stood waiting for their father. "Boys, I would like you to meet Jimmy's daughter, Michelle. She came here to visit and I decided it was best to introduce her to everyone." He presented Michelle to his youngest first. "Michelle, this is Nicky." He quietly whispered in her ear, "He doesn't know yet, but Holly is his mother, too. He's your half-brother."
"Nicky, it's a pleasure to meet you." Michelle smiled brightly at discovering a new member of her family. "I hope we can be good friends."
"Me, too. I mean, if you don't mind jamming with the good music." Nicky's slightly crooked jaw and poor speech impediment made Michelle wonder how Nicky could stand living here.
"What do you mean the good music?" she asked politely.
"Like Ozzy, Van Halen, that sort of music."
Michelle's smile grew even wider. "That's my favorite! Can I come jam with you later?"
Nicky smiled, "Of course, Michelle. You can come jam with me anytime."
Satan walked her over to the next oldest. "Michelle, this is Cassius. He is the strongest out of the three and can prove difficult at times, but he can be pleasant once you get to know him."
"Ha!" The voice came from the last son. "Who are you kidding? We've known him for centuries and he's still not pleasant."
Michelle tried not to let her eyes buldge as Satan introduced the handsome man. "And this is my eldest son, Adrian. He happens to be very intelligent . . . and ruthless when he desires to be."
"Never to a pretty young thing, though." Adrian took her hand in his and her knees almost buckled beneath her. He was the first man she had ever met who had the power to captivate her with a simple glance and a few choice words. His blond hair spiked and his grey eyes dark with desire, Michelle was ultimately mesmerized by the wave of heated lust he sent to her.
He brought her hand close to his face and gently pressed a kiss to her soft skin. "For you, I could be a saint." His grin held a feeling both individuals understood as the heat flashed between them.
Michelle swallowed hard, surprised by his obvious lust for her. It was hard for her to determine if she was more surprised at his openness of his desire or the fact he was attracted to her period. He smiled wickedly at her before he licked from her third knuckle to her wrist, where he placed a tantalizing kiss. "Something to remember me by," he whispered, letting her hand go.
Michelle allowed her hand to fall to her side as she realized she had been holding her breath. She felt her cheeks flush as Satan cleared his throat. "Alright, Michelle. Why don't you go ahead and spend some time with Nicky before you have to leave?"
Nicky and Michelle both saw the dismissal as a perfect way to leave the akward silence Adrian had caused. Leaving the throne room and entering Nicky's small bedroom, Michelle realized just how much he enjoyed the 'good' music. His walls were plastered with several different singers and rock bands from the 80's.
As Michelle observed her surroundings, Nicky turned on his radio. "Hey, Michelle, can you sing?"
Michelle did not look away from the Ozzy Osbourne picture as she said, "I sing occasionally. Why?"
"Would you mind taking the vocals? I have a terrible singing voice."
"Oh, come on." Michelle turned to Nicky. "I'm sure it's not as bad as all that."
However, Nicky was able to prove her wrong as he tried singing along to "Sweet Home, Alabama". As the song ended, Michelle agreed to sing vocals with the rest of the songs. She was enjoying herself very much, especially since she had not believed Hell could be that much fun.
As she ended the final chorus of "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" with Nicky jamming on the guitar, she turned found Adrian was watching her from the doorway. He had heard her singing and came to investigate. "You have a beautiful voice, Michelle. It's as if it were designed by the angels."
Michelle blushed. "Thank you, Adrian." She could see his eyes were still dark with a craving he longed to have satisfied. "Is that all?"
"Actually, no." He smiled his captivating grin, which set Michelle's heart aflame. "I was wondering if you might be willing to join me in my bedchambers for a while. You see, I don't have much company any more and I could use a companion for the short time you're here."
Michelle glanced over at Nicky. "Nicky, I'm going to spend some time with your brother. okay?"
"Be careful, Michelle," warned Nicky. "He can be tricky."
"Oh, Nicky, do shut up. You hurt my ears." Adrian smiled as he offered Michelle an arm. "Shall we, my dear?"
As she took Adrian's arm, she told Nicky over her shoulder, "If your dad should ask for me, you know where I am."
"Okay, Michelle, be careful!"
Michelle was led down a dark corridor, past several rooms with souls tortured beyond recognition. Adrian was able to entertain her with small talk about himself and his younger brothers, but he could not hide the longing he felt within him as he eyes had continued to darken.
Adrian could not understand why he was so attracted to this young human, either. He was acting like he would screw the next woman who walked into Hell. However, as soon as he saw her perfect figure, her blond hair, and her grey eyes he felt something he had never felt for a woman and unknowingly said aloud, "She's mine." His brothers had not dared to comment on his sudden comments on the girl, however, as he was much too ruthless to fight.
He led her to his bedchambers and locked the door behind him. "I'm sorry if this isn't very romantic, my dear Michelle," he said as he shrugged off his coat. "However, I think you understand . . . under the circumstances."
"It's romantic enough for me," Michelle managed to breath as Adrian captured her in his arms and kissed her mouth. Her sweet taste filled his mouth as his tongue began to explore. Michelle moaned softly as he pressed her body against his. As his hands ventured over her body, Michelle slowly pulled back, facing Adrian as she spoke. "Adrian, I . . . I'm still . . ."
Adrian waitied patiently for the young girl to speak, one eyebrow arched. "I'm still . . . innocent. I mean, I've never been . . . taken." She looked up at Adrian, her beautiful face flushed.
She looked absolutely breath-taking now more than ever before. "It's alright, my dear. I will make it sweet and as painless as possible for you." He kissed her again and Michelle felt like she was going to melt at his touch. "I expect, however, for the rest of our time together to be kinky, not all sweet and shit."
As Adrian began kissing her neck, Michelle whispered, "I wouldn't have it any other way, Adrian." She gasped as she felt him unbuttoning her shirt . . .
"Ah, Michelle!" Melody's mother, Crystal, embraced Michelle as she entered their extravagent home. "It's so good to see you . . . and I see you brought a letter."
"I'm suppose to take this straight to Melody," Michelle told her.
"May I take a quick look?"
Michelle smiled at Crystal's curiosity. "I'm sorry, but this must go straight to Melody." She walked past Crystal and headed straight for Melody's room. She knew Melody would not accept the letter well and was not exactly happy to be the one delivering it, but it was better than being stuck in Hell with Adrian.
She knocked on Melody's door. "Melody, it's Michelle. I brought a letter from Adrian." She stepped back as the door burst open.
"He sent me a letter?" Melody was absolutely thrilled and Michelle hated knowing that it would fade once she had read the letter. "May I have it, please?"
Michelle politely handed the letter over. "May I come in?" She may need to be here for Melody if she was too disappointed.
"Come on in, Michelle." Melody shut the door behind them and gave Michelle a seat by the window. She tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter.
Michelle, although she didn't have to, read over Melody's shoulder.
Melody,
I have recently come to the knowledge of our present arrangement and have accepted the offer with an open mind, if nothing else. I understand that your doubts and worries may be similar in nature to mine, and I assure you that we will speak of these uncertainties in the very near future, as my father has made plans to pay a visit in the upcoming week. I do hope that the good of the multitude will override any source of negativity, and I wish you the fortitude, of which I'm sure you've been asked, to endure the approaching month (which I believe is to be sometime in September).
Adrian
Michelle watched as the hope faded from Melody's brown eyes. She knew that, even though he had no way he could have insulted the poor angel, it was the lack of endearments and the addressing the situation like a business proposition which had disappointed Melody and caused a tear to fall from her eye.
"Melody, are you okay?" she asked as Melody put down the letter, her hands trembling. She put a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "Please don't be upset, Melody. Adrian was just released from the flask and had this matter thrust into his hands. It was either be married or return to the flask. You have to understand him."
"Oh, and you can?" snapped Melody, pushing Michelle's hand away.
Her words stung. "More than you could ever know, Melody," Michelle whispered softly, tears choking her words. She allowed her face to fall as tears blurred her vision and spilled down her cheeks.
Melody immediately regretted her outburst. "I'm sorry, Michelle. I didn't think . . ." She paused, remembering what Michelle had told her the last time they had spoken to each other before this marriage arrangement. "Michelle, is he the one you . . . I mean, did he . . . He's the one, isn't he?" When Michelle finally broke down into sobs, Melody embraced her friend in a comforting hug. "I'm so sorry, Michelle. If I realized it was him, I never wold have volunteered for this."
"It doesn't matter, Melody," Michelle cried quietly. "I'm not allowed to have him. If I ever want to see the inside of Heaven after I die, I cannot marry him or have any relationship with him at all. If I even speak to him, I have to remain his servant until Satan or my father decide I've learned my lesson."
"Oh, my gosh, you can't even speak to him?" Melody looked at her friend as Michelle sat back. "That must be so difficult with the past you two shared."
Michelle sniffled. "Not really." The one corner of her lips pulled up, creating a half-grin on Michelle's beautiful face. "Satan told him I haven't spoken at all since the day Adrian was defeated and the doctors say I may never speak again." She giggled a little when Melody burst out in laughter. "I just have to hope that, if Adrian finds out exactly how he was defeated, I don't end up speaking to him because of how bad I feel or I'll end up rotting in Hell."
Melody's eyes flashed with concern. "He doesn't know?"
"No, and I can't let him find out. At least, not yet." Michelle had seen how bad his temper could flare under some circumstances, but if he found out Michelle had betrayed him, she was certain his anger would make a forest fire look like a lit match.
The breeze flowing through her short hair and the sun shining down made Michelle feel a little better. Returning to Earth after two years of playing messenger between Heaven and Hell was the best experience Michelle needed right then. She had come to speak with Nicky and Valerie, arranging a place for her, Satan, and Adrian to stay this-coming Friday before Holly would come and transport them to Heaven. Satan and Crystal had arranged for Adrian to spend an entire weekend with his fiancé's family, which meant Michelle was stuck with him and Melody for two days and had to hope Adrian did not catch her speaking with anyone.
Michelle pulled her red, low-rider motorcycle in next to the apartment building in which Nicky and his family were living. Finding the correct house number, Michelle knocked on the door, shivering a little as she was not used to Earth's climate any longer. She smiled as her half-brother opened the door. "Hey, Nicky!"
"Michelle!" He embraced Michelle with a hug so emotional she was afraid he would make her cry already. "It's so great to see you! Please, come inside and get warm." He closed the door as Michelle walked through the hallway and into the living room. "How's my favorite half-sister been?"
Michelle smiled. "It's been hectic lately, Nicky. Your father released Adrian from the flask a couple weeks ago and you know my punishment for what happened before, so it's been becoming more and more difficult not to speak to him."
"I'm sorry, Michelle," said Nicky, offering her a black, leather-bound chair. "I know how much you care about Adrian."
"I care too much for Adrian," Michelle complained. "Which is why I would rather see him go through this punishment than live in the flask for all eternity."
"Punishment?" Nicky looked over at Michelle as he sat across from her. "What kind of punishment?"
"I wish I could tell you, but it's up to your dad and Adrian to tell you what's going on, not me." Michelle sighed. "I wish I could stay longer and catch up, but I was sent here by your father. He was hoping you would have room for three travelers for Friday night before Mom comes to transport us to Heaven."
Nicky thought for a moment. "I don't see a problem with it, and I don't believe Valerie has any plans for that night. What's happening that you and Dad are going to Heaven?"
Michelle shrugged, not sure of all she should tell him. "We're working on a peace treaty between Heaven and Hell. It's not going to be easy, what with Adrian being Adrian and all . . ."
"Adrian's going, too?" A look of astonishment appeared on Nicky's face. "How is that possible?"
"It's a long story, one I don't have time or permission to tell." Michelle stood up and headed for the door. "So, I can tell Satan you will be expecting us?"
"Yeah, I'll let Valerie know when she gets back from school." Nicky held the door open as Michelle walked out into the hallway. "She won't be happy about it, but we'll make it work. Goodbye, sis." He gave Michelle a quick hug.
"Goodbye, Nicky." Michelle managed a small smile. "I'll jam with you soon. I promise."
She walked down the hallway and out of the building, knowing how hard that was going to be. The way things were going, she would have to jam with him whenever Adrian was there with them, and then she would have to be an instrument. As she hopped on her motorcycle and snapped on her helmet, she remembered what it was like to sing and wished she hadn't quit after Adrian was trapped in the flask. Then again, she probably couldn't have even if she wanted to, since it was Adrian who had helped her sing even better.
As she put on her sunglasses and started driving away, Michelle thought about the last time she and Adrian had sung together.
"Are you ready?" Adrian put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
They were about to perform for their parents as well as other demons and angels who had come to enjoy their performances. They had started singing as a duo not long after their first meeting and had become a sensation in both Heaven and Hell. This was to be the greatest performance of their lives.
Michelle turned to Adrian. He looked absolutely dashing in his tight black clothes, wearing his black, flame-embroidered coat over them. His hair was standing on end as usual, making Michelle smile even more. "You look absolutely handsome, darling, and I feel like I could sing my heart out. Do you think I'm ready?"
Adrian looked her over. The black outfit she wore looked absolutely ravishing, especially with the fishnet stockings and pumps. "I think we're both ready, love." He placed a quick kiss on her cheek. "Let's get out there and raise some hell."
With smiles on their faces, the duo walked out on stage to a roaring crowd. The performance was sensational and had every being on their feet and singing along. As they walked off the stage, Adrian swept Michelle off her feet and gave her a delicious kiss. "We were amazing, love!" He sat her down on the ground. "Which reminds me . . ." He pulled out a long box and handed it to her. "Something to remember me by," he whispered.
Michelle opened the box to find a bouquet of red roses, each one a vision of beauty and love."Oh, Adrian! These are absolutely beautiful!"
"They're not as beautiful as you, love. I had them picked especially for you."
He was thanked with a very sensuous kiss. "You're such a devil!" Michelle smirked a little at her little joke.
They had been acting like this for almost two months now, and yet Adrian was still surprised at how he had enough of a heart to love someone other than himself. It surprised him even more that the knowledge didn't startle him in any sense, especially since, before he had met Michelle, he had believed love to be a weakness which only affected humans, not the spawn of Satan. However, here he was, falling in love with the girl of his dreams, and he hadn't told her yet because he was afraid she didn't reciprocate the feelings.
"I want to give you something," she told him, gently setting down the gift. She took off the Hand of Lucifer and placed it around Adrian's neck.
He looked down at the medallion. "Michelle, no. This was given to you by Grandpa Lucifer in hopes to bring peace between the two planes. I cannot accept this."
Michelle placed one of her small hands on the medallion before Adrian could remove it. "I want you to have it, Adrian. It has the power of luck; it will make you undefeatable. I want you to stay that way for me because . . . because . . ."
Adrian arched an eyebrow at Michelle's sudden failure to communicate. The last time she had that happen, she almost couldn't bring up the fact she was a virgin. "What, love?"
Michelle looked up into his eyes and he knew what she was trying to say before she said, " . . . because I love you, Adrian. I always have and I always will for all eternity."
"Oh, love." Adrian pulled her close in an embrace and kissed the top of her head. "And here I was afraid you didn't love me in return." They shared a passionate kiss, both relieved and overjoyed at the love they shared.
And that was when everything had begun to go wrong, Michelle thought to herself. She looked up to see a man standing in the road in front of her. Unable to stop, she swerved dangerously to the right, tipping the motorcycle. She flew off as the motorcycle fell on its side and skidded down the road. If it wasn't for the punishment I'm already enduring from Hell, I'd kick that guy's ass from here to Hell and back! Michelle thought to herself as she stood up and dusted off her pants.
"Such foul language from such a pretty mouth . . . and here I thought you couldn't speak."
Michelle froze in her tracks. How did he hear my thoughts? I've never had that happen before in my life, unless . . . Michelle stopped that thought before Adrian heard that one, too. She looked up at the man she once loved.
"It is an awfully strange occurrence, I must agree." Adrian stepped closer and Michelle, with no safe way out, simply stood there and reminded herself of a deer caught in the headlights. "I wonder . . . I wonder if that may be one of the powers Grandpa Lucifer expected you to possess?"
Michelle swallowed hard. It's very possible, Adrian. But why you? She paused for a moment. Does this mean I can hear your thoughts as well?
What do you think? His thoughts were projected loud and clear.
Michelle knew this was going to make things more difficult rather than easier. While it did keep her from communicating with him verbally, it allowed him access to her thoughts, which could reveal more of her past than she would like him to know. Well, I can definitely hear your thoughts. This should be an interesting arrangement.
It would be even more interesting if I wasn't getting married to someone else. Adrian walked quickly over to the motorcycle and set it back up on its wheels. That's odd . . . no damage.
Satan had it made especially for me to run his errands on Earth, I told him. Just in case I run into the wrong people, there's no way for it to be damaged and there's a switch for it to speed up and take me straight back into Hell. A sudden realization hit Michelle. Why aren't you in Hell, anyway?
I was sent to look for you, he replied, looking at all the features of the bike. Apparently, you were gone longer than either of our parents would have liked.
I'm a big girl . . . I can take care of myself. Michelle sat down on the bike and handed the extra helmet to Adrian. Wear this or you're not getting on my bike, Adrian.
Adrian smiled wickedly and arched an eyebrow as he accepted the helmet and put it on. You know, I don't really need to wear this. Michelle did everything to control her hormones as Adrian climbed on behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Ready when you are, love.
Michelle quietly cursed the punishment as she revved up her Harley-Davidson motorcycle and flipped the switch she fore-mentioned. Within a few seconds, she was driving the motorcycle back into the garage in Hell. As she and Adrian dismounted and set the helmet's on the seat of the motorcycle, Michelle realized talking with Adrian in this fashion may have been the first step to creating Hell on Earth all over again. She had to find a way to fix it and it had to be fixed immediately . . . all three planes depended on it.
