Chapter Two

Three years ago

Hades breathed in her warm scent as his fingers slowly sifted through her long, silky hair. Adrianna was splayed out on top of him, her body still trembling from her orgasm, her breathing still unsteady.

"That was-" She trailed off, groaning satisfied.

Hades smiled, pressing her tighter against his chest, brushing his lips over her hair.

"How do you keep doing that?" she whispered, looking up at him with those big, blue eyes of hers.

"I know your body," he rumbled.

She bit her lip. "No not that. I meant, how do you keep making me surrender?"

His lips curled as he slowly trailed his fingers up and down her spine. "Is that what I'm doing?"

"Mmmmmm," she whispered, her lips brushing his chest. "I'm not generally like this, you know."

"Like what?"

"Soft. Girly. Out there, in the real world, I always have to have my guard up."

"Have to?"

She smiled sadly, pushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "I work in a male-dominated field, with criminals. There's no room for softness or girlyness."

"And outside of work?"

"Outside of work I'm The Crescător, goddaughter of The Originals, daughter of The Salvatores, and sister of the two only full-blood vampires in existence. I can't let me guard down there, either. Only here. With you."

"So, when you're out there, you're alone? I don't like that."

She kissed his jaw sweetly. "I'm not alone. I have my family to talk to-"

"-who you've just moved thousands of miles away from."

"Besides-" she continued as if he hadn't spoken. "-I have my best friend with me. Maggie."

"Maggie?" He cocked a brow. "That doesn't really sound like someone who can protect you, if push comes to shove."

"Protect me?" She sat up, straddling him, her palms braced on his chest. Hades smiled, folding his arms behind his head, taking in the beauty on top of him, watching her long hair cascade down those beautiful breasts. God, he loved those curls. The way they flowed between his fingers, the way they felt against his skin, the way they bounced when she rode him-

"Sweetheart," she said, trying to give him a tough look. "I know three kinds of mortal combat, I can disassemble and reassemble a nine millimeter in under eight seconds and I learned how to castrate a man with just a pair of tweezers by the time I was ten, thanks to my father. I can take care of myself. Also, don't make the mistake of underestimating Maggie. She's a pretty badass witch, you know."

"I still say you should've stayed in Italy with-"

She kissed the words from his lips, making him forget everything but her as her breasts ground against his chest. Growling at the friction, his fingers clutched her hips, her nails digging into his skin, her tongue stroking his-

-and then suddenly, she broke their kiss and got up, making his body scream out.

"What's wrong?" he growled.

"Nothing," she sang, stretching that perfect, curvy body of hers. "I just need a few minutes to recover after three rounds."

He propped himself up on his elbows, and as he watched Adrianna wrap the wool blanket that hung over the leather couch around her naked body, he was once again reminded of how fragile his girl was, how human, how...delicate.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" he growled, already getting pissed off at himself. He always intended to be careful with her, gentle...but in the heat of the moment, he often forgot about his intentions, getting caught up in her, taking her as hard and fast as his body demanded. Not that she ever complained.

"You didn't hurt me," she sang, sweetly. "Don't look so worried."

"I'm always worried when it comes to you."

She shook her head, biting that lip of hers...making his balls hurt even more.

"Don't be. Like I said, I'm a tough cookie." She shot him a teasing look, nudging his side with her toes as she sang. "You don't want to mess with me, mister."

"Oh-" he rumbled, reaching for the blanket. "-I really, really do."

She giggled, hopping out of his reach. "Keep it in your pants."

"I'm not wearing any pants."

"I've noticed." Her eyes slid down his body, her cheeks getting that delicious pink color when she reached the part of him that throbbed for her. God, he loved it when she blushed. It made her look so innocent.

"Where are we anyway?" she asked, running her fingertips over the wooden desk. "I presume this is one of your creations since I've never fantasized about getting it on in an office. Is this your office?" She tried to sound nonchalant as she slipped in that last question, but he knew her words were very measured. She knew he was tight-lipped about his life beyond their dreams, but she tried to get little scraps of information now and again anyway. Adrianna didn't like being kept in the dark, not knowing everything there was to know about someone or something.

My curious girl...

"You could say that," Hades indulged her. "Although it's not my main place of business."

"So, why not take me there?"

"Because that's no place for you."

She shot him a confused look at the sudden hard edge to his voice. He hadn't meant to sound so rough, but just the thought of Adrianna being where he spend the vast majority of his time; in that never-ending abyss where no light ever made it through the darkness, with only the dead as company...It made his skin crawl. Someone as beautiful and alive as her didn't belong in such a despicable place.

"I wanted you here-" he rumbled, softening his tone again. "-so that, whenever I'm in this office without you, I can satisfy myself with the mere thought of you, bent over my desk."

"You didn't bent me over your desk," she whispered.

"Yet."

Her eyes dropped from his as she turned her back on him, facing the wall to hide those blushing cheeks. He didn't need to see her face to hear her breathing pick up, though; and even though she was now on the other side of the room, he knew she was wet for him. Her stubbornness wouldn't allow her to admit that, off course. She'd asked for a time-out and she was going to see that through, whether her body begged for him or not.

"You should make this room a little warmer. More homely."

He grinned at her adorable attempt to change the subject, getting up from the floor. He could feel her shiver when he wrapped his arms around her from behind, could feel her body melt against his chest.

"It's an office," he rumbled. "There's no need to make it homely."

"At least get a rug," she said, her voice trembling. "That way, when you have women over, you have something soft and warm to lay them down on."

His lips twitched as he held her tighter. "Are you trying to ask me something, Adrianna"

"No," she rushed. "I'm just saying, I don't mind the floor, but not all women are as easy-going as me and I-"

"Cara," he whispered, his lips feathering her ear. "You don't have to play games. Not with me. If you want to know if I'm sleeping with other women-"

"No," she hurried, squirming embarrassed in his embrace. "It's really none of my business and I don't even want to know-"

"There are no other women," he growled, holding her tighter, trying to make her feel what he felt, what she meant to him. If she had any clue, she wouldn't ask him such ridiculous questions. "There's only you, Cara."

She sighed, relaxing in his arms again. "You don't have to say that. I don't expect you to live a celibate life just because I'm here when you fall asleep."

He stilled, that little green monster clutching his heart. He wanted to ask her if she was living a celibate life, but he'd decided a long time ago not to go there. Someone as beautiful and brilliant as Adrianna undoubtedly had someone waiting for her, someone who got to touch her; kiss her good morning and goodnight. He didn't have to hear her confirm that.

"I like this painting," she changed the subject again, pointing at the work of art that hung against the wall in front of them. "Who painted it?"

"Aurelius Guti," he rumbled, pushing away that jealous ache in his chest.

"Aurelius Guti? I've never heard of him."

"You wouldn't have. He lived in the fifteen hundreds and this was his only work, so he didn't exactly make the history books."

"Shame," she whispered as he twirled one of her curls around his finger, tugging it until it was straight and then releasing it, watching it bounce back. "He was clearly gifted."

"You think so?"

"Mmmmmm. His work...does something to me."

"It scares you."

It wasn't a question. Everyone responded to the painting the same way...and he couldn't blame them. It was an eerie piece of art. The entire canvas was pitch black, the brushstrokes creating the illusion that the darkness was alive, swirling, restlessly moving over the surface and then, in the very center, a beautiful, white butterfly was casting a little circle of white light around itself, trying to fend off the enclosing night that curled around it like greedy fingers, almost touching its wing, ready to grab it, to possess it-

"It saddens me."

Hades blinked, surprised by her correction. No one had ever felt sad when seeing this particular painting...No one but him. He'd bought it initially because it had reminded him of the girl he'd seen in the vision. He hadn't known her name yet or even that she was real and still somehow, it had reminded him of her; of his light in the dark, of his spark of hope in an otherwise hopeless existence. Now that he did know her, however, the painting reminded him of something else entirely; of the fact that he could never truly have her, that he could never truly be with Adrianna. At least, not without snuffing out her light, without dragging her into the darkness with him...and that, he would never do.

"You feel sad for the butterfly?" he asked, watching her tilt her head as she carefully brushed her index finger over the black paint.

"No," she whispered, making his frown deepen. "I feel sad for the darkness. Don't you see how it reaches out for the light? How it longs for it? How it aches? It's so...heartbreaking."

Hades' tensed, his heart overflowing, those three little worlds he could never say poised on his tongue. He'd never ached to tell her exactly who he was-what he was-as much as he did in that moment. He wanted her to know him so badly, to know every part of him, to see the darkness...and perhaps chase it away with her kindness, her compassion.

Suddenly, she turned in his embrace, holding the wool blanket closed with one hand while her other cupped his cheek sweetly.

"Are you okay?" she whispered, clearly picking up on his sudden change in mood.

He swallowed hard, curling his fingers in the wool, tugging her closer against him. "I have the most amazing woman here with me, naked, perfect. How could I not be okay?"

She smiled, shaking her head. "You really don't understand the concept of a time-out, do you?"

"Oh, I understand it," he rumbled, peeling away the fingers that were still holding the blanket closed, one by one. "Time's up."

The wool fell down in a pool by her feet, revealing that luscious body of hers...and then, she bit that lip and Hades could no longer hold back. His blood simmering, he cupped her perfect behind, lifting her up against his still naked body. She took the hint and wrapped her legs around his waist, her lips immediately molding against his.

"You taste so damned sweet," he growled

She threaded her fingers through his hair, the tip of her tongue brushing over his bottom lip. "You taste like fire."

His cock throbbing, he backed her up against the wall, feeling her nails dig into his back.

"I thought you were going to bend me over your desk," she moaned.

"Later," he groaned. "Put me inside of you."

Her warm fingers wrapped around him and he almost came on the spot, staring into those mesmerizing blue eyes of hers, filled with want, with need, with a desire so profound it matched his own. No one had ever looked at him like she did, without fear or judgement. Only she saw the man beneath the monster, the life hidden beneath death...

"God, no."

Hades growled, his fingers digging deeper into her behind. "Not the response I was hoping for."

"I'm waking up," she croaked, those beautiful eyes filling with tears. "I hate this." She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly...as if she was trying to use his body as an anchor to keep herself in the dream. She knew it wouldn't work, though...and so did he. Nevertheless, he held her just as tightly, trying to keep her with him despite knowing better.

"Promise me something," she whispered as he felt a teardrop fall on his neck.

"Anything," he grunted.

"Promise me that one day, I'll wake up in your arms."

Hades' heart sank, that sick feeling welling up in his stomach. He could feel how much she needed him to make that promise, how much comfort and happiness that seemingly simple vow would bring her...but he couldn't say the words. He couldn't promise her such a simple, basic thing. And he hated himself for it.

"Adrianna," he whispered into her curls. "Listen, I-"

And then, he was alone, rage and frustration making him shove his fist straight through the wall before vanishing from the dream himself, counting down the minutes until the night would once again descend on Earth and Adrianna would come back to him.


"You're not giving up, are you?"

Adrianna cocked a meaningful brow at the man who was seated on her couch, lounging back casually, his feet on her tiny coffee table. Gabriel Vasquez was the best private eye in the city and her precinct had used his skills on more than one occasion. She herself had only met him a little over a year ago, when the second victim of The Carver had been found. It had become clear that her colleagues weren't very eager to stand by her in this case, Rodchenko being the powerful man that he was, so she'd had to look elsewhere for help.

Enter Gabriel Vasquez.

She hadn't been sure what to expect of the PI at first-he had a reputation for being a loose cannon-but it had turned out they were the perfect fit. They both put their jobs first, they were both dedicated to nailing Rodchenko and they were both tightlipped about their personal lives- which, as the daughter of two legendary vampires, sister of two legends in the making and goddaughter of a Clan of Originals, was something she could appreciate.

"Off course I'm not giving up. I just need to be more careful. If the sergeant finds out I'm still working this case even though he's now officially taken me of it, I'm in serious trouble."

"He won't hear it from me."

She cast him a grateful smile.

"But I am going to urge you to be careful, Adrianna," he said, running a hand through his brown hair as he sat up straighter. "You don't have a police force behind you anymore. No wiretaps to know what he's planning, no surveillance outside of his house to keep an eye on him... We're in the dark."

"I know," she sighed, pinching her nose as she paced in front of her tiny fireplace. "Which is why I just want you to know that I would understand if this is the end of the line for you, too."

His brows pulled together. "What?"

"He's a dangerous man, Gabriel."

"I've dealt with dangerous men before."

"Not like him," she sighed, leaning back against the exposed brick of her wall. "He's not just a serial killer; he's a serial killer who knows he can get away with it. He has money, contacts...and a police force that's unwilling to move in, despite the evidence-"

"Well-" Gabriel mumbled, his brown eyes looking away from hers.

"What?"

"It's just that, there's no real evidence, is there?" he said, adding when he noticed her glaring, "Hey, I believe you! I know it's him...but I can see why your sergeant believes otherwise. Rodchenko has alibis-"

"-provided by his staff!"

"-and camera footage that puts him in his club at the time of the murders-"

"That could've been doctored! They're his cameras for God's sake!"

"Again-" he said, standing up. "-I believe you, but I can see why others might have some trouble doing the same."

"With my record, my suspicions should be enough to at least get a search warrant!"

"Yes, you're twenty-four and already a detective, which is impressive, but you can't deny that sometimes, you're an unguided missile, Salvatore. You see a bad guy and you charge-"

"-and I'm always right!"

"True, but you do things without thinking twice about the possible repercussions for you or your career-"

"I don't give a crap about my career!" she snarled, offended. "I'll direct traffic when all this is over if I have to, as long as it gets that evil bastard off these streets!"

"The point is, others might be apprehensive to do the same. They want careers, they want to become a detective like you, a sergeant-"

"They don't deserve those positions if they're not willing to lose them just for the sake of doing what's right!"

"Not everyone sees it that way. The world isn't black and white-"

"I know how the world works, Gabriel!" she cut him off. "Probably better than you do! I don't see only black and white! I know there's a grey-zone that's made up of about a million different shades of grey! I know there's a margin within doing wrong that can be considered right and vice versa-I grew up knowing that-but Dimitri Rodchenko doesn't fall into that grey zone! He's in the darkness, bathing in it, soaking it up, knowing we can't get to him anyway! I can't abide that and I don't understand how anyone can."

He let out a deep sigh, moving closer to her. "Listen to me, Anna. I love your spirit, I do, but it will get you into trouble if you're not careful. Right now, Rodchenko has no idea who you are. He has never seen you, he doesn't know it's you who's been ordering regular raids of his club. It has to stay that way. If he finds out, there's no telling what he might do."

She sniffed. "Let him make a move. At least then, I can charge him with something, get a damned warrant to search every inch of every single one of his properties and throw his ass behind bars for the rest of his life."

"The DEA can't even make a drug-charge stick to this guy and everyone knows he deals. Does that sound like the type of man who will leave evidence in his home? A warrant won't do you any good."

She narrowed her eyes, but before she could bite his head of, Gabriel said, "Again, I'm on your side. In fact-" he reached in the inside pocket of his brown, leather jacket, pulling out a scap of paper. "Guess who I just found."

"Who?"

"Frederik Gerard."

Adrianna's eyes widened as she snatched the paper from his fingers. "Are you kidding me?"

"He's working under a different name, in a different club, but yeah, it's him."

She laughed, feeling ecstatic as she flew forward, pulling him in for a hug. "You are a superstar!"

She could feel his arms tighten around her, his hands pressing down on her back, his breath in her neck...and at once, guilt hit her from every side. She knew Gabriel had a little thing for her, she'd known for a while...but she didn't feel the same way and hugging him might send the wrong message. She didn't want to string the man along. She wasn't that kind of girl.

Releasing him, she shot him an innocent smile and sang, "You know, I'm suddenly in the mood for a night out."

Gabriel smiled back, reading between the lines.

"Are you?" he played along. "Where would you like to go? A bar, a nice restaurant, maybe?"

"Mmmmm, all excellent ideas, but how do you feel about hitting a club this evening?"

Gabriel grinned, already holding the door open for her. "Sounds delightful."


"This is harassment."

Adrianna shared a fake confused look with Gabriel as she nursed her diet coke. "Harassment? How can two people having a drink in this fine establishment be considered harassment?"

"You ordered that drink an hour ago!" Frederik hissed.

"Well, that might be considered rude," Gabriel chimed in. "But not harassment."

She made a clucking-sound with her tongue, digging into the pocket of her burgundy, leather jacket for her phone. "You know, maybe he's right. Maybe I am accidentally harassing him. I should probably check with my colleagues-"

"Stop it," Frederik hissed under his breath, moving in closer so none of the other people at the bar could hear him. "Don't call the cops."

"Okay, I won't," Adrianna said, putting her phone on the glass bar as a silent threat. "Tell us about Dimitri Rodchenko."

Frederik visibly tensed, his Adam's Apple moving up and down, slowly. "He's my old boss. I used to tend bar in his club downtown before I got the job here. I've been here for six months-"

"We didn't ask for your resumé," Gabriel cut him off. "Dimitri Rodchenko."

"What do you want to know?"

"You worked for him for five years, made good money," Adrianna said. "Why leave to work here?"

He smiled, but any child could see the fear in his eyes. "Have you looked around? His club was a dump compared to this. This place is packed every single night, which means more tips."

Adrianna let her eyes roam around the space as Frederik spoke...and she had to admit that he had a point. She hadn't been to many clubs-only went when she was being pushed by Maggie-but even she could tell this place was exceptional. Multiple black gothic chandeliers hung above the deep black dance floor; a soft blue light emerged from the walls and ceiling; there were booths with majestic sofas where the VIP's were seated, consuming bottles of booze she would never be able to afford; and in the very back, built into the wall, was a enormous window, overlooking the crowd. Straining her eyes, she tried to see what was behind that window, but it was so dark there that she couldn't make anything out...and yet, her eyes refused to break away. As if hypnotized, she stared into the blackness, drowning in something she couldn't see...but she could feel it. Even though she knew there was loud music booming through the club, the world suddenly fell silent as a heat enveloped her, slipping into her pores, her heart, her lunges, making it hard to breath or think or speak...

"Anna?!"

Gabriel's voice snapped Adrianna out of whatever had just happened, the frantic beat of the current song thumping in her ears again.

"Are you okay"

"Yes, fine," she said, rubbing her forehead as she reached into her back pocket and pulled out three pictures. "So, Frederik, when you were working for Rodchenko, did you ever see any of these women?"

"No."

"Are you a psychic?" she snapped, slamming the photographs down on the bar. "Because if you're not, you should really look at the pictures before you answer the question."

Grinding his teeth, Frederik's eyes dropped to the bar, to the photos...and then he froze. It only lasted a split second, his body shutting down, but she'd seen it...and so had Gabriel.

"You have seen these woman," Gabriel said, narrowing his eyes. "In Rodchenko's club?"

Frederik looked back up, his eyes hard. "No. I've never seen them."

"That's bullshit, Gerard!" Adrianna hissed. "You recognized them! Tell me what you know!"

"I don't know anything!"

Grabbing the pictures, Adrianna held them up, practically shoving them in his face as she snarled, "Look at them, Frederik! These are women the man you're protecting raped, cut up and left to die! I know you're not a bad guy, at least not as bad as Rodchenko! Can you really live with the next body that shows up? 'Cause that will be on you and I won't-"

Frederik's fingers suddenly wrapped around her wrist, slamming her hand back down on the bar, his eyes piercing hers venomously. She could see other clubgoers move away, startled...but none of them intervened as his nails dug deeper into her skin, bruising her as the pictures crumpled in her hand. She tried to pull herself free, tried not to show he was hurting her, tried to-

"Unhand the woman or lose the fucking hand!"

Adrianna could see the sudden terror in the bartender's eyes at the loud, animalistic command coming from behind her; she even spotted Gabriel tensing...and yet, her body completely relaxed.

Okay, maybe not completely.

Her heart raced just as it had the last time she'd been in the same room with him, her breathing faltered, every nerve ending stood on edge...and that was only from the sound of his voice. His low, raw voice.

The second Frederik's fingers unclutched from her wrist, she cradled it to her chest, rubbing her skin.

"I'm sorry, sir," Frederik said, his voice trembling. "But she's been accusing me of shit I haven't done and-"

"Are you the owner of this place?" Gabriel cut him off, addressing the man behind her.

"I am," he growled.

"Then we need to speak to you as well."

"No." Adrianna wasn't sure why she'd spat out her objection so quickly...Although, if she would have to guess, she'd say it had to do with the fact that she didn't like the effect this man had on her and she wanted to get out of there, now. Whenever he was around, her otherwise rational mind shut down and she no longer felt like a detective with combat-training and a gun...but like a girl, mushy and completely at his mercy.

She couldn't have that.

"Excuse us for a second," Gabriel said, his hand suddenly on her waist, pulling her closer so he could whisper in her ear, "Anna, this guy is in the same line of business as Rodchenko. He could know him. Or at least help us out."

"I don't think he can."

Gabriel frowned, clearly annoyed. "You don't think he can? Seriously?"

She sighed, realizing it wasn't like her to let an opportunity like this pass by. This was the closest she'd gotten to any kind of inside information on Rodchenko. She couldn't just walk away.

"Okay, you're right," she said, pulling herself together. "We'll question him."

"You," Gabriel said, his eyes flickering to Frederik. "I'm staying here with our friend in case he suddenly grows a conscience."

Alone? With him? In a room?

"Or I stay with Frederik and you go-"

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Gabriel hissed now. "You're the one who knows everything about this case, you know what to ask. Go."

"Fine," she hissed back, hesitating for one more second before she turned...and faced him.

A small part of her had thought that her imagination had run wild after that morning, that he couldn't possibly be as attractive as she'd remembered him...but she could tell now that she'd been very, very wrong. If anything, he was more handsome. Her mind had forgotten certain details, like his strong chin, his luscious lips, his sharp and intelligent eyes. He had a grim expression on his face tonight, but even that didn't diminish his beauty. Quite the opposite. It only added to his aura of masculine power.

"Do you have a place where detective Salvatore can ask you some questions?" Gabriel said when she remained silent.

The man's jaw set even more and then, without a word, he turned and headed for the stairs in the very back, stairs that led up to a room...a room behind the giant window that was now bathing in light.

A sharp shove in her back made Adrianna's legs remember their function and as she trailed after the man, she swore she wouldn't embarrass herself any more than she already had. She would behave like a normal person, like a Salvatore, do her job and catch the bad guy.

Period.

The second she entered the room she'd followed him to, that strange sense of recognition hit her again, as if she'd been there before...But just as she was certain she'd never met that man before that morning, she was positive she'd never been in that office. So what was that recurring feeling of deja-vu about?

He stood behind his wooden desk, fingering through a stack of papers. He was wearing a different suit than he'd had on this morning, but it fit him just as well. The fabric wasn't straining around his tense muscles, but it wasn't so loose it hid them either. Just right. Just...perfect.

Careful, a soft voice suddenly whispered in her mind. You don't know this man. You don't know if he can be trusted.

"Thank you for your help down there," she said, noticing his fingers stilling on the documents for a second. "I had everything under control, but still-"

"Ask your questions and leave."

Adrianna wasn't sure why his barking words felt like a direct hit to the gut. Had she not intended to do what he was demanding? Get this business over with and hightail out of there?

So, why did it hurt?

"Okay then," she said, closing the door behind her. "Let's start of with an easy one. I presume you have a name."

His eyes snapped up, touching hers. Why couldn't she just get used to those damned eyes? Why did she always have to forget how to breath?

And why did he seem stumped by her question?

"You do have a name, right?" she asked, watching him closely. "If you're not willing to tell me, I can just take your fingerprints, go back to the station and look you up-"

"I'm Lucian," he cut her off, straightening his back. "Lucian Nox."

Lucian, she mentally sighed. Off course he has a strong, masculine name like Lucian. Is there anything not hot about this man?

"Detective Adrianna Salvatore," she introduced herself, giving him a tight nod. "Homocide. Now-"

"The man you were with called you Anna."

She frowned. "What?"

"The man with his hand on your waist and his lips on your ear," Lucian rumbled, a muscle in his jaw twitching. "He called you Anna."

"He does that sometimes, yes," she said, pushing a stray raven tendril out of her face. "It's just a short version of Adrianna."

His eyes followed her fingers as they brushed the curl over her cheek, the wooden desk creaking underneath his clutching hands. "Do you prefer Anna?"

"No."

His gaze softened, as if he was relieved by her answer...and her body melted. It was the first time he wasn't glaring or scowling, the first time she saw a warm side to him and God, did she like it...

Stop it, Adrianna! You don't know this man!

Trying to break the spell he had her under, she turned her back on him, pretending to check up on Gabriel and Frederik through the enormous window...but it only took a few seconds before her eyes were pulled back to Lucian, catching his reflexion in the glass...and finding him watching her as well, his eyes slowly moving down her body and back up. She didn't know whether to whack him or melt into a puddle. The feminist in her demanded the former, but another part of her-the girly part she always pushed back, but was now taking centerstage-was flustered and even flattered. Her skin tingled as he examined her with those gorgeous grey eyes, nerves surging through her, that feeling of drowning in something she couldn't see overwhelming her again...and then, a niggling suspicion crept into her mind.

"Were you watching me earlier?" she blurted out, making his light eyes touch hers in the glass again. "When I was questioning Frederik, were you watching me from up here, from the dark?"

"Why would I do that?" he growled.

"You tell me."

She could've sworn she saw his eyes darken before he looked away again and he snarled, "I don't spy on people. That's more your thing, isn't it?"

Her cheeks turned a rosy pink as she looked away. "I wasn't spying on you this morning. You walked in and I just happened to be there-"

"Do not lie, miss Salvatore."

"It's detective Salvatore to you," she corrected him in a strong voice. "And since we're on the subject of this morning, here's my second question; are you human?"

He stiffened. "What?"

She crossed her arms over her chest, turning back to face him. "You heard me."

He straightened, scowling. "Why would you ask me that?"

"You were in a magic shop."

"Many people go to magic shops, including you, and I'm not asking you about the status of your humanity."

"I was there because it's my friend's shop."

His scowl deepened...and then he pressed his eyes shut and she could've sworn she heard him hiss Maggie under his breath..but it would make no sense for him to know Margaret's name, so she must've misheard.

"And you weren't there for love potions or some other toeristy-things. You were there shopping for an ancient Codex," she continued "And you called Maggie a witch, so clearly, you know that magic isn't just a fairytale."

His jaw set again.

"So...human or something else?"

"Do I look like a demon?" he snarled.

"Demons seldom do."

Those eyes intensified on hers again, making her stomach tingle.

What the hell is wrong with you, Adrianna? Seriously?! You've been around attractive men before, right?

None like him.

True, but you're embarrassing yourself here, so snap out of it!

Tearing her eyes away from his, she sank down on the leather couch that stood in front of his desk, draping one arm over the headrest.

"Okay," she said, trying to sound professional again. "So, let's just get down to business, shall we? I'm here to ask your bartender about-"

Adrianna trailed off when she noticed the way he was suddenly looking at her. She wasn't sure what that expression on his face was, but if she had to guess, she'd say it was a cross between rage and...fury. And the strangest part was that his glaring eyes were focused on her fingers which were playing with the wool blanket that hung over the back of the couch.

Have you seen his suits? This office? That blanket you're plucking is probably worth more than your car.

Getting the hint, Adrianna got up again, hooking her thumbs in her jeans, deciding to get to the point before she pissed him off even more and he refused to give her any answers. It's not like she could come back with a warrant or take him in for questioning. If her sergeant of her captain found out she was even here, she'd be in deep shit.

"Do you know a man named Dimitri Rodchenko?"

"Not personally no," he snarled, his voice still rough. "But I've been told about him."

"By Frederik?" she asked, eager.

"Who?"

"Your bartender. His real name is Frederik Gerard."

"Oh," he rumbled. "I need to do better background checks, I see. But, to answer your question, no. Frederik hasn't spoken to me about Rodchenko."

"Who told you about him, then?"

"A woman."

She didn't like the way her chest reacted to that answer.

"Is this the same woman you need the protection spells from the Gomorrah Codex for?"

"Who says I need them for a woman?"

"Don't you?"

Lucian's hands clutched the edge of his desk tightly. "Is this line of questioning going anywhere, miss Salvatore?"

"Detective Salvatore," she corrected again. "And I was just wondering if this woman needs protection from Rodchenko. If so, maybe I should be talking to her."

His lips twitched, but the nearly-there smile disappeared so quickly she'd barely registered it before it was gone again.

"I can guarantee you she knows nothing you don't."

So there is a woman...

Was she really surprised a man like him had a girlfriend?

Without meaning to, her eyes dropped to his fingers, something inside of her unknotting relieved when she didn't find a wedding ring.

Like it makes a difference, a voice sniffed in her head. The man clearly can't stand you. Besides, you're turning immortal soon. Getting involved with a mortal would be an incredibly stupid move, Adrianna. You can't built anything serious and you don't do casual flings. Although, an exception can always be made...

"This Rodchenko," he rumbled, slipping into his leather desk chair, unbuttoning his suit jacket as he sat. "He's dangerous, yes?"

She nodded, trying her best to keep her eyes of the shirt that strained around him. "Yes."

"Then maybe it's not so smart to go around asking questions about him."

"Asking questions about dangerous men is kind of what I do."

"Then maybe you should do something else."

She smiled, incredulous. "You and my father would get along great."

"I seriously doubt it."

Her eyebrows knotted together at that, but before she could ask what that was supposed to mean, there was a knock on the door and Lucian bellowed, "Come in."

Another man in a suit entered, but he didn't pull off the attire nearly as well as Lucian Nox did...and she hated that as a trained, professional detective, that was the first thing she noticed.

"Sir," the blonde man said. "A moment?"

Lucian frowned, giving him a tight nod.

"I could come back later," Adrianna said when he rose.

"No," he barked, buttoning up that black jacket again. "I want this dealt with today, miss Salvatore."

"Detective-"

"And I don't have the time to meet with you again," he cut her off, casting her a dark glare. "Nor the desire."

There was that strange kick in the gut-feeling again.

"I will be back shortly," he said, moving across the office.

"Okay, but I can't stay long. I have to get back to the precinct and-"

He shut the door on her without a second glance, making her blood boil.

She didn't like be ignored.

She didn't like it one bit.

"Superior asshole," she fumed under her breath.

She wanted to walk out that very instant, show him that she wasn't a dog who would stay at his command...but more than that, she wanted to catch Rodchenko and she knew that if Lucian Nox would refuse to meet with her again, she wouldn't be able to force him. This was her only chance.

And this has nothing to do with the fact that you're not ready to walk out of here...or more specifically, to walk out on him?

Oh, please, she sniffed. I met him three seconds ago! I can walk out!

Then go. He's been nothing but rude to you. Just walk out.

Her hands balling in fists, she glanced at the door, seriously considering to leave...but then, her eyes caught something, something that made her feet head to the wall behind his desk instead of the exit.

Fascinated, Adrianna stared at the painting, something inside of her mind pushing, trying to break free from a confinement she hadn't put there herself.

And yet, it was there.

Somehow.

I've seen this before, she thought, her eyes running over the black paint that flowed on the canvas; over the butterfly that shone in the middle.

A warmth suddenly enveloped her, as if strong arms wrapped around her body, held her tight, made her feel safe and wanted...

Sighing confused, Adrianna untied her ponytail, letting her curls spill over her back...and it was only then, when she heard him softly growl-actually growl-behind her, that she realized Lucian had returned. She'd been so caught up in the painting that she hadn't even heard him enter. Spinning around, she gathered her hair over one shoulder, his grey eyes following her curls.

His angry grey eyes.

"Sorry," she said, moving from behind his desk. He clearly didn't appreciate her being there.

When she moved, he moved and she suddenly realized he'd never been on the same side of the room as her. There was always at least a desk between them...

"Is that painting famous?" she asked, pointing at the work of art behind his back, trying to figure out where she'd seen it before.

"No. It's not," he barked. "Now, do you have anymore questions or-"

"Anymore?" she cut him of, crossing her arms over her chest. "I think I've asked you maybe two questions-"

"Then get to it. I have better things to do."

Her blood boiling, Adrianna pulled the three pictures out of her jeans again, throwing them down on his desk, snapping, "I think they deserve a little bit more of your precious time, don't you?"

Lucian spread the pictures out over his desk, studying the shorthaired, blonde women depicted on them. At least he wasn't just denying knowing them without really looking, like Frederik had done. His genuine interest made her feel a tad guilty about snapping at him...

"I haven't seen them," he rumbled, gathering the pictures again and holding them out for her, his fingers clutching the tiny corner furthest away from her, as if he was afraid she'd accidentally touch him or something.

"Are these the women Rodchenko killed?" he asked as she slipped the pictured back in her pocket.

She cocked a suspicious brow. "I didn't say he killed anyone."

"You introduced yourself as a homicide detective, so I don't think you're asking about Rodchenko because he jaywalked."

She really, really tried not to smile, but she knew she'd failed when his eyes dropped to her lips...and lingered there, his fingers flexing and then digging into the edge of his desk. She could actually hear the wood creak, could hear her own breathing start to turn into pants as his eyes remained glued on her mouth, as her mind went to new, surprising places. For a moment, she wondered what it would be like if he did more than look, if he would touch her lips with his, suckled them, bite them...

Her thighs rubbed together in a weak effort to extinguish the fire he was igniting, her teeth biting down, snatching her bottom lip and drawing it into her mouth-

"Leave."

She was pulled out of her haze of lust by his angry voice, feeling as if he'd just thrown a bucket of ice cold water over her, shocking her body to its core.

"Excuse me?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

"What didn't you understand?" He barked, his eyes dropping to his desk again. "Leave, miss Salvatore."

"Detective-" she bit her tongue, shaking her head. "You're doing that on purpose, right?"

He didn't admit to it...but he didn't deny it, either.

Nor did he look at her. Or speak.

Is he ignoring me? Again?

"Frederik Gerard seems to be afraid of you."

He tensed for a moment, but then continued to leaf through the pile of documents.

"I think that if you asked him about Rodchenko-" she continued, unhindered. "-about his history with him, about these women-"

His charcoal eyes snapped up to hers, pinning her down with a vicious glare. "Are you having trouble hearing? I've asked you to leave."

"And I'm asking you-"

"-to question my own bartender."

"Not question," she said, realizing all too well that she was pushing her luck. "But maybe you could convince him to answer some of my questions."

"And why would I do that?"

"Because you're a decent human being?"

His jaw locked. "Try again."

She frowned, suddenly seeing a flicker of turmoil in his eyes. She didn't like the way her gut turned at the sight...or the way her heart ached to make that pain go away...

And why the hell did even that feel familiar?

"You don't think you're a decent human being?" she asked, her voice soft.

"This surprises you?" he growled. "A minute ago, you weren't even sure I was a human being, let alone a decent one. Now, I'm not a man who likes repeating himself and yet, this will now be the third time I've asked you to get out-"

"I can get you the Gomorrah Codex."

As she'd expected, that peeked his interest.

"I didn't take you for the bribing-kind," he rumbled.

"It's not a bribe. It's an incentive to do the right thing. If you convince Frederik Gerard to speak to me and tell me what he knows, I will get you that book."

Lucian just stared at her, not saying a word...but he wasn't telling her to fuck off either.

"This is your only chance to get that Codex," she added, trying to convince him. "Maggie will never voluntarily let you near it after the scene you made in the shop this morning."

"The scene I made?" he gnarled.

She bit her tongue, crossing her arms over her chest again. "This woman you need the Codex for, the woman you want to protect...You care about her, yes?"

"Yes," he snapped. "I do."

"Then help me protect the women in this city from Rodchenko and I'll help you protect your woman."

He watched her in silence and she could actually see the wheels turning in his mind. He knew she was his only chance to get that book, to get those spells...

"And if your friend doesn't agree with this deal?" he asked, his voice raw.

"She will."

"And if Frederik has nothing of importance to tell you?"

"He has."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Instinct."

"That's not a lot to go on."

"Yes, it is, but if it's not enough for you, then know that I've been working on this case for over two years, non-stop. I know every piece on the board and Frederik Gerard was a very important piece...up until he disappeared of the radar eight months ago. He knows things. He's seen things. I need to talk to him... Please."

It was at the please that his eyes narrowed into slits and she was sure he was going to physically remove her from his office...but then, he snarled, "Fine. I'll talk to him. I'll convince him."

She blinked, surprised, quickly pulling her card out of her pocket before he changed his mind. "Uhm, thank you. Here's my number-"

He snatched the card out of her fingers, throwing it randomly on his desk without even glancing at it.

"Listen very carefully," he gnarled, pressing his palms down on the wood, leaning forwards threateningly, his eyes narrow and furious. "I'll talk to Frederik, he'll help you out, you get me that Codex and we part ways. Understood?"

She narrowed her eyes as well, trying to hide the effect his words had on her. He was giving her exactly what she'd come for...and yet, for some reason, the joy she'd expected to feel at finally catching a break in The Carver-case, wasn't anywhere to be found. In fact, instead of joy, there was a trace of sadness. But that didn't make any sense... Why would she be sad? He'd done nothing but glare, snap, bark... Why would she want him around?

"Fine by me," she lied, swallowing hard. "It's not like you're such delightful company, Chuckles."

She could've sworn she saw his lips twitch at that, but before she could make sure, his face turned stoic again and he gnarled, "Good. Get out, detective Salvatore."

"My pleasure," she sang, heading for the exit...ignoring the way her every instinct was begging to turn around and stay...with him.

Okay, enough, Adrianna! Just go and put him and this entire strange night out of your mind-

"Aurelius Guti."

She had no idea where that name suddenly came from, but as soon as it slipped from her lips, she knew Aurelius Guti was the man who'd painted the artwork on Lucian's wall. She couldn't name a single other painting of his or had any clue what the man looked like...but somehow, the name was there, embedded in a memory she couldn't access.

"What did you just say?" he whispered, watching her with a strange fire in his eyes.

"Aurelius Guti. He's the painter, isn't he?"

"Yes," Lucian growled, his Adam's Apple bouncing. "How do you know that?"

"I have no idea," she whispered as she shook her head and opened the door. It was time to end this weirdness. Maybe when she put some distance between her and Lucian, she could gather her thoughts and figure out why the hell she responded to him like she did. There had to be a rational explanation for it, right?

"I'll be expecting your call, mister Nox."

And with that, she left that office, left a frowning Lucian, collected Gabriel and headed out of the club, all the while ignoring the feeling of being watched...no doubt by a pair of beautiful, tormented grey eyes.


Hades sat behind his desk, emptying his second glass of scotch, the card with her name and number on it clutched between his fingers. He could still smell her. Her luscious, mouthwatering scent still lingered in the room, still penetrated his senses, still set his blood on fire.

How had things gone so wrong so fast? Two days...Two fucking days. That's how long he'd managed to stay out of her life. And the worst part was, that it was his own damned fault. Adrianna had told him about Maggie in their dreams, told him about the magic shop. He'd just been so blinded by the news that the Gomorrah Codex had survived the ages, that he hadn't thought things through. All he'd thought about was getting that book, getting those spells and protecting his love. He hadn't expected to find Adrianna there, looking all sweet and gorgeous...

It had taken all of his strength to walk out of that store, to leave her behind...and then, as luck would have it, she shows up in his club that same fucking day.

Being in one room with her-especially in this room-and not touch her, had been nothing less than sheer torture. He hadn't even been able to look at her without imagining her on the floor, against the wall, riding him on that couch-

He slammed the glass down on his desk, his eyes finding the blanket her delicate fingers had been brushing earlier...the one she'd wrapped around her naked body in their dream. Even just watching her touch it had made him hard-

"You look like crap."

Hades locked his jaw, shooting Aphrodite a vicious glare. "Are you just going to keep dropping in like this?"

"Yes," she said, her eyebrows knitting together as she sank down on one of the chairs opposite to him. "I don't think I'll ever get used to those grey eyes."

"You gave them to me," Hades rumbled, pulling the crystal she'd handed him at Olympus out from under his shirt, holding it up against the light. As soon as the jewel had consumed his immortality, it had turned dark as night and for some reason, his eyes had gone from black to grey, as if the crystal had pulled all of the darkness right out of him.

"Why are you here, Aphrodite? I'm not in the mood."

"Really?" she said, glancing around the dark room. "I never would've guessed. There's suck an uplifting atmosphere in here."

When Hades just glared at her, the goddess added, "I came because they send me to check up. I just have to hang for a little while and then go back and lie to them, tell them your plan's running smoothly, that you've met the girl."

Hades wasn't sure exactly what he'd done to betray himself, but he'd done something, because suddenly, Aphrodite straightened and sang, "You've met her!"

"I didn't mean to," he gnarled. "She sort of...came out of nowhere."

Aphrodite grinned, her eyes sparkling.

"Don't look at me like that," he snapped. "It doesn't change anything."

"Really? So, this sitting in the dark and drinking-thing has nothing to do with her?"

"Even if it did, the plan is still the same."

"You won't be seeing her again then?"

Hades clutched her business card tighter, grinding his teeth when Aphrodite started laughing at his hesitation.

"I have to!" he defended himself. "She has something I need, but after I get it from her, we're done!"

"Do you actually believe that?"

"Yes, because it's true!"

The goddess rolled her eyes.

"By the way," Hades continued, pouring himself another royal serving of scotch. "Is there any way that she could ever remember the time we spend together in those dreams?"

Aphrodite shrugged. "I don't think so. Why?"

"When she was here earlier, she said something."

"Said what?"

"A name," he rumbled, glancing at the painting behind him. "A name I told her about in one of our dreams."

"Huh," she sang. "Well, the truth is we haven't really been in this situation before. The people who use that potion take it because they can't be with the one whose dreams they invade. Never have both subjects met."

Yet another reason to stay the hell away from her.

"Alright," Aphrodite said, getting up. "I need to get back. Good luck with the whole leaving her-plan, although, if it keeps going the way it's going, I'll probably catch you in bed with her the next time I pop in."

Hades opened his mouth to curse her out, but before he could, she was gone again...leaving him alone to imagine what it would be like to actually be in bed with Adrianna, to hold her, kiss her, taste her on his tongue...

"Vincent!"

The door flew open at his loud command, his guard entering. "Yes, sir?"

"Get Frederik's ass up here! Now!"

"Whose ass, sir?"

"The fucking bartender's!"

The man nodded, immediately doing as he was told.

The faster Hades got Frederik Gerard to help Adrianna out, the faster he got his hands on that Codex and the faster he got to cut all ties with her.

And it better happen fast...because even though he had every intention to see his plan through, he wasn't sure how many more interactions he could have with her before he acted on his instincts; instincts that didn't give a fuck about his plans or intentions; instincts that only wanted one thing...

Her.