Free Sweet Revenge (Dueling with the Devil) by Vivi Dumas Page A

l, I’m going out for a whi l e . I’ l l b e b ac k s oo n . ”
    Xavier raised a brow in question .“ U m, you plan to just leave me here ? ”
    “ Absolutely. I need some me time . ”
    “ Isn’t that a bit rude ? ”
    “ And ? ”
    Jacque interrupted the back and forth .“ I think I should get back to my woma n, before she decides to roll out with Bell. He y, you really shouldn’t be out by yoursel f, especially with that thing still out there. Take Sean with you . ”
    “ Just go back to your precious Angel. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself .” Her voice raised an octave.
    Jacque shook his head and slapped Xavier on the back .“ Like I sai d, she’s all yours . ”
    Once her ex was out of earsho t, Xavier zeroed in on her .“ What the hell is this about leaving? You know we’re stuck with each other . ”
    “ Nope. You’re off house arrest. Luc freed us. I’m outta here. Maybe I’ll run into a real male while I’m out . ”
    Xavier trapped her against the counte r, cupping her ass .“ You weren’t complaining upstairs .”
    If she didn’t need his suppor t, she would smack him for groping her. Her legs felt weak and wav y, like paper streamers. His hands scorched a sensuous imprint on her body and mind. His musky scent crushed her defense s, drawing her to him. She dug her nails into her palm s, the pain allowing her to break his spell.
    She used all her strength to push him away from her . “ Y o u w e r e a n a pp e t i ze r . I’ m g o in g to f in d a f u ll m e a l . ”
    Anger flared h is nostrils. He snatched her by her arm .“ All you Royal Court bitches are the same. Afraid to admit you like to slum it with us Wasteland thugs. I hope you fucking choke on your meal .” Without another wor d, he released her and left the kitchen.
    Bell remained still. Both her heart and hands were unsteady. She has never been afraid of much in her life. Twice tonigh t, she met with fear. She finally understood Xavier’s reputation. He was a force to be reckoned with. His eyes held the promise of imminent danger. Although every instinct told her to stay away from hi m, deep inside he fulfilled a primal desire no other male has ever uncovered.
    t t t
    The night was a moist blanket of heat. The aroma of jasmine and roses infused the air. Etienne’s garden was one of the loveliest in the city. Leave it to a vampire to pay attention to every detail to attract the living. Bell journeyed down the trail leading to the garages in the back alley. Voices from the gazebo caught her attention before she reached her destination.
    Peaking around the large Magnolia tre e, she spied on her brother and the woman she despised .“ Ange l, my as s , ” Bell scoffed. She expected this from the conniving Creole bitc h, but not her brother. The two were always way too friendly. Now they were sneaking around in the dark. Bell sunk lowe r, crawling closer to get in better hearing distance. One of the advantages of being demon was enhanced sense s, not as good as the damned vampire s, but better than humans.
    “ S o, you sure you want to do this ?” her brother questioned.
    Angel smiled .“ No. But she’s your sister . ”
    Laurent reached over and squeezed her hand .“ Jac is a lucky man. I hope I find someone like you one day .” His eyes glowed with affection and appreciation.
    “ I’ll let her come to the weddin g, but if she does anything to mess it u p, I will personally fill her with silver. I love you Lauren t, but I’ve waited all my life for this day. I want it to be perfect. I want Jacque to be happy. You two are family to hi m, s o I ’ l l put up w i t h h e r c r a z y a s s . ”
    “ She’s not that bad. She has taken care of me most of my life. It’s my turn to make sure she’s okay. I think you two have more in common than you think . ”
    Angel patted his leg .“ You’re a good guy and a better brother. Bell’s lucky to have you. I know Jac hurt he r, but she’ll be fine. The one