Ruby Shadows Read online

  “Until you’ve had my cock to the root inside you and been thoroughly fucked…” Laish murmured, his eyes half-lidded. “Until that moment when you have my cum dripping out of your pussy, you are still considered a virgin—at least by Hell’s standards which are the only ones that count here.”

  My breath was already coming short and my pulse was racing but I tried to keep my voice calm.

  “But that’s not what I believe at all.”

  “It doesn’t matter what you believe, mon ange,” he said. “You are in Hell—you must abide by the Infernal rules.”

  His words gave me a tiny sliver of hope. “I don’t know what to think about that—it’s just weird. But if it’s really true, then we might be able to pay the tax without me losing half my power.”

  “It’s a possibility—but a very slim one,” Laish acknowledged. “But before we put it to the test, would you like to refresh yourself a little? Perhaps with a hot shower?”

  “That would be nice, yes,” I said gratefully. “But I thought you told me the hot shower I had back at the Citadel of Knowledge would be my last one down here.”

  He shrugged. “That was before, when I thought you would take the other option I offered. If you had, the barrier would be lowered by now and there would be no time for bathing.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said awkwardly. “I just couldn’t…couldn’t go there no matter how much he deserved it.”

  “Never apologize for being merciful, mon ange.” He cupped my cheek and stroked his thumb gently over my cheekbone. “It is one of the things I value about you—your compassion.”

  “Thank you,” I whispered, not knowing what else to say.

  Laish smiled. “You’re very welcome. Now go refresh yourself. I will meet you here when you return.” He nodded at the bed and I knew what he meant. We were meeting in bed for one reason and one alone—to commit a sexual sin great enough to pay the Sin Tax and bring the barrier crashing down.

  I just wondered if we would be able to do that without Laish taking my virginity completely.

  Chapter Thirty

  Gwendolyn

  We’d been riding all day and the steaming water spraying down from the little silver shower nozzle felt wonderful. Laish had thoughtfully provided a big puffy scrubbie along with my favorite vanilla jasmine body wash, so I was able to have a wonderful time lathering up and rinsing, taking my time and letting the hot water soothe my tired muscles.

  But after a while I knew I was as clean and relaxed and soothed as I was going to get. The only reason I was still in the shower at that point was because I was stalling. Not wanting to get out and take the next step.

  The minute I realized what I was doing, I made myself stop. After all, as Grams always says, “Soonest started, soonest finished.” In other words, just get on with it already. Although I doubted she’d approve of me applying her metaphor to losing my virginity to a demon, the principle still applied.

  I dried myself with a big, fluffy towel and applied a little scented oil I found on the tiny shelf to make my skin feel nice and soft. The long white dress with red flowers which I’d taken off had disappeared but I didn’t panic. Knowing Laish as I did, I was certain he would have left something in its place for me to wear. And sure enough, I found it—a pile of deep green silky fabric folded neatly beside the stack of towels.

  I expected it to be a slinky lingerie set like the white lace babydoll he’d conjured me to wear the night before. But to my surprise, it was just a simple green silk robe that fell to mid thigh. There were no buttons to close it—only a simple sash and I couldn’t help noticing there were no panties to go with it either. Clearly Laish wanted me completely bare beneath the silky fabric.

  I put the robe on, feeling self-conscious about the way it clung to my curves and outlined the sharp points of my nipples. But I had an idea I wouldn’t be keeping it on for long so I’d better try to get over my shyness now.

  Lifting my chin, I stepped back into the main part of the tent and saw Laish waiting for me. He was lying on his side on the bed, still wearing his suit. Well—the trousers and shirt, anyway. He had taken off the jacket and the red tie that went with it. The crisp, white shirt was unbuttoned, showing his muscular chest. Somehow seeing him still clothed while I wore almost nothing made me feel even more naked beneath the robe.

  “Mon ange,” he murmured, sitting up on the side of the bed and motioning to me to come stand by him. “You look positively radiant.”

  “Thanks.” The word came out as a nervous croak and I had to try again. “Um, thank you, I mean,” I said and came to stand between his spread thighs. He put his hands on my hips.

  “So lovely,” he murmured. “I knew that color would suit you. It makes your eyes look like the purest jade.”

  I could feel my cheeks getting hot with his compliments and the way he was looking at me. Oh Goddess, was I really going to do this? Was I finally going to give it up? How many years had I waited for the right man?

  “I am here, now,” Laish murmured, clearly answering my thought.

  I gave a broken little laugh.

  “I wish that was true. But I’m afraid I meant a man with a soul. If you had one, we could form a soul bond.”

  “Would you want to form a bond with me? Do you feel that strongly for me, mon ange?” He looked at me intently.

  “I…don’t know. I’m sorry, Laish.” I found I couldn’t meet his eyes and had to look away.

  “Never apologize for your true feelings,” he said gently. “It is I who am sorry. If we could bond, your power would be doubled or even trebled instead of being halved.”

  I sighed. “Yes, but unfortunately…”

  “I have no soul. Which puts a crimp in our relationship right from the start.” He seemed to hesitate for a moment. “What if I could acquire a soul somehow? Or even a piece of one?”

  “Are you thinking of stealing one from some hapless, unsuspecting person?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Because I wouldn’t want that, Laish—it wouldn’t be right.”

  “Yes, well…it was just a thought.” He shook his head. “Forget I said it.”

  “Look, can we just get on with this?” I asked, shifting from foot to foot. “I mean, before I lose my nerve?”

  “Not very romantic of you but completely understandable.” He pulled me down to sit beside him on the bed. Yes, we can ‘get on with it,’ as you so poetically put it, mon ange.”

  “I’m just a little nervous is all,” I admitted in a low voice. “I’d sort of given up on the idea of ever doing this. Of ever…”

  “Giving yourself sexually?” His eyes were suddenly half-lidded again, glowing like hot coals.

  “Well…yes.” I looked down at my fingers, twisting in my lap. “I guess so.”

  “Gwendolyn…” He raised my chin with one hand, making me meet his eyes. I saw lust burning in those ruby red depths but also tenderness and caring. “I swear, my darling,” he murmured, “That I will be gentle with you. I want your first experience to be completely pleasurable with no fear to mar it.”

  “Thank you. I know you do. I…I trust you.” It occurred to me that even a few days ago I never would have said those words to him, let alone meant them. But they came naturally to me now and they were the absolute truth. I knew Laish well enough at this point to know that he wanted my pleasure more than his own and that he would always put my comfort first.

  “Always, mon ange,” he murmured, stroking my cheek. “So let us begin.”

  “All right.” Taking a deep breath, I stood up again and untied the sash of the robe. Then I let it fall to the ground, baring my body for him completely. If we were going to do this, then I was going for it. No half measures.

  Laish sucked in a breath.

  “So beautiful… You take my breath away, Gwendolyn,” he said in a low voice. “Truly you do.”

  “Thank you,” I said. I could feel my cheeks getting hot but I lifted my chin. “Now you—it’s not fair if I’m the only one naked.�