Heaven to Hell (A Naughty Box Production Book 1)

by Rue Volley

  It stopped suddenly.

  “You beckoned?” His voice came from the right, liquid velvet and whiskey rough. Dressed in a pair of tight fighting black jeans and a black button down he seemed sheik, hip, and young. Except for his eyes, those bottomless pools of black were timeless. Light-brown hair fell to his nape and framed an angular face

  “Death.” She smiled

  “Layla, it’s been sometime since we last spoke.”

  “Purgatory keeps me busy.”

  “But you love it?” He smirked

  “I do. How’ve you been?”

  “Good, souls to collect, people to kill… thinking I might need a bit of a vacation topside. Come see this bar of yours.”

  “You know I’ve always got a stool open for you.” She’d grown close to Death during her time in Hell. Like her he walked in-between heaven and hell. He got a bad rep. His wicked sense of humor, style, and love for normal things had stunned her.

  “You know I love playing catch up with you, but I get the sense you summoned for a specific purpose.”

  “I need information, about Lucifer.”

  Death’s eyes widened. “Okay, that’s the last thing I expected you to say.”

  “It’s about Heaveleigh, she’s in danger. They found a prophecy about the gates of hell and she’s at the epicenter. Does he know it’s her? Or about her?” Gesturing with her hands to work off the nervous energy coursing through her body she shifted her weight.

  He sighed.“I wish I could tell you no, Sweetheart, but I heard his minions chattering about it just the other day. If he hasn’t figured out she’s his daughter it’s only a matter of time. One look at her face by someone who’s seen him frequently.”

  “I know.” She closed her eyes and exhaled. “But he hides that form so well, a part of me hoped my luck would never run out.” She longed to step out of the circle and receive the hug his sympathetic eyes issued, but it was the boundary that kept their conversation un traceable and unnoticed. A summons was personal between the spell caster and their target.

  “Can you dig around? See what leaks through the walls?”

  “Of course, anything for my niecey.” Death’s tone was matter of fact

  She laughed. “I think it’s about time the two of you meet in person.” Placing her weight on the back of her heels she fidgeted, tired of being in the same position

  He smiled. A brilliant flash of white that was as rare as a fire rainbow. An optical phenomenon formed by ice crystals in high altitude clouds that turned the wispy clouds into what appeared to be rainbow flames. “I’d love that.”

  “Consider it done. We’ll set something up next time?”

  “Yes.” He paused. “Gotta go, pile up on the I-fifteen. Summon me again and I’ll have the information.”

  Gone in a flash she was left alone to extinguish the candles and reopen the circle. All too soon she’d be face to face with her worst fear, Lucifer. Unless she got her emotions under control he’d see straight through her lies. Put on your game face because the minute he gets a whiff of Heavenleigh’s whereabouts he’s going to barrel over you like a freight train

  Chapter Two

  Lucifer’s fingers tapped a rhythmic pattern as he pondered the best way to approach Heaveleigh. I knew Night became a whore, but I didn’t figure her for a liar too. Or should I say Layla, that’s what she’s going by now. He was a good judge of people, the best. So, how the hell had she slipped under his skin and past his defenses completely undetected? I turned her out myself. She was sweet, naïve, and virginal. Then I took her, changed her name, and opened her up to all the wonderful feelings life had to offer. For years he had this same inner monologue. Why cheat if she was pregnant? The question ate away at his brain like a cancer. He needed to know. The discovery of his daughter filled in the blank. Obsession about things he didn’t understand had long been a trait he was known for. It was what led him to hate humans, and rebel against God. The Father who had no problem letting the angels know who his favorite creations were. He scowled at the memory.

  Purgatory. He’d heard about the bar, admired the clever name, and their ability to remain neutral. Now he wanted to see for himself. He snarled, imaging the stunned expression on Night’s face when he showed up. He could use her rules against her. As long as he didn’t wish her harm he could enter, and he didn’t want to hurt her. Not in the physical sense. He wanted to play the same fuck-fuck games with her she’d used on him. Making him believe she left because she no longer loved him, and then hiding his daughter all this time. It would be tit-for-tat. No, that wasn’t enough. It wouldn’t carve up her heart so he could eat it on a platter. Heavenleigh was the key, in more ways than one. Placing his hand flat on the desk he pushed away and rose. Enough over thinking, I was always more a man of action. He couldn’t locate her. The heavy duty protection around her saw to that. However, he was clever enough to send his scouts out. She was working the bar tonight alone. The lull in business was always around six

  Opting to leave his suits at home he dressed himself in a pair of worn jeans, a rock t-shirt, and a pair of black shit-kickers. Most would sense his power, but have no idea who he truly was. He kept his identity under lock and key to allow him to move around at will. When you were as old as he, time had a way of erasing, distorting, or re-writing the truth. Appearing inside the gates, he stilled. His body tingled from crossing the wards. There was no pain, or paralysis. Confident he wouldn’t burst into flames he walked over to the entrance. The outside the building was dilapidated and worn down. The perfect cover to keep people from digging if the wards ever wavered or a potent cocktail of ancestry running through their veins made them immune to the magic

  Stepping inside he was greeted by rock music. The lighting was dim but still set to daytime. A streamline design with slate colors and black was the theme with pops of colors in the comfy chairs and benches set up for patrons to lounge in. Billiard tables lined one section, with dark red felt, and further down in the space stood a dance floor. The bar almost spanned the entirety of one wall. There were three people working. An alabaster-skinned, petite, redhead in a pair of cut offs and the black tank top that held Purgatory’s logo refilled the ice. While a brown skinned woman with a high ponytail, dark jeans and the company logo restocked glasses beside his daughter

  She faced away from him as she overlooked the bottles and marked on a clipboard. Dark brown hair flowed down her back in loose curls. Her flame was slender, yet muscular, like her mothers’. He held his breath as she turned around. The air left his chest. It was like starring in the mirror and seeing himself in feminine form. Turquoise highlights lined her heart shaped face. Her gaze turned to him and she paused in mid-sentence. A moment of understanding passed between them. The words I’m your father and you’re my daughter traveled the distance as they spoke in that silent way some never learned to use. For the first time in his life , the man who always had a plan, was at a loss. So, this is what it feels like to give a damn. Uncomfortable would be too tame a word to describe the liquefying of his insides as the heart he’d encased in steel began to beat. She’s part of me. Realizing they’d become a spectacle he broke the connection and walked to the bar, taking a seat on the stool in front of her

  “Girls, why don’t you take a break while I tend to this customer. I can watch the bar for awhile.”

  “Okay Heavenleigh,” the red head said

  “If you’re sure.”The brunette hesitated

  “I’m positive Alex.”

  “Okay then.” Alex turned with the redhead and they both left the bar

  “This rarely happens but I find myself at a loss for words.” Heavenleigh spoke.

  He smirked. “I know it’s presumptuous of me, but as they say nowadays, that’s how I roll. Once I found out about you, I had to see you with my own eyes.”

  Her eyes darkened and narrowed as she studied him. “And now?”

  “There’s no denying your mine. As for the rest… the jury’s still out.” He shrugg
ed

  “Can’t say I’m ready to hand over a Father of the year award either.” Her snarky tone amused him

  He laughed. “Well played.”

  “Why are you here?” She lowered her voice, enunciating each word. Every one delivered sharper than the last. He met her anger filled gaze. “I told you.”

  “You expect me to believe you care?” She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned her weight to one side. Her lips were a straight line and her eyes burned him alive. Flickers of red hellfire appeared. Excitement swelled in his chest. This he could work with, tap into, feed, and grow

  “Of course, why else would your mother keep your birth hidden from me? She knew if I’d known, you would have been raised very differently.”

  “To say the least.” She rolled her eyes. “So what, you expect to just…show up and parent me?”

  “No, too much time has passed for that.” He shook his head. “But I would like a place in your life.”

  “That’s all?” Her brows met in the middle.

  “For now.” There was no reason to lie to Heavenleigh. He wanted a relationship with her, despite the precarious position her link to heaven and hell put him in. I never was the type of man to choose one thing or another. I like to have my cake, and eat it too

  “You’re blunt.” The air of tension around her eased, and the hardened glare softened

  “It’s easier that way. Lies make things complicated. I don’t have time to waste trying to remember who I told what to.” He curled up his lips.

  She pointed at him. “I see why you’re dangerous.”

  He arched a brow.

  “You’re very likeable.” Tapping the bar with the flat of her hands she smiled, but there was no joy behind it.” I didn’t expect that. I should’ve. A man doesn’t get to be where you are without some serious charm, power of persuasion, and a commanding presence I’m sure you’ve toned down for little old me.”

  “A truly powerful man doesn’t flaunt or put on a show.” He opened his palms. “He simply is.”

  “I’ll buy that. Seeing as how this is a bar and not a therapist office, I’m going to have to ask you to buy a drink if you want to occupy a barstool.”Shifting her weight, she placed her hand on her hips and stared him down

  A test? “I’ll take a Four Horsemen.”

  “You would.” Her tone was curt. The slight curve of her lips revealed her amusement as she turned to make the drink

  “Am I what you expected?”

  She was swift, grabbing and pouring with the agility of a seasoned Mixologist.“I’m not sure I had a picture at all.”

  “Same.”

  Turning back to him she shook the drink

  “Why aren’t you kicking me out?” he asked

  “You know the rules. Besides, I’m curious myself. The secret was a two way street.” Her expression wavered, showing the deep sadness beneath, before it smoothed back over to ambivalence. “Mom never went into detail about who you were either.”

  “Did she tell you I abandoned you?” He growled

  “No.” Heavenleigh shook her head. “She only said things didn’t work out, and it ended badly.”

  “Understatement.” His jaw clenched as he thought of the beautiful angel that’d brought him to his knees. Love and I don’t mix well, oil and water. From the moment I breathed life I loved my Father more than any other, and he repaid me by making those hairless monkeys. Vile, angry, wicked, creatures that continue to doubt his very existence, yet still earn his love when they enter this world, wrinkled and yelling. Then I saw her again. Night, with the big eyes full of love, concern, and compassion, for me! The one they all shunned. He wanted her instantly. Wooed her every second he got, and somewhere in the process of turning her out he’d lost a part of himself he hadn’t known still existed, his heart

  “Yeah she told me. I can’t imagine she’s your favorite person right now.”

  He leveled her with a look.

  “Okay. Change of topic.”

  He tossed back the drink and set the shot glass on the bar. “Wise decision.”

  “What should I call you?”

  “Lucien is fine.”

  Heavenleigh bent over the bar and lowered her voice. “Why the secrecy?”

  “Anonymity is a blessing, and rare. Once you lose it, it’s near impossible to get back. All of the old things know this face, but we’ve been around too long to care much what the other is doing, unless it affects us directly. It’s this new breed. I like to be able to walk among them unbothered.” He scowled. “They always want everything for nothing. They give their souls for a mere pittance. Making deals with them is like picking off the weak and diseased of a herd.”

  “Wow, I don’t even know what the proper response to that would be.”

  “You don’t strike me as the type to care about proper.”

  “No. but you don’t seem the type to tolerate disrespect.”

  Smart girl. “Hmm, you’re right. Go ahead. Ask your question this time.”

  “You realize your thinking is completely warped right? Like Hannibal Lector coo coo for Cocoa Puffs?”

  Amused, he chuckled. “I’ve heard I’m a bit…unconventional many times.”

  “Unbelievable.”Heavenleigh shook her head, grabbed a towel from behind the bar, and began to wipe off the counter. “You want another drink.”

  “Yes.”

  They talked for a while. The conversation bordered on deep, but never quite got that far. Heavenleigh was the perfect blend of them, sassy, smart-mouthed, fearless, and powerful, even if she hadn’t realized it yet. He could feel it just below the surface. So much untapped potential it made his skin prickle. “You don’t let the dark side come out often to play, do you?”

  “No, you know as well as I do how addictive it is.”

  “Only if you can’t control it, unchecked it will rule you, one way or the other.” He thought of those first days in the pit when he’d been nothing but a mindless beast, driven by the pain the fire cause as it burned away his angelic powers, morphed him and turned him into something else all together. She leaned against the bar, slouching down to met his gaze. He was impressed. Very few people could accomplish that feat. Even fewer had the balls to try

  “Are you telling me you can rein it in.”

  “Yes, once you accept it as part of you.”

  “Why would I believe you?” Heavenleigh whispered

  “That’s a good question.” The new voice shattered their moment into a million, tiny pieces. What the hell are you doing here with my daughter?”

  The voice hit him like a smiting. His body went up in invisible flames. He jumped up from the bar. She was even better looking now then she had been then. A pair of jeans hugged her ass and her shapely thighs. The black tank top highlighted her slender waist, and showcased the swell of her breasts.

  “Get out.”

  The wards pressed down on him. Anger rose and he tamped down on the urge to set her ablaze with a strategically aimed burst of hell fire

  “Mom!”

  “No! You don’t get a say in this Heavenleigh, you have no idea what this…man is capable of.” Her mother chopped the air with her flat hand. Fury emanated from every pore as she glared at Lucien

  “I think you’ve had her to yourself for long enough, don’t you?” The blistering burn cooking him from the inside out was pushed aside. He was intimate friends with pain. “You burst in here like I was trying to whisk her away. I’ve sat in my stool and had a polite conversation with my daughter this entire time. Afraid she might actually enjoy spending time with me? You’ve kept a lot from her, and that’s on you, not me.” Her eyes flashed gold, and his heart pounded. All the blood in his body raced to his cock

  “Eventually your pretty packaging will peel back and she’ll see everything I wanted to keep her away from.”

  The muscles twitched in his jaw, and he clamped down on his tongue. Easy, or you’ll lose the war before the battle has even begun. “Actions speak
much louder than words and right now, you’re the one with things to explain.”He glanced over at Heavenleigh. “This won’t be the last time we talk, but I think its best I go before things happen that can’t be repaired.”

  “I’d say that’d be wise.” Heavenleigh’s eyes were as round as soda bottles. Good. I want her to see her mother in a new light. Without another word he disappeared from the bar

  * * *

  The entire day had been surreal and the blow out that had narrowly been averted, by her father no less, destroyed what piece of mind she had left. She’d never seen her mother so furious! It was an amazing and terrifying sight to behold. The brilliant gold of her eyes and the sexless tone of her voice had almost made Heavenleigh want to cower. Her heart pumped blood through her veins double time and her chest heaved with the exertion. I feel like I’ve run a mile and I haven’t even moved. Her mother’s wings were extended and ruffling. “Mom, are you okay?”

  “No! How dare he come here to you like this?”

  Now is not the time to admit I can’t blame him. “Well the wards held so he didn’t mean any harm.”

  “Yet! He’s always got a plan! Some end game he’s ready to unveil when the time is right. Do not let your guard down or turn your back on him. Do you understand me?”

  “No.”

  “What did you say to me?” The room began to tremble as the powers gathered around her mother, filling the space with its invisible mass

  “Mom, you need to calm down.”

  “In the office now.” Each word was clipped.

  Her mother turned on her heels, her black steel-toe boots all but denting the concrete as she stomped her way across the floor. The second she entered the office behind her the door slammed and a chair slide across the ground bumping the backs of her legs hard enough to make her collapse into it. It was a moment straight out of a horror movie

  “Did my conversation with you about why I left mean nothing? You think he’s misguided and misunderstood? You have a thing for strays so you think you can save him?” Her mother’s words pierced her armor like bullets

  “Do not bring Blue into this! One more nasty little comment in his direction and I’ll leave you here in this office, alone.” She refused to tolerate abuse toward the one being that’d risked everything for her, and changed life as she knew. Sixty years of walking the earth feeling like an outcast with no place to belong and a bucket full of self loathing had been soothed by this one incredible being. He deserved her complete loyalty