The Holiday From Hell Read Online Free Page B

their progress and –"
    "No," Mel said softly. "I only want to know if you find her. Contact me through Luce, for he'll know where I am. Raphael, give me your hand." Luce felt a burning flare of jealousy as Mel's fingers wrapped around the archangel's much larger ones.
    Raphael's eyes widened in shock and further into horror. Luce hid a smile as the archangel fell to his knees. "Mel, I'm so sorry. I had no idea. Let me call Patrick. Koyane. Anyone. Someone to watch over you while you're this weak."
    She released his hand and sank onto the sofa, breaking the healing contact between herself and Luce. "No. Luce is doing an admirable job so far and I like his recovery plan, too. He'll take good care of me."
    Raphael's gaze wove uncertainly between Mel and Luce. "You can't. Please, Mel. I should never have asked for your help against the HELL Corporation. If I hadn't, you'd be safe and well and he wouldn't know where you are."
    Mel lifted her chin, her eyes blazing. "You asked for my help and my condition was that I would assist in my own way. Forgive me if my plans are more far-reaching than yours, changing as circumstances require. My projects are completed to my specifications, not yours. And if Luce wishes, he will play a significant part in them."
    "You can't trust him. No matter what you think he's become, he's still…"
    "Lucifer, light of the morning, Lord of Hell and my love," Mel said steadily. "As you are Raphael of the Hashmallim and my trusted lieutenant. And you will understand one another. I want you both to shake hands." Her voice was deadly quiet. "Now."
    Luce extended his hand to the angel, keeping his face carefully blank. "I will protect her at all costs. Even from you and the rest of her own kind."
    Raphael gripped Luce's had firmly. "Harm her and I'll lead all the forces of Heaven against you. Then we'll see the true colour of your blood."
    "I would spill every drop for her." Luce found that if he concentrated, he could faintly sense the angel's soul and the turbulent emotions churning through it. The fierce protectiveness for Mel, anger and frustration, strong attraction he was trying to resist for…Luce? Luce fought to maintain his composure as he dug deeper into the angel's psyche. Desire and disgust, and fear for… "Michael. Mel, did you know this dick's Michael's boyfriend? That explains a lot."
    Raphael reddened and yanked his hand away. "Everyone knows demons lie."
    Luce winked. "Ah, but I'm not a demon any more, and angels don't lie. That means you can't lie, either. Does Mel know you're banging Michael?"
    "Luce, Michael and Raphael have been close friends for a very long time. Given their natural inclinations, it seemed inevitable that their friendship would blossom into more. I wish you both well of each other, Raphael. Tell my brother the same, the next time you see him."
    Now it was Luce's turn to look from Mel to Raphael and back again. Mel's serenity contrasted with Raphael's acute embarrassment. For all that Mel had known, Raphael hadn't told her a thing.
    The angel seemed lost for words. Finally, he said, "If you need me for anything, let me know."
    Mel leaned forward. "Find Persi. She needs your help more than I do."
    Raphael nodded and hurried out. He almost collided with the waiter wheeling their order for room service, but he dodged around the man and continued on his way.

"Dinner!" Luce exclaimed. He heard Mel's footsteps fading away behind him – going to get dressed, he guessed. Ushering the waiter into the house, he led the way to the dining table. The man identified which covered dish was which, told Luce to leave the trolley and dishes outside when he was done and assured him one of the restaurant staff would collect them later tonight or early in the morning.
    Luce locked the door behind the man and returned to the table. "Oh my God."
    Mel blushed, glancing down at her white nightdress. It was just translucent enough to show she wore nothing underneath the silky fabric clinging