“Luci!” A voice booms through the room, bringing with it a hot breeze.
Luci sits up hissing “Shit.” She pulls the sheets tighter around her. “Hey, Daddy.”
Lucifer, wearing a sharp suit and a disappointed expression, stands in the doorway. “It's time we had a little talk.”
Beau scrambles to the end of the bed to retrieve his clothes. “Sorry, sir.”
Lucifer rolls his eyes. “No matter. Just get out.”
Beau looks back at Luci. “I'll see you...”
“Later.” She half smiles, watching Beau creep out of the room carrying his clothes. Even though she knows she's in trouble, she takes a moment to admire Beau's body. “Mmm, werewolves.”
“Luci.” Lucifer's tone is laden with warning.
“Yes, Daddy?” She pushes back against the headboard, trying to sound small and innocent, but what she just did with Beau was anything but.
“I've been very patient with you.” Her father sits on the end of the bed.
“I know.” She nods nervously, knowing what's coming next.
“And people are starting to talk, saying that I'm going soft on you because you're my daughter.” He tilts his head, arching one brow.
“I've really tried,” she pleads, “And I'm not giving up. I was going to try again. I can do it. I have a feeling about tonight.”
“I've heard this from you before.” He shakes his head and stands up to pace the room. “You've made such a blunder of it all, I doubt you'll ever get near the artifacts again.”
“Daddy, I have a plan, I really do. I'm going to get the artifacts and restore the sword,” she promises.
“I need that sword.” He stops directly beside the bed. “I will reclaim my place in Heaven.”
Luci nods. “And I'm going to help you.”
“I'll take you with me.” He sits on the bed beside her. “You'll get to finally see Heaven.”
“I can't wait. I know it's going to be beautiful.” Hope and apprehension mix in her belly, light-headed at the thought of someday seeing heaven.
“So you must succeed.” He puts his finger under her chin to drive the point home.
“I know. I will succeed for you.” She smiles.
“If you don't, this is your last chance.” His eyes transform from black to red.
“You mean...” Her smile fades and is replaced by fear.
“You made a deal with me, Luci, and not even my daughter can get out of a deal with the Devil.” He stands and makes his way to the door.
Luci hangs her head, then looks up at him with her big brown eyes. “You wouldn't really cast me back to Hell would you?”
A look of disgust blankets his face. “In a human heartbeat.” He pins her with a stern and disapproving look. “You were foolish enough to sell me your soul to spare an angel. An angel, of all things!”
Luci's shoulders slump. She's not sure whether to regret what she had done. “But, Daddy...”
“Enough, Luci. Steal back the artifacts to restore my sword tonight, or it's over for you. The Devil doesn't have time for mercy.” He clicks the door closed behind him.
Luci leans back against the headboard, thinking about Simiel, her love. The man her father would never approve of, the man her father would have killed and cast to Hell, for no reason other than making the error of falling in love with the Devil's daughter.
She puts all thoughts of Simiel behind her as she showers and redresses for the evening. She has some suckers to find. She has a sword to restore, and tonight is going to be her night.
Luci stops at the black double doors in the dimly lit vestibule, refreshed ready to start her night. Prepared to offer an amazing adventure to unsuspecting mundanes.
“Shoulders back, boobs up...” She goes through her ritual of preparing for the public, once again, making sure her corset is tight enough to last the night.
The small demon, who serves as her butler, appears in the hallway with her mirror. “Mistress, your mirror.”
“Thank you.” She admires her favorite black mini skirt and thigh-high stockings.
“You look beautiful, Mistress.”
“Thank you, Hurley.” She pats him on the head with kindness and opens the double doors to the casino.
Hurley takes the chance to look up at her. He was used to her cruelty or apathy; tonight, she said his name, and he's bewildered.
She glances down at him. “Oh, don't get used to it. I'm just in a good mood.”
Like always, her magnetic personality invades the floor of the casino. Everyone watches in awe as Luci makes her way to the bar. She surveys the entire room, to be sure everyone's doing their jobs, that no one is cheating, and she seeks her victims for tonight. The ones who will help her retrieve the items for her father's sword.
As she approaches the bar, Luci spots four mundanes. Oh, looks like I've found them. She pushes into the middle of their circle. “Hello, boys.” Luci purrs, getting their attention.
“Beatrice!” Luci snaps at the bar tender.