He’d make an amazing father. The question being, did he want a family? He never really spoke of the future or what he wanted from Merry.

“My lovely Merry, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?” A valid question since Marduke had brought her soil from Earth and seeds so she could try her hand at growing fresh vegetables, a scarce commodity in Hell. Given how long that might take, it implied her being around for a while.

“It’s coming along. We’ve had to adjust the light source a few times. And one of the seedlings went rogue.” It literally grew legs and ran away. But that was Hell for you.

“And how is that fine son of yours?”

“Good.”

“So you’re happy?”

“Yes.” Spoken very slowly.

“You’re welcome.” Lucifer extended his arms, showing off his strange gray shirt that appeared webbed from arm to the torso, the fabric patterned to appear as feathers. The neckline gaped, showing off a thick chain, the pendant set with a giant unblinking eye.

Unnerving. She turned away. “Excuse me, but what am I welcome for?”

“That I answered your letter, of course.”

“The one meant for Santa.”

“You say that now, and yet subconsciously you knew that twat couldn’t help and so, instead, you sent it to me.” Lucifer jabbed his chest. “A smart move since I gave you what you asked for.”

“How do you figure that?”

“Are you going to tell me the boy isn’t better off?”

“Better, yes, but he’s still not smiling or talking.” She’d take even a smirk.

“Semantics. The boy is good. You’re good. Cough it up.”

“I don’t know what you think I owe you. I never agreed to anything.” She knew enough of Hell’s rules to know both parties had to agree to a tit-for-tat bargain.

“Welshing on our deal?” The devil grabbed his chest and almost poked the eye on the amulet, which somehow managed to glare. “I’m shocked, Merry. But rather pleased. I knew being here would be a bad influence on you. I’m good at spotting the evil in people.”

Evil? It horrified Merry to realize that, despite her religious upbringing, she was happily living in sin. Conducting sin. Embracing it.

And loving it.

What did that say about her?

“So what is it exactly that you want?”

“Your soul. Duh.” The devil didn’t just roll his eyes; his whole head rolled too.

“Don’t I have to die to give you my soul?”

“This might come as a surprise, Merry, but everyone dies.”

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Then don’t die. I can wait.”

Wait because he knew her soul would end up being sent to him. Was that such a bad thing? She was happy here. Why would she want anything else?