The brush in his hand cracked as his fingers tightened. “Nothing wrong with them catching up.” What he didn’t know was how she felt about Brian. His understanding was they weren’t together when the guy died, but was that by choice? Did she still love him? Would she want to go back to her ex? Couldn’t blame her. Who’d want a grumpy bastard like Marduke?

“Ah, I see you finally grasp what I’m saying. I’m going to leave now.”

Of course, the devil would now that he’d sown his seed of chaos. Maybe he lied, though.

“Frik and Frak, watch the boy.”

Miguel was grooming Morgana. Marduke bolted from the kennel, running for the front door. He swung it open in time to see Merry walking away from someone.

Smiling.

Happy about something. Probably the reunion. Knowing he was about to get dumped might have made him a tad surly as she neared and chirped, “You’ll be glad to know I changed my mind and didn’t buy the sparkly garland.”

“You don’t have to lie.” They might be in Hell, but not everything had to be about kissing the Dark Lord’s ass.

A frown wrinkled her usually perfect brow. “What is wrong with you?”

“I know you found Brian.” The name left a sour taste in his mouth.

“More like he found me.”

“I guess you’ll be taking Miguel and leaving.” He said it low and pathetic. He couldn’t help it. His heart? It shattered into dust.

“Leave? Never. I want to be with you,” she stated. Quite firmly as a matter of fact.

His heart paused its destruction. “What of Brian?”

“He and I were done a long time ago. The only reason we saw each other was Miguel. That’s why he came looking for me. Brian wants to see him.”

“And what did you say?” Because she’d seemed happy walking back, which made no sense.

She bit her lip before angling her chin and saying, “I said no. He’s never been a good influence on Miguel. Actually, I’m going to say it; Brian was a terrible father.”

“Brian hurt him?” He growled, ready to mete out some violence.

She shook her head. “I never saw a mark on him, and I asked. Miguel said no. Nothing else. But there’s other ways of harming. The name-calling. The neglect. I tried to be nice, after all this was Miguel’s dad, and the courts said he could have Miguel on weekends. But I hated it. And now he thinks just because we’re both in Hell he can demand access.” She tossed her head. “I said no.”

“How’d he take it?”

“Not well. Started threatening me and stuff.”

“What?” he bellowed.