Father patted her awkwardly on the shoulder. “I have no doubt, Hellen. But your brother will need much … support … when he descends the throne. Does Senior Advisor of Torture tickle your fancy?”

I took a step backwards, and then another. Hellen was distracted with her blubbering. Father was distracted with his stilted comforting of her.

If the demons weren’t so set in their ways, would they accept Hellen as Queen of Hell? Is that what Father would want?

And where would that leave me? Hypothetically speaking.

I shook my head, reaching the door and slipping out as quietly as the large, rumbling stone would allow. I marched stiffly through echoing hallways, their carved arches overlooking the bubbling lava lake on one side and the grim wilds of Hell on the other.

I did not need a scrambled brain right now. I did not need to be pondering the what-ifs and the if-onlys that were ricocheting around in there.

I needed to focus on my mission.

I needed to further observe Jemma Bliss. I needed to determine the whereabouts of these ‘Lakeside Markets’. And I needed a location that would be discreet enough for me to open a portal to them during the sunlight hours on a Saturday.

Showing up at these markets she attended wasn’t stalking, no matter what Beezle and Bub wanted to call it. Jemma Bliss WAS my mission.

I just needed to remind myself that polishing my horn to thoughts of her glittery eyes, or pink curls, or lush buttocks, was not helpful.

No more sexy bubble baths after a trip to the Human Realm, I told myself firmly.

3. Objectively Objectifying a Sexy Blonde

Chapter 3

Objectively Objectifying a Sexy Blonde

Jemma

“What was I thinking?” I grouched, clinging desperately to the pole of my gazebo tent with one hand and the hem of my skirt with the other.

“You look adorable!” Ezra reassured me. “And it’s unseasonably warm today, so the short, swishy skirt and lace panties combo is … it’s giving optimistic, spring vibes.”

I rolled my eyes at him as he chortled, finally securing the weight to the base of my post. The gazebo shuddered crossly one last time and then settled.

“That breeze better not get any … breezier,” I muttered, shaking a fist at the lake. “Damn you, body of open water, giving all that angry air extra space to bluster around where I need to set up my things!”

“Have I told you recently how much I love you, Bliss?” Ezra draped an arm around my shoulders, squeezing tightly.

“I know you do, Ez,” I whispered, wrapping my arms around his waist and squeezing. “But I have a secret.”

He glanced down, eyes twinkling. “Oh? What’s that?”

“I love you more.”

And then I pinched him on his side, cackling when he let out a very unmanly squeal and jumped away from me.