Come With Me

[Darkened Angel]

Dante watched her carefully, mostly he focused on her brilliant violet eyes, and listened to her explain what had just happened. He liked the way she wore her make up to a minimum but still made it look exotic. Very nice. He thought. He had a strange feeling he’d seen her before.
“Then-”
“Have I met you?” He suddenly asked. Lillian blinked in surprise at his sudden outburst.
“No we haven’t met before.” She said captivated by his icy blue eyes, now that she could see them through his hair. She took a nervous breath.
“You sure? I swear I’ve seen you before.” Dante leaned forward.
“Can I finish please?” she asked a bit annoyed with the change of subject. Dante nodded and leaned back a little. She took a deep breath, “As I was saying-”
“I got it your that famous pop star, Lillian!” Dante shouted standing up. Lillian sighed now very annoyed from his interruption.
“Yes I’m her.” She said standing suddenly she felt lightheaded and crumpled to the floor.
“What the hell?” Dante ran around the desk and knelt by her.
“My shoulder…” Lillian said weakly. Dante carefully peeled off her now blood soaked red jacket and widened his eyes. The wound was still bleeding but slowed.
“Death Scythe,” he said matter-of-factly, “Except I won’t b able to treat it without knowing how bad it is, babe.” Lillian sighed and peeled off her shirt. Dante was surprised at how willing she was to take it off. Of course as he examined her blackening shoulder he noticed scars on her stomach but thought better of bringing it up. He stood up and walked down to the bathroom. He came back with a clear liquid in a bottle.
“This is going to hurt, babe.” He said and gave her a soothing look with those incredible blue eyes. He poured the strange smelling liquid into the wound. Lillian groaned and the cut bubbled and foam. Lillian jolted from the reaction. Her shoulder blazed in pain. Other than a few moans and groans she didn’t make much of a fuss. Tough kid. Dante thought in approval. The skin around her shoulder began to change back to its normal pale. Though the wound did not close it did stop bleeding. Lillian took a labored breath and thanked Dante. He nodded and helped her up. Her knees buckled still weak from blood loss. Dante let go of her thinking she was okay to stand on her own. Only she wasn’t, she quickly fell into him. He caught her and leaned back on his desk.
“Here,” he walked her over to the large red couch in the corner of the room. He sat her down and disappeared up the stairs to his room. The couch was soft and a bit worn it was almost as comfortable, to Lillian, as her large bed at her condo. He returned sometime later with a black shirt on and another in his right hand and in his left was a first aid kit. He usually kept it around for when Lady would show up injured. How she managed that with the big ass gun she carried was a mystery to him. Dante sat next to her and began to wrap her shoulder with some gauze. He gently taped it after he had finished.
“Sorry it’s not the greatest.” He said meeting her lilac colored eyes with an apologetic expression.
“’S’okay.” She sighed. He handed her the other t-shirt he’d brought with him. She gave him a small smile and blushed as she realized she was only in her black lacey bra. She slid it over her soft skin carefully. Dante smiled and put away the first aid kit.
“Say, if you don’t mind me asking, what happened to your stomach?” he asked choosing his words carefully. Lillian sighed.
“I’ve been attacked by demons before. These are just old scar from close calls.” Dante was surprised from this information. He hadn’t expected that answer from her, hell; he didn’t expect an answer at all. He eyed the necklace she toyed with. She felt different than any normal human. She either had demonic power or it was coming from the sapphire necklace she had. She yawned and stood up.
“You can stay for the night. It would make it easier on me if you stayed.”
“Really and why would that be? More time to flirt with me?” She teased.
“Aw, babe, we just met and you already know me too well,” he chuckled, “It would be easier to protect you.”
“Ah, so we have a deal?”
“I don’t work for free, now.”
“Of course,” She reached into her pocket and pulled out six one hundreds, “Half now, the rest when the job is done.” She smiled and handed him the money. Dante raised his eyebrows and smirked taking the money and shoving it in his pocket. Other than his seeming flirtatious attitude Dante seemed to be a caring person. Lillian liked that.
“Okay so I’ll stay here for tonight. But tomorrow I have rehearsal with my band.” Lillian glanced around the room on the other side of the room was an array of weapons and in the middle of the room was Dante’s desk. There were some stairs, near the large red couch, that Lillian assumed led to his room.
“That’s alright I’ll just take you there and pick you up.” Dante said very businesslike. Lillian nodded she could live with that.
“Okay that’s doable,” she yawned and laid back on the couch. It squished and met most of her curves. Dante disappeared up the stairs for a moment and came back with a large blanket to find Lillian already asleep. Her phone buzzed in her purse causing her to wake up. She sat up searching for her bag and found the she left it over by the chair. She got up and went to get it. Her stilettos clicked on the hardwood floor. She knelt down by her purse, still partly asleep, and dug through it. Finally she found her phone and saw who the caller was.
“My manager….” She explained with a sigh. She did not want to talk to the overbearing woman, who constantly tried to get her to change her look. She hit the silencer and dropped her phone back in ther purse. She turned and found the Dante had left the blanket on the couch and walking up the stairs.
"Good night." Lillian called.
"Night babe."

[Darkened Angel]

The next morning Lillian woke up early on the couch. She yawned and stretched not fully awake. She stood up and took off her shoes. She didn’t want the clicking they made against the wood to wake Dante. She left them by the couch and went to get her purse. She took it to the bathroom and touched up her makeup. She added some eye liner and a slight bit of purple eye shadow. She then topped off her look with some blush and a lip gloss. She smiled when she was done and put her makeup away. She took her purse and wrapped the long strap over her neck. The shirt Dante had given her was rather baggy and falling off her shoulders. She sighed and fixed tying a knot in the back of it. She checked her phone to see what time it was; 8:30 am.

Dante was still asleep in his bed. One arm was hanging off the bed his other arm curled around his head.
“It wasn’t me…” he mumbled startling himself awake. He opened his eyes groggily. Then the smell of bacon hit him. …The hell... He sat up slowly regaining his senses from sleeping. He scratched the back of his head absently and cursed the sun that was streaming the window of his room. He sighed and grabbed a tight-fitting black shirt and went downstairs to find the source of the smell. He sniffed the air and walked into the kitchen, pulling on his shirt, to find more smells and Lillian standing in front of the stove.
“What’s going on?” He asked blinking against the harsh morning light coming from the windows.
“Breakfast, I hope you don’t mind me taking over your kitchen but I figured making you breakfast would be the least I could do for you.” Lillian smiled pulling some toast out of the toaster.
“I have toaster?” Dante was surprised he had no idea then he smelled coffee, “And a coffee maker?”
“Yeah they were in that cupboard by your head, there.”She said putting the toast on a plate. The bacon sizzled and made a whistling noise before popping and splattering on Lillian’s arm. She let out a small yelp and shook her hand wincing from her shoulder. Dante closed the blinds harshly. Lillian turned off the stove and put the bacon on a plate then set the plate on the table. Next the plate was another with scrambled eggs covering it.
“You made all this?” Dante asked incredulously. The aromas the food was giving off made his mouth water.
“Yes,” she said setting down the plate of toast and two other empty plates, “Dig in.” she smiled.
“Thanks…” He said sitting down. Lillian smiled and sat in the chair across from him. She put some eggs on her plate and two pieces of bacon on her plate. Dante put a load of bacon and eggs on his plate and grabbed a piece of toast. Lillian smiled hoping he would like the food. She nibbled on her piece of toast and Dante took a big bite out of eggs and let out a ‘mmm’.
“Dis is good.” He mumbled with his mouthful. Lillian giggled. Dante like this girl she seemed bold and not afraid of what he thought of her. Even better. He thought.
“I’m glad you like it."she smiled.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 4:
Dante wove through the traffic with ease in the small red sports car. Lillian curled up in the leather passenger seat and stared out the window. After a few minutes of driving Dante pulled up in front of the concert hall.
“Thanks Dante.” Lillian smiled throwing her purse over her shoulder.
“No problem, babe, but don’t forget to call me before sunset. You should be fine for now in the daylight.” Dante said holding her wrist, gently. He knew that the demons wouldn’t normally attack in the day time, so he wasn’t that worried and this way he could get a few easy jobs in. Lillian nodded and glanced at the clock; it read 9:15.
“I have to go. They’re waiting on me.” She said tugging her wrist away, though she didn’t want him to let go. Her stomach was full of butterflies when his hand lingered another moment before he let her go. Lillian’s eyes met his icy blue gaze and for a moment she didn’t want to leave she wanted to stay with him.
“You’d better get goin’.” Lillian nodded and ran out of the car to the concert hall.
“Hey babe you never called me back.” Adrian said wrapping his arms around Lillian’s waist when she came through the door.
“Sorry I was… busy.” She said choosing her words carefully. Adrian raised an eyebrow in suspicion, Lillian rolled her eyes and detangled herself from him.
“Come on.” She sighed and pulled him along. She smiled at her purple and black guitar leaning against a wall. She took it and set her purse in its place. She wrapped the strap of the guitar on her shoulder and took her place at center stage in front of the mike. Adrian moved to sit behind the drums and two more guitarists came up next to her. She called out the name of one of their songs and started the opening.

Dante sat in his car for a moment, his muscles tense. He had seen Adrian wrapped his arms around Lillian and now was… jealous. What was going on why was he jealous that Lillian had a boyfriend. These questions ran through his head over and over as he headed for the office. He sighed and turned on a different street to get some pizza.

At the end of the third song Lillian held the last note as long as the guitar rift lasted. She finally broke off when the music cut and she dropped her guitar letting it hang by her hips.
“Woo! Okay that was good take five.” She breathed and went behind the curtains grabbing a water bottle. The rest of the band followed close behind. She took a swig of the cool water and set her guitar down carefully. Adrian leaned against the table next to her.
“Hey so how bout we go it later.”
“Sorry can’t.” She sighed and leaned over to kiss him. He smiled and kissed her back tracing his tongue over her bottom lip.
“Get a room.” Someone murmured. Lillian sighed and pulled away.
“So why can’t you come?” Adrian asked as Lillian took another drink.
“I’ve been working on a new song…” she lied.
“Ah, I see.” He sighed, “You‘d better hurry up on it though.” He purred as his hand found the curve of her waist and pulled her into another kiss. Lillian’s manager cleared her throat. Adrian stepped in front of Lillian still kissing her.
“I need to talk to Lillian.” Gently Lillian placed her hand on Adrian’s chest and pushed him back.
“What is it?”
“I found this.” Lillian’s manager held up a syringe. Lillian clutched at Adrian’s arm holding her steady. Needles always made her feel lightheaded they were her worst fear. She gulped.
“What is that?”
“I believe it had drugs in it. Lillian—“
“Hell no. I would never. “Lillian’s eyes flickered over to one of the guitarists.
“Get rid of the problem.” Her manager said walking away. Smoothly Adrian hooked his finger under Lillian’s chin.
“You okay?” Lillian nodded and reached up for another kiss.
“Let’s go.” Someone else from the band said once her lips had just grazed his. She sighed and lifted her guitar.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 5: Can’t stay mad
Dante was beginning to wonder why Lillian hadn’t called. He’d already finished three side jobs and the sun was setting soon. The phone rang and he answered it on the first ring.
“Lillian…. Sorry I don’t deal with the dead.” He said hanging up. Jeeze how many times do I have to tell people? He sighed and shook his head leaning back in his chair and throwing his feet up on his desk. He reached for the last piece of pizza and bit it before reaching for Ebony and Ivory. He stuck them in their holsters and grabbed his red leather jacket and twirled it on very fancifully. He walked over to his range of weaponry and strapped Rebellion to his back and headed outside to go find Lillian.

Lillian was at her condo padding out of the bathroom in her bare feet. She dropped her towel in the hamper and walked to her dresser. She wiggled her toes in the shag carpet and opened a drawer. She pulled out some black lacey underwear that matched her black bra. She slid them over her pale skin and hooked on her bra. She closed that drawer and opened a new one with her favorite faded blue jeans. They had holes in the knees and barely hung on to her waist but they were her favorite nonetheless. She pulled them on and strung a belt through the loops. She opened yet another drawer and looked for her bright pink shirt with black writing on it. She pulled it on just as there was a knock on her door. She jogged to answer it. She cracked opened the door and smiled at Dante. Her smiled faded though at the expression on his face.
“Dante…. I’m sorry but I really needed a shower and I wanted to put on some clean clothes.” She said stepping aside to let him in. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose when she closed the door behind him.
“I can’t help you if you don’t hold up your end of the deal.” He said standing in front of her. He leaned one arm on the wall next to her head and leaned down. At his last words she thought their lips would touch. Her heart hastened and Dante could hear it.
“I had some business to take care of.” She said uncertainly.
“Really and what kind of business would that be?”
“My concert that’s coming up… well it’ll be one of my band member’s last concert.”
“Oh. You should have called me.” Dante sighed. Lillian shuddered involuntarily at his warm breath.
“Come on I need to go talk to an old friend of mine.” He said heading for the door.
“Can I at least finish drying my hair?” Dante looked at her over his shoulder.
“Yeah, hurry up.” Lillian nodded and pushed herself of the wall. And ran back to her room.
“Make yourself comfortable.” She called from the bathroom. Dante sat down on the couch for some reason he couldn’t stay mad at her. He heard the blow-dryer start up and a hard rock song playing in the background. He looked over at her stereo by the TV. Nice. Wouldn’t’ have expected her to like this music. He heard the blow dryer click off and Lillian digging in her closet.
“Damn where are they?” Lillian asked herself as she searched for her high top sneakers. She reached to the back and found them.
“Hey, babe I don’t have all day.” Dante stroll in as she pulled on her sneakers. She tied them quickly and stood up.
“Okay let’s go. But we come back after.” She said grabbing her purse.
“Yeah, yeah let’s go.”

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 6: Old friend
“Hey babe I need you to stay here while I go talk to someone.” Dante smirked.
“You’re not leaving your girlfriend here.”
“I’m not his girlfriend.” Lillian said harshly turning on the icy blue eyed demon, Nero. Dante looked down on her disappointed by how harshly she said the comment. He sighed and walked out the front door to his car.
“Dante!” Nero shouted after him. Nero’s arm was in a sling and his hair was snow white much like Dante’s. He looked young Lillian figured he couldn’t be much older than her. Dante got in his car and drove off. He left me. Lillian thought. I can’t believe it. He left me.
Nero growled and stormed back into the house. Lillian followed him to the large living room with two chairs and a small couch. Next top one of the chair was a burning fireplace. Nero sighed and sat down on the couch staring at the fire.
“Have a seat.” He murmured in a detached voice. Nervously Lillian sat down in the chair closest to the fire.
“I can’t believe he left.” She murmured to herself. Nero didn’t respond and as Lillian looked closer she saw he wasn’t looking at the fire but at a picture above it. She looked up at the picture of a woman.
“Who is that?” she asked softly.
“Her name was Kyrie.”
“Was?”
“She died.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Was she imp—”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Okay. Let’s talk about something else.” She sighed Nero looked at her and found that he couldn’t be annoyed with her even when she asked about Kyrie. Her eyes… Beautiful. He thought. He followed her eyes and felt his heart sink slightly when she closed them.
“Would you like a drink?” he asked her standing up.
“Water?” She asked looking up at him like a small child. He nodded and went to the kitchen. When he came back Lillian was staring into the fire and her eyes were very far away. She was humming and rocking softly additionally.
“Here.” He said handing her the glass of water.
“Thanks.” She smiled though her voice was as distant as her eyes.
“Dante… well what can I say it’s Dante. I guess I should have expected this when he came.”Nero sighed sitting on the couch again. Lillian chuckled softly. What am I doing I should be talking to headquarters now not... not… flirting? Nero pondered on this for a moment. After a while Lillian started a conversation about music and how she hated she got pinned in the pop genre.
Lillian laughed at something Nero said about Dante and listened to the story of how they met. Sometime later Lillian checked her phone to see what time it was. She gasped softly when she saw that Dante had left six hours ago.
“Dante’s probably going to be late, as usual. You can stay here for tonight. There’s a spare room down the hall. I’ll show you.” He said though he didn’t want to stop talking to her. He wanted to tell her more stories and hear her trilling laugh again. He couldn’t help but want to talk to her.
“Thanks.” Lillian yawned now suddenly very tired. Nero stood up and led her to the spare room. At the end of the all he stopped and opened a door that led to a large room with blue walls and a sturdy bed. Other than a window and some curtains that was it for decoration. Lillian smiled at Nero and stepped inside. Nero closed the door softly and walked back down to the living room he picked up the book he had been reading before Dante showed up. After a while he heard noises and… a voice? He waited for a moment then shook his head and went back to reading. Another moan this time it was louder. Nero looked up and listened again. He heard Lillian’s voice this time. Nero stood up and walked down the hall to the spare room. Lillian whimpered and groaned.
“Lillian, what’s wrong?” He asked opening the door softly. Lillian moaned and shook her head.
“Momma…” She murmured in her sleep. Nero stood there for a moment before carefully stepping forward unsure if he should wake her up. He reached up to touch her, unthinkingly, reaching with his devil arm. The sling slid off just as Lillian jolted awake. She blinked furiously before seeing Nero. He moved to cover his arm but Lillian reached out to touch it lightly. Nero flinched.
“No,” she looked up and smiled at him, “It’s okay.” She gently ran her fingertips over his arm. He pulled it away gently. She looked up and gazed into his eyes. She was glad that she woke up from her nightmare to see him. Nero covered his arm with his jacket sleeve. Nero was dumbfounded by the way she reacted to his arm. Even Kyrie hadn’t reacted this way. She seemed fascinated by it. He shuddered at the word.
“I heard you talking and… well it sounded like you were having a bad dream.” Nero said uncomfortably. Lillian blushed uncertain if she should be embarrassed by what he could of heard.
“Sorry.” She smiled a bit. There was a few moments of an awkward silence before Lillian fell back to sleep. Nero watched her for a moment hesitantly he pulled the blankets around her and left the room.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 7:good luck bad luck what’s the difference
Dante sat down at the bar full of Demons. He was waiting for an old friend who hopefully had information about the necklace Lillian wore all the time. He’d found a picture of it in a book and had brought the page with him. On it was some ancient lettering that only a few demons could translate. Out of the corner of his eye he saw something familiar it was gold and pale. He turned his head to look at it only to have a sudden lump grow in his throat. Trish was the end of the bar.
And then her scent hit him. He let out a soft moan. He wanted her now back in his arms he wanted to apologize and get her back. Shakily he stood up and stepped closer to her. He caught himself on the third step. No you’re here for business only. He told himself. He sighed and went back to his seat never taking his eyes off of Trish.
“Trish...” he murmured. She turned her head in the direction of her name. And she saw him.
Trish’s heart sank as she stepped toward Dante. She had been meaning to come and talk to him and see if he still wanted her.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 8:
The next morning Dante was holding Trish close as if if he were to let her go she would leave again. But she didn’t plan on it. The phone n the ofice rang and Dante sighed.
“Go answer the phone.” Trish said softy. Dante sighed and stood up to answer the phone. He did not want to get up. He pulled on some pants and walked down stairs.
“Devil May Cry. . . Shit! I’ll be right there.” He hung up on Nero.
“Dante what’s wrong?”
“I have a job protectig this girl I left her at Nero’s and well..”
“Yeah I get it.” she smiled tossing him a shirt and his coat. He pulled them on quickly and caught Ebony and Ivory as she tossed them to him. Finally he strapped Rebellion to his back and took off outside to his car.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 9: Unwanted Arrival
Lillian woke up when Nero shook her lightly.
“Lillian, Dante’s here.”
“Hmmm? Oh, sorry.” She yawned sitting up.
“Oh… uh.” Nero turned and Lillian blushed furiously she forgot she had taken off her shirt because it had gotten too hot. She reached to the floor and picked it up sliding it on quickly.
“Sorry. I forgot.”
“It’s fine.” Nero unfortunately had her shirtless image burned into his head. He frowned at the scars he’d seen for a split second. He handed her sneakers to her and started for the door.
“Nero…”
“Yes?”
“Why did you try to hide your arm?” Lillian asked curiously, “You don’t have to tell me. I was just curious.”
“Thanks.”
“Thanks?”
“For not running when you saw it.” Lillian smiled at him and nodded tying her shoes. She jumped off the bed still regaining her senses.
“I love mornings.” She smiled. Nero didn’t respond only watched as she moved into the sunlight and how it seemed to make her glow. The morning light was a soft yellow still and highlighted her every curve. Her hair wasn’t too messy but it did look like she had a rough night’s sleep.
“Did you sleep okay?” Nero asked breaking the silence he just wanted to hear her voice again before he lost her to Dante.
“Yeah after that nightmare I was okay. Thanks for asking.” She smiled at him. She didn’t actually want to leave she wanted to stay but she knew she probably wouldn’t see him again.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 10: Jealous Departure
Dante smiled softly at Nero.
“So did you two… y’know…”
“No!” Nero reached out to smack him. Dante avoided it.
“Sorry, just curious.” About then Lillian came out. And Nero saw it she was under the same spell of Dante she had been the night before. Damn him. Nero’s jaw clenched as she moved to stand by Dante.
“Ready to go babe?”
“Your late.” She accused.
“Yeah sorry about that. How bout we go out to breakfast.”
“Thanks but I’m not hungry. Let’s just go to my place.” She and Dante both knew she just wanted a fresh change of clothes but Nero thought it meant something else. Already he’s got her. Nero tensed and Dante noticed the change in Nero’s attitude.
Dante raised an eyebrow and smirked loosely laying an arm around Lillian’s shoulders. She raised her eyebrows and twisted out of his grasped. Nero smirked at her clearly not wanting him to act that friendly. But then he wondered if she only did that because he was there. He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Let’s go I need a shower.” She said to Dante. He nodded and led her to the front door, “Oh wait.” Lillian turned back to Nero.
“Is there something you need?” He asked as she came up to him.
“Thanks for letting me stay. And being there when I woke up.” She smiled and lightly touched his hand, still looking at his eyes. Nero gave the smallest of smiles and nodded. Dante was surprised he’d hadn’t seen Nero smile since Kyrie died. So how could this girl change all of that in one night. He was sure that she would have run off to her condo. Lillian turned slowly her eyes staying on Nero as long as they could before she went back to Dante.
“Will I see you again?” Nero asked abruptly. Lillian turned back to him and smiled gently. God she hoped so.
“I have a concert coming up. Will you come?” She smiled.
“Maybe.” And with that Nero watched as she left with Dante.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 11: History Repeats
‘Dear Dante
I’m sorry but now that I think about it I realize that if I stay history will repeat itself. So this is good bye.
--Trish’
Dante read and reread the letter on his desk. He couldn’t believe it. He lost Trish again. He thought about asking Lillian to shoot him so he would wake up. But he knew it wasn’t a dream. He crumpled the note and walked into the kitchen looking for any alcohol he could find. He searched the fridge and all the cabinets but couldn’t find it. Damn I’m out. He thought throwing the empty bottle away.
Lillian followed him to the kitchen curiously.
“Dante, are you okay?”
“No.” he answered harshly, “I’ll be back.” He said storming out. Lillian watched him leave the shop. She wondered what could make him so upset. She sighed and started to clean the mess Dante left behind. After a few moments her phone started ringing. Used to the silence Lillian nearly jumped out of her skin at the sudden noise. She sighed and ran out to her purse. She pulled out her phone without looking at the caller.
“Hello?” There was no response at first then a lot of clattering and some mumbled cursing.
“Hey Lillian, I wanted to remind you not to make any last minute changes for the concert.” It was her manager. Lillian sighed now wishing she hadn’t answered the phone.
“I know.” She said and hung up before her manager could say anything else. She shoved her phone in her pocket and sat down on the couch. She yawned and decided to take a nap since she didn’t have anything else to do.
Dante had gone to the nearest bar. When he was completely wasted he stood away from his seat. Everything from the night before was a blur to him now. He staggered his way out the door and stumbled to the shop. Now that he was pleasantly drunk he didn’t really care what happened to him at the moment.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 12: Wasted
Lillian jolted from her peaceful slumber and fell to the floor when the doors flew open and hit the walls with a loud thud. She groaned confused as to what had happened. One minute she was pleasantly dreaming and the next Dante was tripping over her and falling onto the couch. She turned her head to look at him, not quite fully aware of her surroundings. She watched him carefully and at last she had enough sense to see that Dante was wasted. She couldn’t believe that he was the person who was supposed to be protecting her for a moment.
“You’re wasted.” She accused sitting up.
“Yep and I’m lovin’ every minute of it babe.”
“You smell awful when did you take a shower last?” She made a disgusted face. Dante shrugged.
“I can’t remember.” He slurred each word together.
“Ugh, go take one now.”
“Why don’t you come with me?” Dante asked still drunk. Lillian narrowed her eyes and considered smacking him.
“Sorry, you’re not my type.” Suddenly Dante sat up and Lillian was beginning to realize he was very flirtatious when he was drunk.
“Honey, I’m everybody’s type.” He smirked.
“I’m not everybody now go take a shower.”
“I can prove I’m your type.” He smirked.
“Really and how is th—” she was cut off when Dante pressed his lips to hers. She let out a small cry of shock and reached her hand back. She brought it around and smacked it against his cheek bone. Despite the growing red mark on his cheek he didn’t pull away. She had to admit he was attractive and this was the attention she wanted, and normally got with Adrian, but it felt wrong to her. She didn’t like this. His white hair fell forward and tickled her ears, reminding her of Nero’s hair and she wanted nothing more than to be with him. She placed her hands on his chest and pushed him away.
“Shower…” she murmured Dante grinned.
“Can’t wait.” He smirked.
“No… Dante I can’t.” she whimpered. Dante sighed he didn’t even consider the fact that she might fall for Nero in one night. He had been so sure she would die of boredom.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 13: Problematic
Lillian sat there even after Dante left to take a shower. She needed to call Adrian but she wanted Nero as much as she wanted Adrian and though she didn’t want to admit it she also wanted Dante. She groaned and rested her head on her knees and wrapped her arms around her neck. She couldn’t have all three so she tried to decide between them. As she thought about her time with Adrian she realized that she’d only wanted him for his attention. She did care for him though she just wasn’t sure if she cared for him the way he did for her. Her phone chirped noisily announcing she had a text message.
‘Where are you?’ It was a text from Adrian. She hit a buton and typed in her answer.
‘I’m out with a frnd.’
‘A frnd?’
‘Yes a frnd. I can’t leave now but I’ll see u at rehearsal.’
‘Come see me now.’
‘I cant.’ She waited for his reply when suddenly her phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Why can’t you come?” Adrian asked.
“I’m busy.”
“With what? Where are you Lillian?” he asked several other questions knowing that she couldn’t handle so many questions at once and eventually everything she wasn’t telling him would come out.
“Alright stop I’m at the Devil May Cry office.” She said in a rush. Adrian hung up as soon as she told him where she was.
“This is going to be problematic.” She sighed and looked around the room and saw her blood soaked shirt and jacket she had been wearing the night before. She stood up and ran to get them just as Dante came down the stairs still drunk but not totally wasted. He was wearing just some baggy pants exposing his bare chest. Lillian’s breath caught when she saw his well shaped muscles. She didn’t have much time to recover before she felt Adrian’s arm turning her around.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 13: Problematic
Lillian sat there even after Dante left to take a shower. She needed to call Adrian but she wanted Nero as much as she wanted Adrian and though she didn’t want to admit it she also wanted Dante. She groaned and rested her head on her knees and wrapped her arms around her neck. She couldn’t have all three so she tried to decide between them. As she thought about her time with Adrian she realized that she’d only wanted him for his attention. She did care for him though she just wasn’t sure if she cared for him the way he did for her. Her phone chirped noisily announcing she had a text message.
‘Where are you?’ It was a text from Adrian. She hit a button and typed in her answer.
‘I’m out with a frnd.’
‘A frnd?’
‘Yes a frnd. I can’t leave now but I’ll see u at rehearsal.’
‘Come see me now.’
‘I cant.’ She waited for his reply when suddenly her phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Why can’t you come?” Adrian asked.
“I’m busy.”
“With what? Where are you Lillian?” he asked several other questions knowing that she couldn’t handle so many questions at once and eventually everything she wasn’t telling him would come out.
“Alright stop I’m at the Devil May Cry office.” She said in a rush. Adrian hung up as soon as she told him where she was.
“This is going to be problematic.” She sighed and looked around the room and saw her blood soaked shirt and jacket she had been wearing the night before. She stood up and ran to get them just as Dante came down the stairs still drunk but not totally wasted. He was wearing just some baggy pants exposing his bare chest. Lillian’s breath caught when she saw his well shaped muscles. She didn’t have much time to recover before she felt Adrian’s arm turning her around.
Dante knew it then that Adrian was a demon. And Adrian knew that Dante could feel it. Adrian pulled Lillian closer in front of him knowing that Dante wouldn’t shoot with her in the way. Dante saw Adrian continuously would switch he gaze from Dante to Lillian’s necklace. Dante smirked and reached toward his desk. Lillian followed Dante’s hand with her eyes and saw what he was reaching for. Dante twirled Ebony around his finger for a moment before aiming at Adrian.
“Dante!” Lillian shouted. Adrian froze with shock. Dante cocked the gun and Lillian screamed again. And that was all it took to scare Adrian into leaving. He suddenly vanished from the room and Lillian took off running.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 14: Wonderful Coincidence

Lillian ran towards the park her lungs burned from lack of oxygen and her legs were sore. Her feet pounded against the ground as she propelled herself farther and faster. She wasn’t sure if Dante was following her or not but she hoped he wasn’t. She glanced over her shoulder just to be sure he wasn’t. She suddenly collided with something hard and flat but soft at the same time. She fell back and landed on her back. Her head smacked against the hard concrete with brutal force. Everything started blurring and she saw a silhouette of Nero bending down next to her before she blacked out.

Nero stared at Lillian wide-eyed for a moment.
“Lillian?” He kneeled by her just as Dante ran up.
“What’d you do kid?” he breathed kneeling by them. Nero looked up at Dante incredulously he wasn’t sure if Dante was kidding or being serious, he could never tell with him.
“What did I do to her? What did you do to her?” He gently lifted Lillian into his arms. He was thankful no one was around so he could hold her with both arms and not worry about people seeing his arm. Although he not-to-sneakily rolled his sleeve down on his devil arm covering all but his hand.
“Hey! Kid I’m taking care of her. She hired me not you. “
“Really, if you’re taking such good care of her, why was she running from you?” Nero rolled his eyes.
“Because… because… well I’m not sure.” Dante scratched the back of her head. Nero rolled his eyes again and focused his attention on Lillian. After a few moments of walking he heard a camera shutter. He turned looking for the sound and hoped to god that Lillian wasn’t always followed by paparazzi.
“Go back to your shop you can have her back if she can stand to be around you.” Nero called over his shoulder. He suddenly realized his jacket sleeve was wet. He looked at his sleeve and saw that there was blood there under Lillian’s head. Oh god I should have been paying attention. He couldn’t help but feel guilty about her falling. He carefully moved her to rest in one arm so he could open the door to his house. He closed the door gently behind him and walked down the hall to the living room. He heard a soft groan come from Lillian when he sat her down on the couch.
“What happened?” Lillian moaned.
“You ran into me and smacked your head on the concrete.” Nero murmured. Lillian moaned she couldn’t remember anything from this morning. Nero stood up and left the room searching for the first aid kit. He came back after a moment and sat behind her.
“Nero?” Lillian asked in a low voice.
“Yes,” Nero gently dabbed at the opening on her head. She winced and whimpered, “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” They sat in a few moments of silence. Nero gently wrapped her head in some gauze. When he was finished Lillian leaned back on him. He froze for a moment before wrapping his arms around her waist. He liked that she didn’t flinch away from his devil arm.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She said starting to pull away when she felt his hesitation. He tightened his arms around her.
“It’s fine.” Lillian smiled and twisted to rest her head on his chest, “Why were you running?” Suddenly Lillian remembered the events in the shop.
“Don’t take me back to Dante, please.” She begged.
“Don’t worry I’ll only take you if you want to go back.” He said. Please don’t go back. He thought.
“I don’t he aimed his gun at Adrian and me. And he was wasted before and kissed me.” She shuddered.
“It’s okay Lillian. You can stay here if you want.” He laid back on the couch with her.
“Thank you, Nero.” She smiled and closed her eyes. And this one moment was all it took to make up her mind of who she wanted.

[Darkened Angel]

Chapter 15: Happy Again
Nero was surprised at how quickly she fell asleep. And he found that he felt happy again with her in his arms. Though he still loved Kyrie he couldn’t help but make comparisons of the two. He noticed that Lillian was bolder than Kyrie and despite the fact that Kyrie accepted him as a half demon she sometimes would cringe away from his arm. Lillian didn’t mind and she seemed to set aside his glowing arm. Nero wasn’t sure when he had fallen asleep but when he woke Lillian was crying in her sleep.
“What is it, Lillian?” He rubbed her back soothingly. She whimpered and moaned.
“Momma don’t leave.” She murmured.
“Lillian, wake up.” He shook her gently. Her tears hit him like bullets and it pained him to see her so upset. He shook her again. Lillian’s eyes flew open. Her breath quivered and she stopped crying when she realized she was still with Nero.
“I’m sorry.” She whispered. Nero shook his head and did something that surprised Lillian; he kissed her. It was short and sweet. Nero smiled at her smell it was a mix of lavender and chamomile.
“You don’t need to be sorry. It was a bad dream.” He smiled sympathetically. Lillian smiled and wrapped her arms around his chest. She rested her head over his heart and listened to the soft rhythmic beating.