Alyss stood at the window, gazing down to the city below. Her finger pressed lightly against the glass, idly connecting the glistening lights with invisible lines.
Cool fingers wrapped around her own and a shiver ran through her as El brushed aside her hair, his lips trailing against her neck.
"Penny for your thoughts, my love?" Each word tickled her skin, causing her to draw in a shaky breath. Any time he was close to her, his body made hers feel hot and cool, and any gentle touch sent shivers running through her. He instinctively knew her favorite spots to be kissed and where to let his hands roam to make her body ache for his. They'd only been together a few months, but it was as if they'd been lovers forever.
"Sharing Christmas with you. I haven't had a pleasure like that for years."
"Oh, it will definitely be a pleasure." A growl touched his voice and he tipped his head up to nip her earlobe, coaxing a small moan from her lips.
Aly brought her hand up, sliding her fingers into his dark hair. Canting her head at his attentions, she leaned back against him, gazing at their reflections in the glass.
El heard his lover's sharp intake of breath and felt the warmth flood from her body, immediately cursing his carelessness to the Depths.
He raised his eyes to meet his reflection. Standing behind Alyss was not El, the man she'd grown to love. In his place was his true form, something no reflection could hide. Though the dark glass hid his ruby eyes, it did little against the rest of his demonic features. Two short black horns curled up from his forehead and pointed ears jut sharply out from beneath his hair. His leathery wings were pulled back and his tail lashed sharply behind his legs, unavoidable when irritation overtook him.
The woman in his arms pulled away, backing toward the door.
"Alyss..." Her name became a whispered plea on his lips.
"Tell me I'm dreaming, El. We're in bed and it's just a dream."
"I wish that I could." By swearing devotion to her, he'd made himself incapable of working his powers against her. Instead, he let the illusion around him melt away, leaving nothing of his nature hidden from her. This time had been coming, but he had wanted to ease her into it, to have some hope she'd understand. Now, he had no choice but to give her the truth. In all his years, all his roles, he had never felt this bare before a woman.
"You're a..."
"Incubus," El concluded, keeping his gaze on the floor. "Spawn of the lusts of Hell, born to tempt with pleasure, and to corrupt souls into the Dark One's grasp." The words of his Truth were sour on his tongue.
"And he," Alyss audibly swallowed, "he wants...me?"
"He wants any soul, Alyss." He raised his eyes to her. "I'm the one that wants you."
