Kill Me, My Love

Chapter 9

“Nathaniel”

– What did you do? – Lina asked as they rode in the elevator.

But Samael said nothing in response. He remained silent, staring intently at the dial. Once they reached the ground floor, where the parking lot was located, they quickly found the right car and got in.

As they were leaving the building, Lina saw an entire convoy that had just arrived at the skyscraper. Three ambulances, two patrol cars, and one fire truck.

– What did you do? – Lina repeated, feeling completely uncomfortable amidst all this lace and ribbons.

– I disposed of a problem, – the dark one replied grimly and sharply, accelerating and steering the car into the city’s hustle and bustle.

– You killed her?

– None of your business.

– So, you killed her, – the girl replied dully.

The night city blinked with its lights and the signs of 24-hour bars. Passersby, feeling the magic, had also changed at midnight. Gone were the tight suits and strict hairstyles. Instead, drunken men strode along the sidewalks in the arms of ladies in high heels.

Upon stopping, Sam exited the car and opened the door for Lina.

– Let’s go.

The girl climbed out silently, looking around to see if anyone was nearby, but thankfully, the street was empty. Ahead loomed a tall building. Not a skyscraper like in the city center, but still a very attractive glass structure.

Inside, it was warm. A concierge and two guards were sitting at a tall table. Noticing Samael, they nodded.

Approaching the elevator, the dark one entered a long code on the panel, and the doors immediately opened. They didn’t ride for long. Just moments later, they entered a spacious, luxurious apartment.

It was a large, entirely black space with a long redwood table in the middle, on which stood a vase shaped like a naked woman, with fish swimming inside. A bulky gothic fireplace was embedded in the wall, with bright flames flickering within. In front of it was a leather sofa. To the left was the kitchen area. Also black, with even the cutlery and tables being black. Next to the kitchen were stairs leading to the upper floors.

– My loft, – Sam said. – Choose any bedroom, and we’ll see each other tomorrow.

He glanced at the girl with a heavy dark gaze and, stepping out the door, locked her in the apartment.

Lina was left alone in the cold, unwelcoming walls, which reminded her too much of the order's mansion.

* * *

– Good morning, – Samael flung open the heavy curtains, causing Lina to wake up immediately.

– Good morning, – she mumbled in response. – I see you’re in a good mood today.

The man sat in a wide leather armchair, crossed one leg over the other, and looked at the sleepy girl.

– Maybe, – the dark one smiled and tossed a large red apple onto the bed. – Picked it from the tree of knowledge this morning. Help yourself.

– Very funny, – Lina didn’t appreciate the joke but took the apple.

Though she was used to waking up very early since childhood, today her body refused to move actively and wanted to snooze for another hour rather than gaze at the dark cheeky one.

– We need to meet Nathan by the eastern bridge at twelve. That’s in half an hour.

Samael looked as though he had spent the entire night at a beauty salon. No bags under his eyes, his skin without pockmarks or wrinkles. His hair slightly damp, as if he had just had a shower. He was dressed differently too. A gray tank top, a black leather jacket, and dark ripped jeans. The only thing missing for a complete picture was a few long-legged models, and one could do a photo shoot for a magazine cover.

– And what do you expect me to go in? – the girl tossed aside the edge of the blanket, revealing her lace underwear from yesterday.

– There’s plenty of women’s clothing in the closet. Choose any outfit, – the dark one pointed to the wide doors next to the entrance to the dressing room.

– Fine, – she sighed heavily and took a bite of the apple. – Tasty.

– Sin is always sweet, – Samael said slyly, shamelessly staring at the girl.

And just twenty minutes later, they were driving in the car.

Lina was dressed in a simple white t-shirt and blue jeans. She had had enough of the revealing outfit and its aftermath yesterday. Images of memories instantly flooded her mind. Loud music... A tight booth... The red-headed one... His disgusting smell... His disgusting body... His fingers, which squeezed painfully... The thought of Balthazar’s hands made the girl shudder.

– What’s wrong? – Sam immediately noticed her mood.

– Nothing special. Memories... – Lina replied, staring at the road.

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