Part 52: I Am He, the Devil

POV

"Since you're already here, join me for a drink."

"Impressive." A grinning Ash sat down next to him and took the glass of wine from which he was drinking.

"Not only did you dedicate your time to wait for me, but you also prepared a drink for me." Ash noticed a bowl of dried fruits. "And some snacks as well. Why don't you just become another one of my lovers too?" He spoke with a mouthful of dried fruits.

"You shouldn't give her a hard time."

Ash paused before turning to him. "About that, have you gone short of bitches or is stolen water really sweet?"

El grinned. "Sweeter than the meaning, but probably because it wasn't stolen."

"Wasn't it?" Ash asked.

"We both know you're only using her and I've long discovered I have some deep interest in her." El poured himself a glass. "How about I compensate you with stock and ten of my best looking girls?"

Ash laughed aloud. "You're a funny guy. Quite the opposite of me. I see how you got her to desire trying out something new now."

"I mean it. You can ask for something else in addition." El held his eye. "Just let go of her."

"Tempting offer, and I must tell you," Ash leaned in to whisper. "I don't take temptations well. I always give in to them." Sitting upright again, he told him. "Alright, you have said it. I'll pick the ones I like. I take it you're up for grabs too? If she screwed you behind my back you must be one of the best."

El opened his mouth to say something but Ash placed a finger across his lips. When El pushed it away, Ash said. "Shh, I'm not done yet. I want to taste what was it that got her interested enough to cheat on me."

El dropped his glass hard on the table. "Don't push too hard, Traceigh."

"I already love how my name rolls off your tongue." Ash held up a hand to stop El from speaking. "Let me finish, sweetheart. We'll just have to hear you say it breathlessly now. You can keep your ten angels; I can get more by myself. Besides, having you will be enough to keep me busy for a couple of days. The stock..." El's phone rang and Ash smiled.

He reached out to hold El's hand, stopping him from answering the call. "What stock were you talking about, sweetheart?" Letting go, he took another handful of the snacks. "If I had known dried fruits were this delicious, I'd have gotten Rhys to get me some already."

Carefully keeping his eyes on Ash, El hesitantly took his phone.

Ash was unbelievably calm. He must have been up to something, wasn't he? But what could it possibly be? El's eyes flew to his phone. Why on earth would Ash smile when El's phone started ringing?

Coincidence?

He brought the phone to his ear. 'Lord, the blue warehouse caught fire.'

El shut his eyes tightly, his fingers tightening around the phone. The warehouse caught fire. Which fucking warehouse? It was in a different town and only a few of men knew about it. How on earth did Ash connect it to him?

Forget Ash. Ferro Tirrano is going to have his balls for the loss.

'Lord,' The caller, Rocco called out.

'How much did we lose?' El asked. He didn't have the energy to get angry anymore. His eyes were still closed as he spoke, for the fear of getting impulsive after seeing the person seated in front of him. 

Worse of all was that El knew Adey wasn't worth that much to Ash. He was only crazy over El taking what was his.

'They are still putting out the fire.' Rocco responded and El's heart sank. Just what the fuck did this bastard do?

"You're tamely calm, Salvatore Tirrano." Ash reached for the wine bottle and refilled his glass. "If I didn't know better I wouldn't think Ferro Tirrano is your boss."

Sighing, Ash continued. "My offer still stands, though. Become my lover and the fire won't attract the authorities. I'll control it for my for you if you become mine. I have something your Don wants, I'll trade it for your safety. For your sake, sweetheart."

El's breath caught but he forced himself to remain under control. It had nothing to do with Ash knowing his real identity, a background check was not difficult for people in his type world. But just who on earth was Traceigh Landauer?

Who was he to be able to control the authority in that banished town? And who the hell was he to have something El's boss would want? Ever since his appearance, Ash had been alone. He still hadn't set up any bases or businesses and he fully lived off Devyn's account.

But his actions were precise and information accurate, as though he had the whole world working for him. If that was so, then he must be someone big. Bigger than the person Devyn had worked for before. Had Ash grown or had he kept the truth about himself from Devyn?

Not only Devyn, but the people sent to investigate Traceigh Landauer's background all came back with the information Devyn held.

It was as though he had no roots in this world. As though he was a demon forged right at the bottom of the hell pit.

He took a deep breath and let it go. "You dare suggest a negotiation with Don." El spoke without opening his eyes. "Who are you?"

Ash laughed with vigorous amusement. "I am your lover, Salvatore."

"I'd rather sell my soul to the devil." El told him calmly.

"I am he,"

El's eyes snapped open landing on Ash's face.

"Don't look terrified, I only want your body, Salvatore Tirrano, keep your soul." Ash grinned at him.

.....

"Look at who's here." Dave called out when I arrived.

"Where's El?"

Leo and Dave exchanged looks.

"Don't lie to me." I warned them. It had been a week and I hadn't laid my eyes on him yet.

"What's happening?" Leo nudged me. "After the passionate night you can't forget him?"

"You..." I hit his chest and looked away. "I'm just worried that Ash..." I stopped myself. What Leo had said wasn't entirely wrong. I couldn't forget him. I also couldn't forget the idea that he had just disappeared right after we...

I closed my eyes and let go of a deep breath. I might probably sound insane but...

I didn't want El to abandon me. I didn't want him to forget about me. I didn't want him to act like nothing happened between us. I wanted him to acknowledge me. I didn't know as what, but I wanted it anyway. He should have told me he would be gone for some time. Hadn't he expected I would worry about him?

I was worried over multiple things as well. I was worried he disappeared because he didn't want to see me again. I was equally worried that he had disappeared because of Ash. What if I would never see him again? What if he was hurt by Ash because of me? I would definitely leave...

No, I wouldn't leave Ash.

El was just a passing interest and I cared about him enough to worry, but Ash was my boyfriend.

And I loved him.