Devil May Lie (The Devils of Vitality)

by Chani Lynn Feener

“Berga Odell,” he tested it out. “Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” “Madden.” They had not discussed this. “You can’t just—” “Of course I can. I’m a Devil of Vitality, baby. I can do whatever the fuck I please. And what I want to do, is you. For the rest of our lives. For eternity even, if we’re capable of it. I want it to be you, and I want it to be me. Those people downstairs? None of them matter.”

Because Madden always made sure it was good for the both of them, and Berga liked being reminded there was someone who enjoyed taking care of him and being cared for by him.

“So you concede?” Madden dropped his chin to his shoulder and wrapped his arms around him, pulling him in close. His black eyes sparkled in the mirror when he set them on Berga’s. “To you?” he gave a dramatic sigh. “I always do.”

“Every part of me is always happy to see you.” “Sweet talking won’t get me to change my mind. It’s going to be Jekyll.” Berga blew out a breath. “Fine.”

“Just keep them on me,” he said. “Always on me. Always look at me just like this, like I’m the most important thing in your whole universe.” “You got it, Butcher.” Madden kissed him, soft and tender. “That’ll be easy. Because you are.”