Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked, #2)

by Kerri Maniscalco

“From this day forward, a curse will sweep through this land. You will forget all but your hate. Love, kindness, every good thing in your world will cease. One day that will change. When you know true happiness, I vow to take whatever you love, too.”

“Your pride didn’t appear in that bone circle the night you spilled blood and summoned me. It was your wrath. Your fury.”

“Be cautious when making blood bargains with a prince of Hell. And under no circumstances should you ever make one involving the devil. What’s his is his. Only a fool would fight or challenge him.”

“Try not to look too thrilled, or I might think you like me.” “Count your blessings. My liking you would be a dangerous thing.” I snorted. “Why? Would you ruin me for all other demon princes?” “Something close.”

“Tell me,” he whispered, his voice sliding like silk over my flushed skin. “What?” My own voice came out breathless. “I am your favorite sin.”

“One thing I can promise,” his voice was deep and sensual in the dark, “is you won’t ever doubt it’s real when I touch you.”

“Then tell me you hate me, that I am your worst enemy. Better yet, tell me you don’t want to kiss me.”

“You may destroy me yet.” “Sooner rather than later if you don’t stop talking and kiss me again.” “Demanding, angelic creature.”

“You are not his intended, Emilia.” The world beneath me tilted. Wrath’s gaze was steady enough to keep both my knees and the realm from quaking. “You are mine.”

As I moved toward the door, I caught my reflection in an oversized mirror. I looked ready to do battle in the most elegant, vicious way. I truly was turning into a princess of Hell. Goddess help the demons.

“Well?” I prompted. “How do I look?” Wrath’s gaze darkened into a shadow of sinful promise. “I suspect you know.” “Indulge me, then.” “Trouble incarnate.” “Mighty praise coming from one of the Wicked.”

“Breathe in her direction without her expressed permission, and she will disembowel you.” Wrath swiped a glass of demonberry wine from a passing tray and sipped it, the picture of casual elegance. “I’ve already requested that she refrain from violence for our visit, but if I were you, I wouldn’t tempt her fury.”

“Every villain thinks themselves the hero. And vice versa. In truth, there’s a little villain and hero in each of us. Depending on the circumstances.”