for a moment I forgot to breathe. The guy was even more gorgeous than in my vision. His white shirt with just one fashionable button undone stretched over his bulging muscles. I stared at the way his black hair fell against his broad shoulders, wondering whether it was as soft and dense as it seemed.
"You're kidding me. What's wrong with you, guys? First Amber couldn't stop gawking and now you," Cass said, peeling herself away from him. "Get a grip, mate. He's my dad. Do you have any idea how old he is? Like, ancient."
"Sofia. I'm Lucifer. Thank you for saving my daughter. I'll be forever in your debt." He inched forward and reached out his hand. I grabbed it in a slack grip, lost for words because I had never imagined the devil to be so—
"Gorgeous, handsome, fit?" Cass rolled her eyes, then turned to peer out the door. "Where's Dallas?"
"You mean this young man?" Lucifer stepped aside to free the view onto the hall. In the doorway stood the blond guy from my vision, his hands were buried deep in his pockets. A hesitant smile played on his lips. His wounds were gone, leaving a red scar behind.
The voodoo ritual had worked, which was proof I could tap into my powers and help a lost soul find his way back to his body. I looked at Cass expectantly, waiting for her to rush for him and give him the same enthusiastic greeting she had given her father, but she didn't. Instead, her lips began to quiver and tears streamed down her face. I could only hope it was the joy that froze her to the spot.
"I'm sorry, Dallas," she finally said.
He inched closer and wrapped his arms around her. A sob escaped her throat. The air was charged with tension. Who knew reunions could be as difficult as goodbyes?
"I'm so sorry," she said for the umpteenth time. "For lying, for deceiving, for misleading you. I would never have done it were it not for this stupid curse."
"That will bind you to Hell until you marry your soulmate," he finished the sentence, wiping her tears off her cheeks. "I knew you were lying, Cass. Your whole story didn't make much sense. I just thought you would start telling the truth at some point, you know, for the sake of our relationship. But you never did, until it was too late."
Watching Cass crying, I realized how fragile she was when I thought she was the strongest of us. Dallas pulled her against his chest and whispered soothing words I couldn't discern. Eventually, Cass's crying subsided and she turned away from him, still holding his hand as though she feared she would lose him again.
"Dallas," Amber called out.
He noticed us then. The way his eyes sparkled, I could see his joy at reuniting with his sister. "Hey, sis. What's with the pale as a ghost look? I thought I was the goner." Grinning, he pointed at her pale face and grabbed her in a tight hug.
It was a happy reunion that reminded me I still hadn't seen my sister, but I didn't want to spoil their special moment.
"Great job, Sofia." Lucifer nodded and disappeared behind one of the big doors, only to reappear a few seconds later.
"What's so funny?" Cass said. My attention snapped back to her.
Dallas shook his head. "Nothing."
"You don't believe this curse exists. You think I made it up." Her voice betrayed reproach and a very short temper.
Dallas raised his hands in mock defense. " Of course I believe you. It's just that your birthday is in less than a week."
"Thanks for pointing out that you're not ready to marry me," she scoffed. I peered from Amber to Cass and then back to Amber whose expression mirrored my thoughts.
She whispered to me, "Trouble in paradise, and this after five minutes together. Isn't love grand?"
I had no idea what that curse entailed, but I could tell whatever it was the guy had no intention to marry her. I felt sorry for Cass. Lying wasn't exactly a desirable trait, but whatever fibs she had told him couldn't be so bad when she had just saved his life.
"Go out and enjoy your last days of freedom," Dallas said. "I'll be here, waiting for you."
"You're such a moron." Amber marched over and punched his shoulder. "Why don't you just marry her? You share a bond, you idiot, and she just saved your life. The least you could do is get rid of