Touch of the Angel

By Rosalie Lario

After months of no work, interdimensional bounty hunter Ronin Meyers jumps at the chance to locate an incubus who's using succubi as murder weapons. Faced with deportation to hellish Infernum if he fails, Ronin will stop at nothing to take out the incubus and anyone else involved. Even the beautiful succubus who stole his heart—and nearly his life—during the most mind-blowing hour of his existence.

Night after night, Amara and her fellow succubi are forced to extract special abilities from the strongest Otherworlders for their psychotic master's growing collection. When the gorgeous angel-demon hybrid she believed to be dead captures her, Amara is both stunned and elated.
But the happily-ever-after Amara's dreamed about will have to wait. Before she and Ronin can find salvation, they must bring down the madman hell-bent on destroying everything—and everyone—they love. And Ronin and Amara are at the top of his list.

Each book in the Demons of Infernum series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Book #1 Blood of the Demon
Book #2 Mark of the Sylph
Book #3 Touch of the Angel
Book #3.5: Heart of the Incubus
Book #4 Call of the Siren

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Nov 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781622660384

Book preview

Touch

of the

Angel

demons of infernum

rosalie lario

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2011, 2013 by Rosalie Lario. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

Entangled Publishing, LLC

2614 South Timberline Road

Suite 109

Fort Collins, CO 80525

Visit our website at www.entangledpublishing.com.

Edited by Libby Murphy and Heather Howland

Cover design by Heather Howland

Print ISBN 978-1-62266-039-1

Ebook ISBN 978-1-62266-038-4

Manufactured in the United States of America

Second Edition November 2013

The author acknowledges the copyrighted or trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Johnny Walker Gold; Xena: Warrior Princess.

To my real-life hero, my husband. You once told me that to force or demand love is to kill the gift. That love is empty unless it is freely given.

I give my love to you.

Chapter One

Ronin had no idea what he was doing at a place like Opiate. The Harlem club took the concept of freaky to a whole new level, catering to the less-savory members of Otherworlder society: demons, fae, vampires, and other non-humans who were outsiders among their own kind. It might’ve been perfect for his younger brother Dagan, but it was so not his style.

Yet, at close to three o’clock in the morning, after trying to get some sleep and failing miserably, here he was.

Ronin walked through the dank alley and stepped past a nondescript green metal door. His demon radar was going off the charts, making him damned uncomfortable. The best way to fix that was to dampen it with alcohol. He passed the bouncer, paid the cover to the demon at the desk who’d glamoured himself to appear human, and walked up the stairs, which opened to the main area of the club. Dark red walls were framed with intricate metal scrolling, a bar lined one side of the room, and round booths with zebra-patterned seating were scattered throughout.

He headed straight for the bar, nodding a greeting at the bartender, a tall, golden elf named Crull.

Haven’t seen you around for a while, Crull said as he dried a clean glass with the white dishcloth in his hand.

That was because Ronin generally made it a point not to come here. I’ll have a whiskey. Straight.

Crull nodded and arched his pierced brow. Long night?

Aren’t they all?

Laughing, Crull poured him a glass, which Ronin drank in one smooth swallow.

An amused smirk crept onto Crull’s face. You need another one?

Ronin choked a bit as the strong liquor burned its way down to his stomach. Yeah.

I’ll get you a double.

He’d never admit it aloud, but lately Ronin found himself missing the company of his brothers. Less than a year ago, Ronin, along with Keegan, Taeg, and Dagan, had lived in Infernum, a hellish world populated by demons and angels. They had kept busy working as Detainors—interdimensional bounty hunters for the Elden Council. The Council was composed of species from each of the various dimensions, and it governed travel between them. Those who traveled outside their own world and committed grave offenses were hunted and imprisoned.

Ronin and his brothers had been called to this world to catch their father, a demon who’d been hell bent on conquering Earth. Once he was apprehended they’d been granted leave to remain, which had been great since Keegan had fallen in love. But work had been tapering off the past few months. It was damned annoying not to have anything to do. Hence, his side trip to Opiate.

Crull handed him a refill that Ronin accepted with a muttered, Thanks.

No problem. I saw Dagan here earlier. He left with a couple of sirens about an hour ago.

Big surprise. The dog. Sometimes Ronin wished he could be carefree like Dagan. Focus on beer and women and getting his rocks off. But he didn’t get the same high from it all that his little brother did.

Crull must have sensed his bad mood, because he plunked the bottle of whiskey down onto the bar in front of Ronin, gave him a curt nod, and turned away. I’ll leave you to it.

Ronin eyed the whiskey bottle. Clearly, he was going to have to find another interest to occupy his free time. But until then, alcohol would have to do. It’s just you and me, baby.

He’d already downed his third double shot before he was propositioned. Must be losing his touch, if it had taken that long.

The woman sidled up to him, eyeing him like he was a big juicy steak. She leaned against the counter, her body mere inches from his. Hello, handsome. You seem lonely.

Hi. He glanced over at her, taking in her features. Short, silky dark hair, a decent body, too-pale skin. Vamp. He stifled a shudder. Biters creeped him the hell out.

She slid a cold hand down his forearm. Want some company?

No. Normally he’d be smoother about it, but he was a bit drunk, so who cared?

Her lips tightened and she shot him an offended glare. With a muttered Fine, she marched off.

Mission accomplished. With the funk he was in, he was probably better off alone. The thought of having yet another meaningless sexual encounter wasn’t cutting it right now. He longed for an emotional connection. Hell, he missed his brothers.

Ronin finished off a fourth shot. Whiskey wasn’t doing much for him tonight. Maybe he needed something a bit stronger.

He swiveled his head to search out Crull. That was when he spotted her. No way he’d miss her. In comparison, every other face faded into the background.

She stood halfway across the long bar, flipping her long dark hair behind her shoulders. Her slanted brows, thin, straight nose, and full, luscious lips could have come right out of one of those smut magazines human men favored. She wore a short brown dress in a shimmery fabric that showed off her tanned flesh. It was cut so low the top of her belly button was visible, and her round, full breasts threatened to spill out the sides.

A small crowd of men clamored around her, each trying to get her attention. She twirled a lock of hair around her finger and ignored them. Although she gave off a bored vibe, he sensed something else hidden beneath. Something she couldn’t hide.

A hint of vulnerability.

Against his better judgment, he allowed it to call to him.

Forget it. Waste of time, his brain told him.

Shut up and get over there, his dick replied.

The two fought for dominance before his dick won the battle, urging him to his feet. In his defense, he had been drinking.

He was about halfway to her when she first saw him. Her eyes widened the slightest bit before she turned back to the bar and drummed her fingertips, acting like she hadn’t noticed him. Liked to play coy, did she?

Her pack of admirers closed in around her. He squeezed his way inside, ignoring the grumbles and protests of the other men.

Watch it, asshole, one of them said.

Out of my way, another grumbled.

A big guy who resembled a biker stepped into Ronin’s path. His lips curled back to reveal jagged teeth and a forked tongue that gave him away as a navisti demon. His type stuck mostly to eating animals like pigs and goats, but they’d been known to attempt eating other demons. Ronin would like to see him try.

This is a private party, the navisti demon growled.

Yeah? Ronin eyed the demon, then pointedly glanced around the club. I don’t see any signs.

The demon uttered a harsh, gravelly laugh and showed him his fist. I got your sign right here, motherfucker.

Uh-huh. Real original. Ronin stifled a sigh. Thanks to the duality of his heritage—half-demon, half-angel—he couldn’t decide whether he wanted to fight the dude or send him on his way. In the end, he decided to use the ability he’d inherited from his mother. He focused inward and a knot of cool, calming energy unwound itself from his gut, curling outward through his pores. It settled over the demon like a fine mist, then spread out to touch a couple of the other men who stood close by. Their bodies relaxed and their faces went slack.

The demon’s brow wrinkled and he stepped to the side, scratching his head.

Much better.

Heat from the crush of demons enveloped Ronin when he stopped next to the woman, motioning for Crull to come over. She turned, giving a slow, leisurely perusal of his body. Her lips curled into a smile. You’re an inviting change from the norm.

He made a show of subjecting her to the same scrutiny. She was even more beautiful up close, and he noticed the burgundy highlights reflecting in her shiny black hair. Her dress ended high up on her thighs, leaving the long expanse of her legs bare, down to her sandal straps, which wound around her ankles. She wore no jewelry other than a gold band around her wrist. Hell, she didn’t need any. Come here a lot, I take it?

Her smile was bitter and something melancholy flashed in her eyes, quickly replaced by a seductive glance. Too often.

Crull stopped in front of him. Can I get you anything else?

Elvish absinthe. It was the strongest liquor on the market. Ronin turned to the woman. Anything for you?

I’ll take the same. She threw him a daring wink, then as Crull strolled away, stretched out her right hand in greeting. I’m Amara.

A few of the men surrounding them swore and stalked away. She’d clearly sent some unspoken message by accepting his drink and introducing herself to him.

I’m Ronin. He clasped his hand over hers. She emitted a muted but distinct energy that marked her as a demon, though with its low level she couldn’t be more than half. That was good, she couldn’t be a succubus if she were only half-demon, and that meant he didn’t have to worry if things progressed beyond the talking stage. Succubi and incubi were the only demon subspecies who could kill other demons through sex.

He opened his mouth to ask her what she was.

You’re different. She tilted her head to the side and eyed him up and down once again. Demon, but different.

You’ve got strong senses.

So what is it, Ronin? What makes you so…special?

The last word sounded out like a caress from her lips. It was an open challenge, if he read her eyes correctly. What she really wanted to know was what made him better than all the other assholes who’d been fighting for her attention.

Guess you’ll have to stick around to find out, he retorted with an easy grin.

Amara regarded him for a long moment before gracing him with an electrifying smile. Crull plunked the drinks in front of them, and she tugged her hand back, lifting her drink.

Cheers. She extended her glass toward him.

He picked his up and clinked it against hers before downing it.

With a raised brow, she copied his motion.

He had to give her credit—she barely shuddered at the taste.

So. She put the glass down. Do you dance?

Not usually. But he wasn’t about to say no. I hold my own.

She grabbed his hand, leading him through the crowd. He focused on the curves of her tight, rounded ass. He could see the very bottom of those luscious mounds every time she took a step forward.

Was she out of her mind, coming alone to a place like this dressed like that?

Amara led him to the dance floor, twirling to slide her hands up his chest. His hands rested on the small of her back, pressing her closer to him. He swayed his hips in time to the slow, pulsing beat of the music, a twisted love song by a musician he recognized as Marilyn Manson.

Not bad for a novice, Amara said.

Who said I was a novice?

But when she swung her hips toward him, a move clearly executed to seduce, he got the sense that compared to her, maybe he was. Her natural essence, like flowers and merlot with the musky hint of sex, enveloped him. Made him grow hard.

What brings you here tonight? he asked.

You mean, why would a girl like me come to a place like this?

Yeah. Exactly.

Her smile seemed somewhat forced. Maybe this is my kind of place.

If so, then why did she emit an aura of sadness? Yes, it was mixed in with the allure and damn hard to spot, but there all the same. Every so often it came through in her eyes.

She was a lost soul, searching for her place in the world.

Just like me.

No, I’m not buying it, he said. This isn’t your type of place.

She laughed, though there was no joy in it. How wrong you are. This is exactly where I belong.

They danced quietly for a few minutes, her hips moving to the thumping beat of the song. Each arc of her body pressed her tighter into him, and he couldn’t help but respond. There was no way she could’ve missed it either, pressed flush against him as she was.

The musician sang on, something about putting a spell on you. Ronin had to admit, the sway of Amara’s body against his seemed very much like an enchantment, drawing him further and further in. Making him ache for her.

She let out a soft sound, almost like a purr, and rested her cheek on his chest. "So tell me, what brings you here?"

He opened his mouth to say something smart, but somehow the truth came out. Don’t know. I guess I’m looking for something.

Aren’t we all? she replied, her voice bitter, yet resigned.

My brothers and I moved to this dimension almost a year ago. Seems like everything’s changing lately. Damn, what was with his major case of verbal diarrhea? He couldn’t stop himself from spewing the words. One of them is married with a kid on the way, and another met his ‘soul mate,’ as he calls her.

He was happy for his brothers. Truly. Hell, sometimes he even thought about finding a woman of his own, but then he’d wake up. The only thing worse than having no family was having one and losing it. He knew how much that hurt. His father had taught him that lesson at the ripe age of nine. He’d vowed on that day never to get personally involved again. The pain of loss was far too great. Better to have zero personal involvements, the way he’d done his whole life. Even if this particular woman made him wonder what it’d be like to have someone to come home to.

Amara stiffened in his arms. You have family?

Yeah. They can be frustrating at times, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

You’re lucky, she said with a hollow laugh.

Aw shit, he’d said the wrong thing. You don’t have any relatives?

A mother. But our relationship is…difficult, to say the least.

Sorry. Now he felt like a jackass for bringing it up.

Don’t be. Family is a wonderful thing. She stepped out of his embrace and ducked her head, directing her eyes toward the general vicinity of his shoes. Enjoy them, Ronin.

Puzzled, he came to a standstill. I will.

Good night. She turned to leave.

What was going on? How had he offended her?

Wait. He grabbed her wrist. The metal of her bracelet cooled at his touch, practically freezing his fingers. Icy pain snaked up his arm, prompting him to wrench his hand away. Strange. He curled his fingers into his palm and shook off the sensation. What did I do wrong?

Nothing. Nothing at all. Her lush lips curved into a sad smile. She traced her fingers across his lips. You did everything right.

Then why are you leaving?

Amara shook her head. You seem like a good person. Decent. And that means you’re not my type. Sorry.

With that she jerked away. He watched, openmouthed, while she maneuvered through the crowd toward the hallway containing the restrooms. She liked him. She was attracted to him. There was no mistaking that. So why the mixed signals?

When she slipped into the corridor, he followed, cursing himself all the while. The last thing he wanted was a relationship, and she seemed like the kind of girl who’d be hard to walk away from. Yet he couldn’t stop himself from giving chase. If she blew him off, he’d leave, but at the very least he could guard her from the other losers who were probably hiding in the corners, waiting to get her alone.

He passed a few couples making out in the hallway, but they ignored him. He turned the corner toward the restrooms and stopped short when he saw her leaning against a wall. Her head was tipped back and her chest heaved like she fought to breathe.

What’s wrong? he asked, rushing toward her.

Her eyes flew wide open, and her mouth dropped. You fool. Why did you follow me?

Something was obviously wrong. Tell me, what is it?

Get out of here, she said, her eyes narrowing.

Fine. But not before I make sure you’re safe. I’m not going to attack you or anything. Believe me, I don’t go where I’m not wanted.

Letting out a defeated sigh, she closed her eyes and rested her head against the wall once more. As if trying to shut out the sight of him. It’s not that I don’t want you. If anything, I find you too attractive.

Then what’s the problem?

Amara shook her head, her throat convulsing. Go home, Ronin. Find yourself a nice girl, one who can give you a home and babies. You’ll get nothing but trouble from me.

He tilted her chin up and her eyelids fluttered. I don’t want those things. Right now, the only thing I want is to be here with you.

Her face softened and she breathed in deep, the rise and fall of her generous chest drawing his eyes downward. She shook her head, her expression tortured. You should leave. I’m…I’m no good for you.

She sounded as if she really meant that. Despite the smoking-hot outer package, he sensed how little regard she had for herself. I don’t think you really want me to leave, do you?

Amara’s eyes skimmed his body, and he could tell from the way they glazed over and her mouth softened that he was right. She felt the attraction as much as he did. So why did she look so distressed about it?

What I want doesn’t matter, she said with a spark of anger. It’s never mattered.

He shook his head. I don’t understand.

I know. A hint of a tremor racked her body, and she screwed her eyes shut. Trust me, it’s not worth figuring out. Just leave.

Her harsh words, so at odds with the way she leaned into him, confused the hell out of him. Let me escort you home, at least. This is no place for someone like you.

She let out a low laugh, a harsh, broken sound, and shook her head again. I have to warn you, you’re really hard to resist.

So why was she? If she would at least tell him that much, he wouldn’t be stuck wondering for the rest of his life. Maybe we can go—

She moaned deep in her throat and jumped him before he could finish his sentence, molding her body to his while she kissed him like he was the air she needed to breathe. Yet the whimper in her throat sounded far too desperate for his liking.

He jerked away with a gasp for breath. What the—?

Amara pulled him to her once again, slanting her lips onto his. Her hands slid all over his body. Down the front of his slacks. He couldn’t help but harden.

I want you, she moaned into his ear.

Wait—

No. Stepping back, she glanced around the hallway, then dragged him to a door with wide slats on it. It wasn’t locked. One twist and she tugged it open, revealing a tiny, packed storeroom.

Come on. She led him inside and shut the door behind them. Tiny slivers of light from the door slats illuminated the space, casting an eerie glow over the entire area.

Tell me what’s going on, Amara.

Instead of answering, she pushed him back against the wall, kissing him passionately while she unzipped his slacks and tugged him free.

Slow down, he said.

No. I don’t want to wait. I want you. I have from the moment I saw you.

His protest died when she dropped to her knees, taking him deep into her mouth. Her head moved up and down, expertly driving him to the brink of ecstasy. Clear thought was no longer possible. All he could do was feel.

After some time she broke away and rose to her feet. He managed to get out the words Are you okay? but she didn’t seem to have heard his question.

I want you. She slid the neckline of her dress a fraction to the side. That was all it took for her breasts to come free, torturing him with their dusky pink nipples.

Sweet devil, you’re beautiful. Part of him knew he should protest, that she was moving way too fast, but he couldn’t resist. He pulled her closer and wrapped his hands around the curves of her ass, lifting her up so he could take one nipple, and then the other, into his mouth. Wine and chocolate had nothing on her. The woman tasted like no indulgence he’d ever had before. Like sin personified.

She squirmed and her dress hiked farther up her body. Was she even wearing underwear?

Amara answered that question a moment later when she broke free and stepped back. One quick upward tug of her hem and her lower body was fully bared to his view. Nope. No underwear.

Ronin let out a harsh groan. She was mouthwatering, her long legs pointing the way to a patch of dark curls at the juncture of her thighs. His cock twitched at the sight of her luscious, nude body. Her eyes shimmered with lust but still, there was that sliver of sadness. It made him pause.

Slow down, he tried again. We can get to know each other first. We don’t have to—

No. She grabbed his hand and led him to a small, rickety chair. After tugging his pants to his knees, she forced him back onto the seat.

Any words he might have said froze on his lips when she straddled him, using her hands to guide him to her center. She wiggled her hips and sat, impaling herself on him until he was seated to the hilt.

She cried out, arching her back as her eyes rolled in ecstasy.

Damn, but she was amazing. A bit fast, but amazing. Vulnerable somehow, in a way that was completely at odds with her promiscuity. Something about her called to him…

Amara, he groaned. Her body was molten fire, enveloping him and squeezing him like a fist. Then, when she began to pump her hips, lifting halfway off before sliding back down, he lost the ability to even breathe. His whole body had gone boneless, his arms and legs refusing to obey the commands of his brain. Flesh slapped against flesh, the sound echoing in the packed room.

She was incredible. Even now, black spots formed in his vision and a ringing sound echoed in his ears. When he tried to grasp her hips, his hands wouldn’t cooperate. He could do nothing more than gasp while she rode him for all he was worth. She made soft mewling sounds, arching her back as she worked him. So sexy. Her skin glistened from the effort, practically glowing in the dim light.

Was this what those guys back at the bar had been fighting over? Had they sampled her before, enough to know how delicious she was? If so, he could see why there was such a crowd.

Why the hell couldn’t he move? His limbs felt like Jell-O.

He tried to lift his leg, but it was heavy as a wooden log. What was going on? He was getting weaker.

Stop. His voice sounded far-off. Distant. Stop.

He had to repeat it several times before she heard him. It was like a button had switched off inside her. She froze, her eyes clearing of their lusty haze and her jaw dropping in horror. Shaking hands reached up to cover her mouth. Oh, no. Oh no, I told you. I warned you to leave me alone.

Amara slid off him. He watched her do it, watched her stare down at him with panic all over her face, but still he couldn’t move.

Tears filled her eyes, a few stray drops weaving down her cheeks. Why didn’t you listen to me? she whispered.

What is it? He all but forced the words to form on his tongue.

After a moment she composed herself, rubbing at the tears with her knuckles before she pulled her skirt down and pushed her breasts back into her dress. I warned you. Not my fault.

What—what’s wrong with me? The amount of energy it took to say those words was almost mind-boggling.

She shook her head. Her lips tightened as if she were trying to seem uncaring. Trying and failing, if the moisture pooling in her eyes was any indication. You never even bothered to find out what sort of demon I am.

This was bad. Seriously bad. He knew that, but his body wasn’t reacting.

What kind? he managed to choke out.

Succubus. What’s wrong with you is that you’re dying.

But…but your energy. Too low for succubus.

She shook her head again, lifting one arm to show off her bracelet. It’s made of fae gold. A gift from my boss. Among other things, it mutes my aura. A bitter smile twisted her lips. "He’s found that to be helpful on more than one

Reviews for Touch of the Angel

[jenniebooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

casual sex theme.

[abookwormshaven · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We rejoin our half-demon brother quartet a couple of months after Taeg’s novel with the boys growing restless. They have not had a job in months and are starting to get antsy. They are also worried that the lack of bad guys running around will jeopardize their jobs and they will be sent back to Infernum. Ronin might be the most agitated of the bunch. He, just like all his brothers, has had a tortured past and because of all his hardships, he rarely lets anyone get close to him. He doesn’t plan on letting Amara in at all, but she completely captivates him and he cannot seem to forget about her no matter how hard he tries.Poor Amara has gotten the short end of the stick in life. She is forced to use her succubi abilities to harm people and has almost nothing to call her own. She is basically a slave and has been abused repeatedly both emotionally and physically. She is a broken woman, who is always hoping salvation is just around the corner. When she meets Ronin, she wants him more than she has wanted anything else, but she does not dare hope for anything that wonderful to become a part of her world. My heart broke for Amara and the impossible situations she found herself in. She was definitely not a fighter like Maya from the last book, but she had a huge heart and she uses it to care for others in any way she can. As for the romance, these books have always been steamy, but Touch of the Angel was white hot! I think Amara being a succubus might have had a little to do with it, haha. But Ronin was not exactly and angel (no pun intended) when it came to keeping his hands to himself. The two of them have an explosive connection right at the beginning of the book and the tension just heats up as the story goes along. I loved every second of watching their bond grow and wanted to shout at Ronin’s brothers to go away so they could have some alone time together. In past books, the brothers’ father has been the root of the evil chasing after them, but they have a whole new sinister force to reckon with now. The brothers are aware that something is out there, but they have no idea who and an unknown force can sometimes cause more damage than one you are aware of. I don’t think he is going to be easy to take down and he also has many minions out there to do his dirty work for him. It will be interesting to see how this guy plays into the overall plot of the story and what damage he will do on the brothers’ lives. Speaking of the boys, I love how Rosalie keeps all of them right at the forefront of the story, not just the brother being featured. The family bond is so strong between these brothers and that relationship is at the core of these books. It is one of the reasons I love reading them, because I know that along with great action and an intense romance, I am also going have a real connection with these men and the women in their lives. Rosalie has written fantastic characters that are easy to love and impossible to walk away from without knowing how their lives will turn out. I was also excited to get a sneak peek at Cresso and what was going on in his world! That guy has been stuck in my head since we first meet him and I hoped that Rosalie would give him his own story. To my great pleasure he will be getting one (squee), and seeing where his life has taken him since we saw him last was very exciting. There are quite a few twists thrown into this story at the end. There is no way I could have seen them coming and that just made them even better. The biggest surprise was the girl I am hoping will end up with Ronin’s brother, Dagan. It came out of left field and I have fingers crossed that Rosalie will let this relationship coming to fruition. I am also dying to see how all the brothers will react to this one relationship. I am thinking Dagan is in some trouble already, haha. You are going to have to read to figure out what I am talking about, but I promise you it is worth it.Overall, Rosalie just keeps getting better with each book. Touch of the Angel was a hot, exciting, addictive read that I finished in one sitting. I am dying for the next book and cannot wait to see what is in store for both Cresso and Dagan. If you are a paranormal romance lover than these are books you cannot miss!