Chapter 1
“Say Trent… Are you gonna miss me if I ever go somewhere far?” the boy asked his friend as they laid down the bed, a supposedly hypothetical question that he knows deep inside is happening faster than he had anticipated.
“Why? Are you going away?” The innocent green eyes lit up in attention at what his bestfriend had just said. He’s confused as to why he would be asked this—and it made his heart skip a beat just thinking how he’d be apart from his bestfriend.
Ashley just giggled and shook his head “No, just a question.”
“Well if you’re not going away then I won’t miss you.” The boy mumbled, a bit flustered.
“You’re definitely gonna miss me.” Ashley whispered with a small smile—a sad one before he shook his head and pointed at the star that they can see from the small window of the boy's room. "Look, it's our star again."
Trent, still caught up in the previous conversation, just nodded, the sad smile he just saw from his best friend not leaving his mind. "Yeah, that's our star. I heard you can buy stars and name it."
"Really?" Ashley asked, eyes twinkling at the idea."Then let's earn lots of money and buy that one!"
"It'll take like a million hundred dollars!" Trent said. "But I'm sure we'll be a able to buy it if we work hard together."
"Yeah. Together."Ashley replied, the sad smile reappearing, making Trent feel something fuzzy inside him, it's as if he can't breath.
And little did Trent know that it’ll be the last time he’ll see Ashley before he completely disappeared from his life without a trace.
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Trent’s POV (Trent Xavier Easton)
Morning wood?
Check.
Dirty and disgusting mouth that seemed to smell like the depths of hell itself?
Check.
Horns?
Check.
Fangs?
Of fucking course.
That god damn dream that kept replaying in my mind for the past 20 years?
Yeah, sure it’s all there. All peachy fuzzy.
What a normal morning for a demon like me and yep—You heard it right. You probably thought that this is a normal story about two protagonist doing heroic work or two people falling in love—oh no Romeo, this ain’t the story for you.
Waking up at nine in the morning is just a normal thing for me to do. As well as rushing and stubbing my toe into every corner of my room so I could get to work on time. Of course included in that is the rushed shower and since I can’t afford to wait for the water to heat up, I have to dance around under the unforgiving icy cold water—I should blame myself but nah, I’ve too much pride to admit that it’s my own fault.
“Fuck.” I cursed as I almost stepped outside with my horns still out for the world to see. I flicked my finger and fixed my hair with my hand, running my fingers over my black locks as I open the door of my sleek black Reventon. What can I say? I like sweet rides. What is being a demon if you can’t put it to good use? Right? Right?
I live in a relatively nice neighborhood, the same one as I had when I was just a little kid. I could tell you my whole childhood experience but it would take some time so let’s skip on that.
One thing I can tell you though is that even as a kid, I am already quiet a look to behold. Surprising right? Nobody thought a demon could be a kid. Well surprise bitches, we are not manufactured like cookies or some robot in a factory to come out as perfect as we are—well not as perfect as I am.
Yep. Conceited, I’m quiet informed.
I made my way inside the massive building of my company. The Potent Club Brewery.
As a 27 year old demon-slash-handsome CEO, I already had quite an achievement. I have money to my name that isn’t out of magic but from my pure hard work as business man. I handcrafted this brewery and distillery from my own hands and no one—NO ONE but me takes credit for it.
“Good morning Sir.” My secretary, Ram, greets me as I went inside the company.
“Morning Ram, run me through my schedule today.” I said while fixing my cuff links after I shrug out of my jacket that is definitely just for show to my employees that I am a proper boss that can dress nicely. If it we’re me, I’d be coming to work in pajamas.
“You have a lunch meeting at 12:00 with the farm owners for the new expansion and a video conference with the architect you have requested for your office in Metropolis branch at 14:00 then at 16:00 some papers from the HR will be delivered for review. That’s all for the day.” My secretary said as he trails before me with an iPad in hand—making sure to check my schedule once again before nodding. “Anything you want to include in that schedule, Sir?” He asked and I shook my head.
“I’m good for the day. A coffee would be nice.”
“Right away sir.” He said before retrieving me my cup of my favorite Arabica beans coffee.
I sat down on my chair, trying to get myself a bit composed as I eyed all the paper works and contracts I have to go over with a sigh. My mind is torturing me a lot, replaying back to my dreams about my childhood and this certain boy I used to play with—my best friend who I fucking don’t know where or how to find now.
That dream isn’t a good dream. It’s a nightmare. It’s supposed to be a fluffy squishy dream of two boys playing—but no. It was a dream that makes me want to go back in time and grab my best friend so I can keep him with me. We promised and now, we are still yet to fulfill that promise and I hate it from the bottom of my heart.
“Fucking star isn’t even a star. It’s Venus.” I grumbled under my breath after thanking my secretary for the warm cup of black coffee—and no, I don’t especially like coffee as black as my soul but it’s the only thing strong enough to wake me up so we’re here. On some days, I might even need Robusta so I could palpitate to heaven but those are the bad days. Now, I ought to forget all my nightmares and enjoy my office life like a normal 27 year old CEO.
“Sir?” My secretary called out and I looked up from my cup. “Sir Cameron is here.”
“Send him up.” I said and placed my cup.
A few moments later, a man—nope, a Demon, yep… a muscular one that looks like a Calvin Klein model ripped out of every woman’s fantasy came strutting into my office.
“Leviathan.” I greeted and he rolled his eyes and planted his ass on my desk. “Get your ass off of my desk.”
“As cordial as ever, Crocell.” He said with a huff before planting his ass on the leather couch. “Is that a way to greet your friend?”
“Damn it it’s too early for your bullshit Lev, what brings you here?” I asked with a bored look. Leviathan is my friend—yep, a demon that as far as I’ve heard is in a very high position back in hell or so it seems. Not like I really care—I don’t care about the underworld’s democracy or what-shit-not. Anyway, this idiot was the one who turned me into a demon after failing my wish and latched onto me and I guess we became friends.
“Goodness gracious you look like a grumbling little elf on Santa’s factory. Too busy to get laid?”
“Damn right. I’m too lonely to be functioning.” I said, turning my attention back to my paper works. “How are things back in underworld?”
“Eh, peachy. Just a bit blurry about heir’s thingy.” The demon drawled out and crossed his legs. “Beelzebub is looking for you. Again. He’s saying how you should be on the council’s meeting along with the higher demons since you’re the reincarnation of Crocell.”
“I don’t get that guy’s obsession with me and meetings. I mean—I may be Crocell in the flesh but I have always made it known that I am not interested in the power struggle down there, I’m comfortably living here.” I took a sip of my coffee and crossed my arms. “Besides, you idiot still haven’t granted my I quote, ‘deepest, darkest desire’ so you don’t get to tell me anything.” I huffed, imitating his voice and throwing my fingers in the air to quote him.
“You are so annoying. It’s not my fault the contract didn’t work and for the nth time Trent, a demon cannot overpower Fates—or along the lines of that. I tried and it simply won’t work.” Lev rested his chin elegantly on his hands and looked at me. “Anyway, I am here to tell you that I may or may not have granted a friend’s wish and placed a certain signage on your lot…”
“Lot—fucking hell, what did you do Leviathan?” I stood up and Lev immediately jumped and backed away from me.
“Okay now big boy, calm down.” He said as I slowly closed our gap. “You told me how lonely you are so I took the initiative to find you some roomie or along the lines of that. Bonus part, it’s a human, so yay?”
“A what!?” I asked in disbelief and rubbed my temples. “I am a demon—I can’t be living with a human!”
“Everything has been done and you can’t say no anymore.” Leviathan said and crossed his arms. “Do this favor for me, Trent. He’s a good friend of my friend and you can always use some company. Didn’t you longed for one—maybe this is the chance for you to meet other people besides those from work.”
“Are you telling me I am socially inept?” I gasped with a regal brow raised, offended.
“You get what I mean already.” Lev clicked his tongue. “It’s gonna be a good experience, I swear.”
“I hate you, Lev.” I sighed in defeat.
I hope I don’t have to pray to God for this one.
Chapter 2Ashley’s POV20 years.It had been 20 years since I left this town. 20 years since I left the neighborhood, and now, I’m back. Unfortunately, for good... I’ll be moving back here for good. I’m just hoping that my old neighborhood is still here—however, that’s highly unlikely, with all the modernization that’s happening. Still, I am hopeful. But I’m sure someone had probably renovated or made something new in place of the house I used to live in. The car slowly came to a halt in front of a modern looking house where the house I once grew up in stood. If I remember correctly, there are two houses here before—one that belongs to my childhood best friend that unfortunately, moved out and the other belongs to our family. I had tried searching for that best friend of mine. Without any luck, I still haven't found any clue as to where he is at the moment. I looked around seeing the huge difference. I remember an apple tree in between the houses and an old Sycamore in the back. I re
Chapter 3“So why are you looking for a house mate then?” I asked. “Are you one of those psychopath who lures in people with your big house, nice neighborhood almost non-existent rental payment cause if you are, I might have to let you know, I have a friend the size of a fucking tank. He’s huge and could crush you and he knows I’m here.” I said in an annoyingly honest way to warm him and to let him know that I can outlive scams. I’ve done it before, just so you know. No matter how handsome a stranger is, you don’t trust them.“How I wish—if I am a psychopath, I would be smarter than that.“ He smugly smirked at me and crossed his arms. “This whole thing isn’t actually my idea. My friend, who probably knows your friend that told you this place is up for a renter said I could probably use
Chapter 4“Are you by any chance, named Ashley?” He asked with a curious expression.“Uh, who’s asking?” I asked him, backing away a bit.“You don’t remember me? It’s Mark! Mark Travis. We went to the same middle school before.” He said and I really tried my best in remembering him but I came up blank. “You don’t recall me, do you?” He asked and I reluctantly nodded.“You know Ash, we met at the hospital last year, when I was in chemo.” He shyly said and showed his bald head. “Did your condition perhaps had gotten worse?” He asked with worried face.Now that I think about it, I remember someone from the hospital when I first found out about my condition, I just can’t put the name and face at it.&ldqu
Chapter 5“You know I can feel you stare at me, right?” Ashley deadpanned while waving the wooden spatula in front of my face. I smirked and winked at him.“Your jeans are awfully snug. I am a man whore, sue me.” I said and he just gave me a sound similar to a shout and a groan. It’s a guilty pleasure but I love pissing him off—he’s like this cute little feisty bunny that you play tug of war with but instead of a rope, you’re using his carrot and its damn funny pissing it off.“Can’t you be like normal for once?” He grimaced and went back to stirring whatever he’s cooking in the pot. We are tight, baby. It’s easy to charm him within three months. I have natural charms—and enough confidence. Even if we are constantly teasing each other, I’m pretty su
Chapter 6“How’s it going Bill?” I handed my personal valet my car keys and he just bowed a bit to show respect.“Wonderful, Sir. I hope you have a great day.” He said as I made my way inside the building. I have meetings until 12 and some suppliers to meet after lunch so I really have a day ahead of me. A great day indeed—not.Ms. Mitch, from the front desk greeted me with a smile and I waved at her before riding the elevator up to my office—surprisingly, Ram, my secretary came rushing to me as soon as I stepped out. He’s avoiding my eyes so and I poked the inside of my cheeks. Something is up and I hate not knowing what it is.“Okay what’s got your panties in a bunch?” I asked with narrowed eyes. Ram just fidgeted uncomfortable before he finally
Chapter 7“You seem to be a bit distracted.” Leviathan commented as he sat down beside after the meeting had been concluded, looking straight ahead as he prepared his stuff for departure. Apparently, the idiot is also an investor of the company we are having a meeting today. “Is it about Beel dropping by?”I clicked my tongue and Lev immediately raised a brow, he already know I really hate Beelzebub’s visit as it is mostly him nagging me about my position in hell. “The bastard had given me an ultimatum.” I said, turning to him with a serious façade. “Which means you need to get your shit together and fulfill your part of the agreement already.”Leviathan’s face immediately darkened and he looked away. “You know why we can’t reach out to him already. What you&r
Chapter 8“Not that fun to make fun of now, is it?”The minx.I have to up my game.Instead of pushing him away, I pulled his waist towards mine with a smile. “Of course darling, I was just teasing.” I said with a small chuckle and Ashley looked like he’s about to lose it and murder me instead.“Now, now, I need to introduce you to everybody—everyone, this is my wife—sorry, my husband, Ashley.” I announced and we received a warm applause and maybe some side glances that totally spelled either confusion, suspicion or plain jealousy. I know, I’m one hot piece, damn.Ashley elbowed me with a glare and I led him down to the elevator so we can go back up to my office—he said lunch so I’m gonna have
Chapter 9“I will gut you if I can.” Ashley said with a blank stare and I burst out laughing before hugging him from behind as he began walking to the room.“If I wasn’t busy, I’d totally date you.” I whispered in his ear, earning a shudder. Well, Ashley is gorgeous. I’d give him that and yes, I mean what I said. I would totally date the guy if things were a bit different. If he is my Ashley—I wouldn’t hesitate. But he isn’t my Ashley and my heart still belongs to the boy that saved me twenty years ago.I wouldn’t do that to this Ashley—I wouldn’t live to hurt him if he learns that I am after a person that shares the same name as him. I may be a demon but I know what pain is.“Trent, stop.” He said in a small voice. “W