Bewitching the Devil

BEWITCHING THE DEVIL HELLISH FLAMES DUET BOOK 1 SARA FAULKNER Copyright © 2023 by Sara Faulkner All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Edited by The Fiction Fix Alpha Readers: Melody and Haylee Beta Readers: Beka, Ebony, and Danielle Created with Vellum To my husband, Sean. Thank you for supporting my dream of being an author and for giving me the last name that really fits the job. * * * And also to the readers that sometimes need some unhinged southern charm to spice up their book boyfriends. If you are someone who prefers to clutch their pearls, then this story is definitely not for you. The content is written in utter blasphemy. Bewitching the Devil is book one of two in the Hellish Flames series. It is a paranormal why-choose romance meaning, in the end, the main character does not choose between her love interests. This book is intended for adults. All characters are at least eighteen years old so all readers should be too. This story contains darker themes throughout so please be mindful of your triggers. Your mental health is top priority. Triggers for this story include: strong language, explicit sexual content, violence, torture, murder, knife play, blood, attempted sexual assault, slight mention of suicidal thoughts, death of parents, fictional human sacrifice, anti-religion rhetoric. CONTENTS 1. Devil In Disguise 2. In your head 3. Self control 4. Second circle ranch 5. Strife 6. A truth and a lie 7. No salvation for sinners 8. Secret whispers 9. Rainy days and butterfly clips 10. Just not yet 11. The Accident 12. Better Birthdays 13. Hell’s salvation 14. Masturbation is a form of witchcraft 15. Appreciate the Darkness 16. Pleasure filled promises 17. Denial 18. Confessional 19. One mortal witch 20. Fiery Warnings 21. The Devil’s downfall 22. Watcher 23. Acceptance 24. Temptations 25. Familiar feelings 26. Exhibition 27. Wanting 28. No going back 29. Switch 30. Transfer of protection 31. Chained Confessions 32. Fate 33. Cutting Ties 34. Finding an Angel in Hell 35. Reasons 36. Emotional Outlets 37. Trust 38. The Devil’s Darlin’ 39. Sacrificial Love 40. Rebirth Sex Index Acknowledgments Also by Sara Faulkner 1. devil in disguise “Come on, Della. We’re already here, so you might as well go inside,” Callie pleads as she tugs on my arm. I roll my eyes at her whining. Callie knows me better than anyone else, so she knows that a crowded bar in the heart of San Angelo is the farthest from where I want to be. Still, the woman insists on making my life miserable, like it brings her the utmost happiness. Midnight Ranch’s neon sign flickers as we travel closer. Its bright blues and reds illuminate the parking lot, pulling the attention of every cowboy and buckle bunny this side of I-35. “Look, Cal, you asked me to drive y’all and I did. I can wait in the car until you’re done. There’s nothing in that bar that interests me,” I say, trying to pull out of her grasp. Willow jumps in front of me, placing her hands on my shoulders. “There might be some hot, broody cowboy in there, just waitin’ for you to put a spell on him. When was the last time you got laid, anyway?” Her smirk is obvious as she turns her head to look at our other friend, Kinsley. I huff, blowing back a strand of jet-black hair out of my face. “I get laid, Willow. I just haven’t been interested in anyone in a while.” “Mhm, whatever you say, Della Rae. I don’t care what you want; you’re coming with us.” I open my mouth to object, but she cuts me off, pressing a finger to my lips. “At least just sit at the bar. Please?” She bats her lashes at me, thinking it will work as well as it does on the men she tries that on. I’ll never admit it to her, but it does. “Even if I wanted to, which I don’t, I’m not wearing the right kind of clothes for a bar like this.” I look down at the black dress I had thrown on at the last minute and the platform boots on my feet. “Della, shut up. You’re hot as fuck and you know it. No excuse is going to get you out of this.” Callie folds her arms over her chest after pushing her long blonde hair over her shoulder. Looking at the two of us, we couldn’t be more opposite. Where she is sunshine on a summer day, I’m the cloudy night sky. I look between my three best friends, their faces picture-perfect examples of exaggerated sadness. Glancing at the bar, I watch as a blond man walks out, his eyes locking with mine for a brief moment. He continues to stare, a smile forming on his lips before he pulls a phone out of his pocket and gets in his Jeep. I return my attention to Callie as she stands in front of me, and I sigh dramatically. “Oh, fine, but you owe me. Big time.” The three women clap their hands while dancing around me, shrieking loudly. We make our way to the door, pulling it open to walk in. Immediately, we’re greeted by the thick smell of stale smoke and spilled alcohol. As we make our way to the bar, dozens of heads turn to look at our group, a motion I’m all too familiar with my friends. They’re the epitome of southern belles. Callie and Kinsley are beautiful with their long blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and plump pink lips. Willow is breathtaking with her red hair, green eyes, and freckles that cover every inch of her skin. I’d be surprised if any of the men here even notice