Lucifer sat at the grand piano in his penthouse, his fingers skimming the keys absentmindedly as his mind churned with plans. The events of the past few days had left him more confused than ever. Lisa, Debbie — both of them had confessed their feelings for him. It had started as an intoxicating whirlwind, but now he found himself drowning in a sea of emotions. It wasn't just the allure of his aura anymore. No, it was something deeper. They had both genuinely come to care for him.
But that was the problem. He couldn't have both of them.
For once in his life, Lucifer Morningstar wasn't sure of what to do. He had spent centuries playing his own game, manipulating, seducing, taking what he wanted. But this... this felt different. The stakes were higher. The only solution, as much as he hated to admit it, came from his own twisted sense of strategy.
If he could make them turn away from him, if he could get them to dislike him, they'd be free... and so would he.
Lucifer's thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. He frowned. There was only one person who would knock at this hour with that kind of confidence.
"Selene," he muttered, before walking to the door. He opened it to reveal his loyal bodyguard. She stood there with her usual cold expression, her arms crossed over her chest.
"You look... brooding," she remarked, her voice flat.
Lucifer stepped aside, letting her in. "Just pondering how to handle a mess of my own making."
She raised an eyebrow. "Mess? You, the great Morningstar, in a mess? I thought you'd enjoy the chaos, not drown in it."
"I wish it were that simple," he replied, pacing over to the couch. "Two women... both of them thinking they can have me. It's a delicate situation."
Selene leaned against the wall, watching him with a smirk. "Ah, so what's the plan? Another round of seduction? Tell me you're not getting soft on me, Lucifer."
Lucifer's lips twisted into a smile, though it was devoid of amusement. "I've got a different idea. A plan to turn them away from me for good."
Selene's eyes narrowed, clearly intrigued. "Do tell."
Lucifer paused, then leaned forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'm going to get close to the detective."
Selene blinked, clearly taken aback. "The detective? Seriously? You're going to get involved with her... to get them to hate you?"
Lucifer grinned. "Yes. Brilliant, isn't it? I'll get close to her, maybe even make her think we have something, then spread the news to Debbie and Lisa. That way, they'll have no reason to pine after me."
Selene laughed, shaking her head. "That's your plan? You do realize that you're running to a relationship to avoid one, right?"
Lucifer didn't flinch at her words. "It's the only way. I can't afford to let my emotions get in the way. The detective? She's just a stepping stone."
She eyed him, dubious. "So you're telling me, you, the Lord of Hell, the most feared being in the universe, are going to woo a human detective to get rid of two women who want you. How utterly... ironic."
"Doesn't matter if it's ironic or not," Lucifer shot back. "It's practical. And I'm good at making things work, no matter how... strange they seem."
Selene shook her head with a chuckle, clearly unimpressed. "Well, I'll watch how this unfolds, but don't come crying to me when things get complicated."
Lucifer straightened, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Complicated? That's exactly what I'm looking for."
---
A few days later, Lucifer had already begun putting his plan into motion. He wasn't just going to wait around. He would get to the detective. He had his pride to maintain, and this was the perfect opportunity.
Lucifer showed up at the LAPD building one afternoon, wearing a well-tailored suit that was just a little too casual for a CEO of his caliber. He walked through the entrance with his usual swagger, drawing a few stares from the officers. A receptionist looked up, blinking in surprise as Lucifer approached.
"I'm here for an interview. For the position of consultant," Lucifer said smoothly.
She eyed him skeptically. "A consultant? You're Lucifer Morningstar, right? The CEO of the Morningstar Corporation? You're looking to work with the LAPD?"
Lucifer flashed a charming smile. "Why, yes. It seems I have a particular interest in dangerous situations. And I do love a good adventure. I'm sure my expertise would be invaluable." He leaned closer. "Besides, I'd like to get a little closer to Detective Harper."
The receptionist's eyebrows shot up. "Detective Harper? You're interested in her? That's... new."
Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "Why, yes. We've crossed paths before, and I think she could use a little guidance. It's a win-win, don't you think?"
---
Later that day, Lucifer found himself in front of Detective Harper's desk. She was in her usual attire: smart, professional, with an air of no-nonsense that Lucifer found strangely alluring. As she looked up from her paperwork, her eyes widened in surprise.
"Mr. Morningstar? What are you doing here?"
He grinned. "Detective Harper, I'm here to offer my services. I'd like to be a consultant for the LAPD. My experience with danger and... otherworldly affairs could be helpful."
She gave him a skeptical look. "A consultant? That's... unexpected. You're the CEO of one of the biggest marketing firms in the city, and you want to work for the LAPD?"
Lucifer leaned against her desk, his eyes gleaming. "What can I say? I'm tired of the same old routine. I find the thrill of danger... exhilarating. And the LAPD? Well, it's got plenty of that. Plus, I think we could work well together."
Harper frowned, clearly not convinced. "This is... a little strange, Mr. Morningstar. I'm not sure what your angle is, but I'll need to discuss this with my superiors."
Lucifer didn't miss a beat. "Take your time. But in the meantime, let me prove myself. I'm sure there are plenty of cases you could use a fresh perspective on."
Harper eyed him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. We'll see. But if you're going to be here, you need to follow the rules. No funny business."
Lucifer smirked, his eyes twinkling. "No funny business, Detective. Just adventure."
---
The next few days were filled with tense interactions, as Lucifer integrated himself into the LAPD's operations. He wasn't just showing up to meetings; he was actively participating, offering suggestions, his sharp mind cutting through the bureaucracy with ease. Harper, while skeptical, couldn't deny his intellect, though she remained guarded.
As for Lucifer, he played his role with finesse, never revealing his true motives. But he couldn't help but notice the way the detective looked at him—part curiosity, part wariness. It was exactly the kind of dynamic he thrived on.
---
Back at the penthouse, Lucifer stood at the window, staring out at the city. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out to see a message from Selene.
"How's it going with the detective? Still playing your little game?"
Lucifer smirked and typed back.
"So far, so good. She's suspicious, but I'm making headway. The real test will be when I tell the others about us."
He paused for a moment, then added a final line.
"This will be over soon. Just wait."
Lucifer leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. Everything was falling into place. Soon, Debbie and Lisa would have no choice but to move on. The detective would keep them both away... or so he thought. What he didn't know, however, was that he was getting far more entangled in this web than he had planned.
And as he stared out over the city, a feeling of unease settled deep in his gut. Perhaps, just perhaps, this would be the most complicated game he had ever played.
---
To be continued...