Lucifer's POV
I sat in my office surrounded by cake sketches, ingredient lists, measurements, and enough design notes to drive an average baker insane but me?
I loved this shit, maybe even a little too much.
I leaned back in my chair, staring proudly at the newest sketch spread across my desk.
Connie's wedding cake... It was standing at ten feet tall, and around eleven thousand pounds.
Let's just say it's completely insane, it's exactly the kind of challenge I enjoyed and possibly one of my finest work.
The design itself was dramatic as hell... It's a full edible portrait cake sculpted to resemble the bride herself standing in a flowing wedding gown.
And the design wasn't even cartoonish or tacky. It's real, elegant, luxurious and pure art.
The base layer alone was designed as a giant marble-effect platform made from vanilla bean sponge layered with white chocolate mousse and raspberry preserve, wrapped in edible silver leaf detailing.
Above that, the cake transformed upward into the "dress." and every layer represented a different section of the bridal gown.
The waistline section featured champagne-flavored sponge with caramelized pear filling, the torso layers were dark chocolate cake infused with espresso cream and black cherries, the sleeves and veil sections were delicate almond sponge with honey lavender buttercream and I even designed edible sugar crystals that would cascade down the dress like diamonds catching light.
The entire thing would have hand-painted edible lace patterns piped individually using royal icing so thin it looked like actual fabric.
And the best part? The face.
I planned to sculpt Connie's exact facial structure using modeling chocolate and fondant work so realistic it would almost look alive.
Still unfinished though, because I had no clue what dress Connie planned to wear yet but if she approved the concept?
I would adjust every detail until the cake looked exactly like her on her wedding day.
I tapped my pencil against the sketch thoughtfully.
"I think Connie will love this."
Honestly? From the little interaction we'd had earlier, Connie definitely seemed like the type who enjoyed being the center of attention.
Not that I blamed her.
But that's what birthed this design because a cake like this would literally stop conversations.
I grabbed my calculator and started finalizing ingredient quantities.
Butter, cream, sugar, imported vanilla, chocolate, structural supports, fondant, decorative materials, labor costs, delivery logistics and the likes.
The entire thing would cost a ridiculous amount to produce.
Then naturally... I added my profit.
A very generous one.
I smiled slightly at the total afterward. "Not too bad."
The bakery was definitely about to make serious money and aside from that, I feel like doing this for Connie was bound to bring more clients my way.
Not to toot my own horn but let's face, no classy person would see that cake at Connie's wedding and not want the creator to do something similar for them too.
Just as I was about to recline and rest a little, my burner phone started ringing. I groan and checked the caller ID and honestly I wasn't surprised to see it's Red again.
I answered immediately. "Red. Is everything okay?"
"Yes," he replied. "Everything's sorted out."
Good.
"What about Sylvester?"
"He's on board," Red said. "He will make sure there's no patrol unit on our route tomorrow."
Perfect.
I leaned back slightly. "Good."
"Are you coming along for the delivery?"
That made me pause because normally? There wouldn't even be a question.
The Derulo brothers were major clients, important enough that Lucifer herself should oversee the exchange personally.
But before I could answer...
My main personal phone started ringing and the moment I saw that it was Seb, a small smile instantly touched my lips.
"Hold on, Red. I need to take this."
"Okay."
I switched calls immediately. "Hi, baby."
Sebastián's voice came through warm and smooth instantly.
"Babe, how are you doing?"
I smiled without meaning to. "I am fine. You?"
"I'm okay," he replied. "What are you up to?"
"Nothing much," I said softly. "I'm at the bakery. I got a new client."
"Wow," he said immediately. "That's amazing. I am proud of you, babe."
God... Why did simple praise from him affect me this much?
I actually blushed slightly. "Thanks, baby."
It's crazy how he makes me so stupid things like blush even when he wasn't close by. Although I do love it, I love the version of me around me, because it's a version I don't get to see often because of my life as Lucifer.
"I'm guessing you are busy?"
"Yes," I admitted. "There's barely enough time for the wedding cake."
"Damn."
I heard him sigh softly.
"What is it baby? Is there a problem?"
"No. Actually, I called because I found an event planner."
Right... The wedding, my wedding.
"I wanted us to meet her together tomorrow," he continued, "so you can tell her what kind of wedding you want."
I closed my eyes briefly because I actually wanted to show up, to be there with him but tomorrow... Fuck.
That was the weapon delivery and the last thing I needed was juggling my wedding planning while moving illegal weapons across routes protected by blackmailed cops.
"Oh…" I said carefully. "Tomorrow's a little tight. Can we do the day after instead? Or is that too late?"
Sebastián answered immediately. "No, it's fine. It can wait."
Relief settled slightly in my chest. "Okay. Thanks, baby."
Truthfully, I was fucking busy and it wasn't even about Connie's cake alone. I just wanted to be there for the delivery myself because trust was expensive in my world.
And mistakes got people killed, plus if you wanted something done right without complications, you need to supervise it your damn self. Yes I trust Red to do everything right but it's safer for me to be there.
"I will let you get back to work," Sebastián said gently. "Don't overwork yourself."
I smiled softly. "I won't. Take care, okay?"
"You too." Then he added quietly. "Love you."
My chest tightened automatically.
I smiled. "Love you too."
Then the call ended and for a second, I just stared at the screen.
God... I hated disappointing him, especially lately because he had been patient, supportive, happy and I kept pushing him aside every time Lucifer business demanded my attention.
I switched back to the burner phone.
"You still there, Red?"
"Yes."
"Good, I am coming tomorrow." I confirmed.
"Understood."
"I want everything ready before I arrive."
"It will be."
"Good. See you tomorrow."
Then I ended the call too.
The office suddenly felt too quiet afterward and honestly? I was irritated, frustrated and angry but not at Sebastián.
Never at him... At myself because no matter how much I tried balancing both worlds... One always stole from the other and it was exhausting.
Usually when I felt this wound up? I either shot something… Or baked.
Since shooting people inside my bakery would probably traumatize the staff, I chose the healthier option.
Baking... I stood up and headed toward the kitchen.
The second I entered, the warm scent of sugar and cinnamon hit me instantly.
One of the bakers looked up immediately. "Good afternoon, Miss Sabrina."
"Afternoon," I replied. "What are you working on?"
"Carrot cake."
I nodded once. "Okay."
Then I headed toward my private baking section at the far end of the kitchen... This space was mine and untouchable.
Nobody used it except me, unless they feel like losing their hands and never bake again.
I tied an apron around my waist slowly while thinking. What did I want to make?
I had no idea but I know I wanted something different, possibly something nobody had done before.
Then suddenly... An idea hit me and I smirked.
"Interesting."
Black garlic... Most people associated black garlic with savory food alone, like steak, sauces, pasta but desserts? Almost never.
The flavor profile was insane though.
Sweet, deep and almost caramel-like with hints of balsamic and molasses.
If balanced properly? It could be incredible.
I got to work immediately.
Dark cocoa sponge infused with roasted black garlic paste... Brown butter, espresso and a touch of smoked sea salt.
Then layered with whipped mascarpone honey cream and candied figs.
The more I mixed everything together… The calmer I felt.
The sound of whisks, the smell of chocolate and the warmth of the ovens, everything slowly untangled the knots in my chest.
I baked the first mini sample quickly, sliced into it while still warm, then took a bite and holy shit.
I blinked slowly, then laughed under my breath.
"Well damn."
It worked... The black garlic added this rich, mysterious sweetness beneath the chocolate and espresso. It was unexpected, complex but very addictive.
I immediately started adjusting measurements for perfection... More mascarpone, less salt, extra fig reduction.
By the second batch? It was even better and for the first time all day… I finally relaxed because baking had always been the one thing capable of quieting Lucifer completely.
No guns, no blood, no threats... Just me creating mind-blowing delights instead of destruction.