The demon knew he hadn't missed that flash of desire. He never did. It was his sole purpose in the universe; he was the Tempter. It didn't matter that John would never have acted on it. He'd thought about it, however briefly, and that was the important part. It was faintly amusing how Crichton really hadn't bothered to deny it and had gone on the attack instead. People were so predictable.

Crowley gave a humourless smile, already aware that he'd won. "Nor do I recall needing your permission," he replied. "Thanks to you clever Yanks we have freedom of speech now. Oh, there are a few exceptions to the law, of course, but hurting your feelings isn't one of them. Too bad. Only I'm now thinking of a much older law. What was it again - the tenth commandment? Something about it being an unforgivable sin to covet your neighbor's wife? I'm sure coveting your neighbor who has a boyfriend while you yourself are engaged is covered in there somewhere, too."

He gave a show of being thoughtful and continued, "Odd how even having the thought counts as adultery."