“Don’t give me that faux innocent look. You’re talking about Arto and me again. What happened today reinforced how that would be an absolute disaster.”
“Oh, come on,” Larissa dismissed. “Arto couldn’t keep his eyes off you today.”
“Because I almost unleashed a supernatural nightmare into the city. If there’s any sign that indicates we’d be a disaster, it’s that.”
“It wasn’t a sign,” Larissa protested.
Janie snorted. “It was something.” She groaned. “If nothing else, it tells me I have no business traipsing around the compound. Yes, I know being your friend has granted me access whereas they generally don’t let humans in, but I’m sure Roman, for one, is going to think that’s a mistake and revoke my access.”
“He wouldn’t.”
“Heshould.”
“It was an accident and could have happened with anyone.” She turned her hand palm up. “If he’s going to be angry at anyone, it will be Arto.”
“I don’t want him getting any flack because of me.” Janie pointed to herself.
“Roman isn’t so narrow-minded that he won’t understand what happened today was a freak thing. An accident. Who could have predicted that would happen?”
Janie blinked at Larissa. “You’re joking, right?”
“No, why?”
“You had a vision of a demon.” Janie pointed at her friend and then herself. “I almost summoned one.”
“Almost doesn’t count.” Larissa leaned back on the sofa and crossed her leg. “It looks like nothing happened, so don’t worry.”
Janie exhaled. “I think I should stay here in my cloistered little human cocoon where I can’t cause any chaos.”
“Do you want me to stay on the couch tonight?”
Janie clucked her tongue while she considered that option. It would be nice to have someone there, but she had no reason to be scared since there was nothing to be afraid of. But Larissa had a hard time falling asleep, which would likely be worse if she wasn’t in her own bed.
“No, I’ll be fine. You and the sentries have ensured my apartment is protected with magic, and like Roman said, there are no indications anything is out there. I can’t live in fear.” She gestured toward the ceiling. “Besides, I’m pretty sure Arto will be swooping around the area throughout the night to ensure nothing is wrong.”
Larissa snickered and glanced up. “He’ll probably be a permanent fixture on top of your roof.”
Janie pictured him out there as a gargoyle statue. It would be better to have Arto inside her apartment. With her. He shouldn’t have to spend countless extra hours on watch for trouble.
She sighed and then gestured to the TV. “I’ll continue this Bridget Jones marathon in my bed after you leave.” That was how she often fell asleep anyway—with the sleep timer on.
She preferred to sleep with background noise. Otherwise, it was quiet. Too quiet. She typically fell asleep listening to a sitcom that she’d seen many times before. It helped get her out of her head. If not, she could replay memories and tumble down into an abyss of darkness and fears.
After the first movie ended, Larissa left. Janie changed into pajamas and crawled into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. She started the next movie and hoped it would take her mind off things, but whenever she closed her eyes, she pictured the red, glowing eyes of a demon. Perhaps she should have had Larissa stay. Knowing someone was in the other room might have given her a sense of comfort.
Having Arto there would be even more reassuring.
No, she couldn’t bother him with her anxieties. He was working—and likely on an extra-long shift searching for demon activity. She had to let him do his job and get rest, if he had the chance.
Besides, if she could get through tonight after such a scare, it would be a big step in helping her move forward.
She listened to banter between Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy, and her eyes grew heavy, drifting closed.
But then she wasn’t alone. There was a weight on her bed. Was someone there? Who?
Arto?
A hand slipped beneath the blanket. Fingers trailed up her shin. She inhaled sharply, suddenly breathless with anticipation. It had to be Arto. She couldn’t see in the dark, but something about the gentle caress moving up her leg… Then a kiss followed just below her knee.
