“Yes, Mom. My boyfriend is an incubus.”
She turned her disapproving gaze to me and we glared at each other for a long silent moment until Dad coughed uncomfortably.
“I suppose I better see to the seating arrangement,” she snipped in an icy tone. “I had seated you next to Rufus.”
I rolled my eyes at that but before I could say anything, she spoke again.
“Does it even know how to behave at dinner?”
My mouth opened and closed several times. He really didn’t, but I didn’t want to give my mother the satisfaction. I doubted there was enough time to give Jinx a crash course in table etiquette.
A satisfied gleam appeared in her eyes. “We will tell the guests that you are keeping him as a pet, for study reasons. Then we will discuss this family matter in privacy tomorrow.”
With that, she turned on her heels and left. Dad gave me an apologetic look before scurrying after her.
I sighed heavily. Anger and frustration coiling through me unpleasantly. Jinx wasn’t a pet. She was judging him without even getting to know him.
Jinx looked up at me anxiously. “Sorry,” he signed.
Smiling, I kissed the top of his head. “It’s fine, I wished you had believed me about what a bitch she is, but it can’t be helped now. I’m sorry she was mean to you.”
Jinx smiled back at me but there was sadness in his eyes. I didn’t like seeing it at all. He deserved to be happy.
Dinner was going to be great.
Chapter twenty-two
Ibrushedimaginarylintoff of my tux. My nerves needed something to do. My eyes met Jinx’s in the mirror, and he grinned at me. He’d already made it very clear that he liked me in a suit. Helpless to resist his charm, I smiled back. I had found a suit from my teenage years that fitted Jinx, not perfectly, but not terribly. He looked damn fine. I was looking forward to getting him out of it later.
I was so going to fuck my demon boyfriend in my mom’s house. It would feel like revenge. Petty revenge, but satisfying, nevertheless. I wondered if I’d find the courage to do it loudly. That would be delightful.
I stepped behind Jinx and started tying up his glorious hair into a neat ponytail. He stood still and compliant under my touch. My eyes found his in the mirror again.
“Remember to use the cutlery,” I said for probably the thousandth time. “Try to copy which fork I am using.”
He nodded his understanding.
“Sit still and don’t say anything.”
His look soured, and I winced. That had been thoughtless of me.
“Sorry.”
He patted my arm in forgiveness. He was so sweet like that. Quick to forgive, with a naturally sunny disposition. It was one of the many things I loved about him. I hoped my mother didn’t manage to make him too miserable by the end of the night. If anyone could destroy his happy nature, it would be her.
Taking a deep fortifying breath, I turned him around to face me.
“We are as ready as we will ever be,” I said. “Let’s go.”
Jinx nodded and let me lead the way. It was stupid to be this apprehensive but I just couldn’t shake it off. The best I could do was reassure myself that it would all be over soon.
We filed into the parlor where the guests were gathering for drinks before dinner was served. Jinx trailed behind me and I could sense his nervousness. It said something about my mother’s social events that even a demon from hell found them intimidating.
The guests were dotted around the room, standing in small groups. The hum of several quiet conversations filled the air. Then they noticed us, or rather they noticed Jinx. The sudden silence was deafening. I could feel the weight of their stares.
My mother stood in the middle of her small group of admirers and shot me a look that would have made me wet myself if I hadn’t grown up with it.
Jinx whimpered softly and hid behind me. I didn’t blame him. I wanted to run away too, and I knew these people. Jinx stepped in closer to me until he was pressed right against my back. He wasn’t just uncomfortable, he was scared.
