Scritching Ginny’s ears, I wonder what it would be like if Zuriel were here, watching shows with a cat in his lap. It would be nice to just be with him like he was my boyfriend, like he wasn’t a massive gargoyle that would frighten everyone.
I wonder what it would be like sitting together, sharing time, going out on dates, and laughing over meals.
If he thinks my tasteless jokes are funny, what would he think of the rest of my life?
It would be nice to do simple little things together, but I don’t think it’s in the cards. Not for us.
My daydreams slip into real dreams as I fall asleep on the couch. Like before, I become a statue, vaguely aware that Zuriel is nearby. This time he reaches out, finding me, soothing me. We spend another eternity, trapped side by side.
When Dad comes home, he helps me install the bat house. He asks the occasional question, each of which I evade until we’re finishing the work in contemplative silence.
Later that evening, I’m lazily watching Ginny from my bed. She’s settled near the balcony window, her tail twitching as she stares at the birds on the railing. The clear, cold day becomes brilliant as the golden hour begins—sunset nears, and I’m still wearing my sweats.
I’m anxious and unsettled. I promised I would find him tonight—which means I have to go back into town. I think about what I smeared on his lips and groan.
If I don’t go to him, he will come to me. I know he will.
And if we’re discovered by my parents… I shake my head, horrified as the thought plays out in my mind.
Heart pounding, nerves brazen, I roll over and reach to the back of my nightstand drawer and retrieve my single set of lingerie. I bought it on a whim on an afternoon shopping trip with Ella, back when she first wanted to impress Rebecca. There was no one to wear it for, but it was so pretty I didn’t want to leave without it. I’ve never owned something so naughty.
Ella convinced me it was a rite of passage—buying my first set of lingerie. After that, it didn’t take much to persuade me to fork over the money.
I brush my hair out and, instead of tying it back, I let the blonde locks frame my face, tumbling over my shoulders. I squint, struggling to apply extra eyeshadow without my glasses, and debate if I should give contacts another try. Butterflies tickle my stomach.
It was easy to say sensual things to Zuriel this morning when he couldn’t react. Now that he’s due to wake and can respond, I’m nervous and excited again. Thinking about him helps take my mind off of this morning’s events.
He’s bigger than me, stronger than me, and knows more about this world’s secrets than me.
I have no idea what I’m in for tonight. Putting on the lingerie, I’m relieved it fits me just as it did several years ago. Thank god. I’m desperate for Zuriel to delivereverythingthis is begging for. I want him to look at me like I’m the best in the world because someday, he might realize I’m not.
The lacy red bra is translucent, letting the glimmer of my brand shine through. As the air shift over my crux, the matching crotchless panties suddenly seem like too much, but before I can shy away, I pull my jeans over them. My sweater goes on just as fast.
The panties rub me strangely, making my throat constrict and my cheeks burn. I want to be with him.Now.
I want him to be crazy for me. I want to drive my monster mad.
I want to pretend everything will be okay.
Just for a little while longer.
Chapter21
Blood Red Lace
Zuriel
The sinking sun releases me,and desperate, I lick my lips, satisfying the desire that has slowly been driving me mad. She tastes delicious.
When my eyes open, Summer is there, waiting for me, looking up, seated upon the counter. Peaches and the sweet scent of her arousal flood my next breath.
She’s aroused.Already.The knowledge does terrible things to me. I can’t believe she’s here and she wants me.
Even after last night, shestillwants me.
Her arousal is on my lips, ambrosia that has kept my thoughts heated and hungry all day long, connecting me to her when she dreamed.
I had made promises, setting intentions that we would…talk,figuring out these new feelings between us, but now as I cast my gaze upon her, I’m speechless, starving for another taste. My cock swells, springing from my body, ready for her to make good on her promises.
