Hopefully, that was close enough to a normal message a young man might receive.
Even though Luc had modernized Hell in an effort to reacclimate demons to human life before freeing them, a disconnect remained.
Should he ask Dex out on another date? Courtship seemed inadequate in a way it hadn’t before. Dex was aware of mates and was probably already questioning Luc’s interest. Dating didn’t seem to fit. They had to broach the topic of what they were to each other. But when?
No immediate response from Dex popped up.
He better not be cooped up in his depressing condo, or out drinking himself under the table again. Maybe Luc would have to check in—in a more stalkery sense—if he didn’t hear back, though, in all likelihood, Dex was probably working or busy with some other non-destructive activity.
At least he would know Luc was thinking about him.
He pocketed his phone and turned his attention to the painting in front of him. Onyx had excellent taste, and Luc enjoyed knowing he wouldn’t be thrown out for visiting the gallery this time.
The front door opened, and Nico walked in, his steps faltering as he noticed Luc. “I see we’re both early.” His tone didn’t waver. Impressive. Such a steadfast witch would be good for Onyx.
“Your mate is meeting with his employee.” Luc waved a hand toward the stairs. “Once the human leaves, we can get started.”
Nico nodded and crossed his arms, his expression hard.
Luc cast about for something to say to break the tension. What kind of small talk did you make with your brother’s mate when he made no secret of distrusting you? Perhaps he should ask Nico’s star sign or mention the weather.
Before the awkwardness became unbearable, the human who worked in the gallery breezed down the stairs. “You two can go on up. I’ll lock the door on my way out.”
Nico directed a friendly nod at the man. “Thanks, Scott. Have a good night.”
“You too, Nico. And you, Onyx’s mysterious brother. More and more of you keep popping up.” Scott’s eyes lingered on Luc. “Not that I’m complaining.”
He turned to go, and Luc trudged up the stairs with Nico in tow. The sound of the front door closing and locking with a beep echoed off the cavernous space, and the gallery lights faded to a low glow.
Onyx waited for them in his office at the end of the hall, lounging back in his desk chair, a crystal glass of blood in his hand. “Can I get anyone a refreshment?”
Nico strode forward and planted a kiss on his mate’s lips. “Not my cup of tea, little butterfly.”
Onyx ran a hand down Nico’s chest. “I have bourbon for you.”
“In that case, I’d love a glass, but don’t get up.” With a parting kiss, Nico went to the shelving built into the side of the room and opened a cupboard, revealing a glass decanter full of amber liquid.
“Luc?” Onyx shook his glass, eyebrows raised.
“No, thank you. I don’t need anything right now.” He sat in one of the sleek chairs positioned in front of Onyx’s desk.
“Really? Not even with your mate around? You don’t want to get too hungry like Ash and demon-out on him.”
A laugh bubbled out of Luc, seeming to surprise Onyx as much as himself. “Dare I ask?”
Onyx leaned forward. “Ash almost bit Harper while they were having sex, and had to run off before his wingspopped out.”
Poor Ash. “That won’t be a problem. It’s not like I have to pretend to be human around Dex.”
Nico returned, a drink in his hand. “Knowing who you are isn’t a guarantee that Dex won’t freak out if you change forms unexpectedly.”
Luc gritted his teeth. “It won’t be a problem.”
Onyx and Nico shared a look.
Luc wasn’t telling them he’d fed on Dex. That Dex liked fear and forceful play, and ‘demoning out’ was so far from a problem that it was almost funny. It was none of their business.
Would Dex allow Luc to drink from him again? They might never share blood as mates, but they could have this small intimacy.
