Ember hated this distance between them. Hated that shecouldn’t talk to him, couldn’t enjoy a movie without him, couldn’t even read without his presence.
She missed him.
Today had been even more brutal because she hadn’t even had work to keep her occupied. She’d woken up alone and had spent her day all by herself in this big old house, neither seeing nor hearing from him at all.
Enough of this.
It’d been eight days of this nonsense. She wasn’t going to let it continue.
Sitting up, Ember climbed out of bed and drew off her nightgown as she made her way to her dresser. Pulling out a pair of black leggings and an oversized black off-shoulder sweater, she dressed and put on socks before heading downstairs.
If Nyte wouldn’t willingly come to her, she’d take matters into her own hands. Hell, she’d even forgone a bra hoping that he’d notice.
She grabbed her keys from the kitchen and tucked them in her pocket as she made her way to the front door. Shoving her feet into her black combat boots, she zipped up the sides, stood, and stepped outside, striding along the walkway toward the sidewalk.
Ember smiled, silently counting each step away from her property.
“Where in the hells are you going at this hour of the night?” Nyte demanded from directly behind her.
She couldn’t stop her lips from stretching into a grin as she came to a halt.
Worked like a charm.
“Oh, just going on a midnight stroll,” she said cheerily, turning to face him.
His expression was furious, with his brows angled sharplydown over those smoldering eyes, his lips pressed in a tight line, and his nostrils flared. “It’s not safe to be out here alone.”
“But I’m not alone, am I? It’s so thoughtful of you to join me.” She moved to Nyte’s side, wrapped her arms around one of his, making sure to press her breasts against him, and peered up at him with a sweet smile. “I know you’ll protect me from all the things that go bump in the night. Well, all theotherthings.”
A shudder rippled through his tense body, and his wings quivered as he released a heavy breath. But he didn’tpoofaway. That was more than she’d hoped for with the way he’d been acting lately. She could feel his tail swinging behind them as though in irritation.
With an exaggerated, exasperated flick of his wrist, he waved her forward.
Before her foot had even come down with her first step, clothing appeared on his body. Though his demonic features remained, she knew he wouldn’t appear that way for anyone else who looked at him.
And she wouldn’t appear to have lost her mind walking with her arms looped around thin air.
“See, isn’t this nice?” she asked. “A quiet night, fresh air—well, fresh-ish air—and pleasant company.”
Nyte grunted in a way that sounded rather skeptical.
Ember narrowed her eyes. “Youdolike my company, right? Because I would hate to think you used me for sex just to ghost me afterward. I might have to hex your shadowy ass.”
He sighed and shook his head. “Firstly, I’m a nocturnus, not a ghost. Secondly, you don’t know how to cast any hexes. And thirdly, we both know which of us is pleasant company and which is not.”
She chuckled. “I’m sure I could learn how to cast a hex or two.” Reaching up, she brushed a lock of curls from his brow. “Also, I do adore your grumpy demeanor. It’s cute.”
“Cute?” His head snapped toward her, the agitation in his expression replaced by incredulity. “I’m a demon formed of darkness, witch. I’m notcute. I am everything you mortals fear in the dead of night.”
Ember pinched his cheek, and in a saccharine voice said, “Aww, look at you trying to be all mean and scary.”
His features fell into a droll look. “I cannot help but feel my existence is plummeting toward a new low.”
“Oh, don’t be so glum.” She slipped her arm back around his, hugging it as they continued walking. “Enjoy the night with me. You’ve been way too distant lately.”
“And this is your answer to that?”
“It’s working, isn’t it?”
