“Anytime you wish to come, Lilah, I will be here.” His words are about my presence in his bakery, not an offer of sexual satisfaction.
My body responds anyway. Desperate for even a hint of relief, I squeeze my thighs together, clutching the bakery box tight to hide my hard nipples from view. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He doesn’t answer, just gives a single nod, but his eyes flicker like firelight. They’re still bright red and trained on me when I reach the door and turn back for one more look.
Four
LILAH
“I’m happy you’ve officially decided to stay,” Holly says as we step outside.
“Me too, but there’s a lot to sort out before it can actually happen.”
Smiling at me, she gives me another affectionate side-hug. “Hit me with the list so I can help clear everything off of it.”
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a close friend. Bart didn’t outwardly pressure me to cut ties with people, but as the years went by and his attitude and demeanor toward me worsened, it was easier to let friends drift away. I’d forgotten how nice it feels to have someone in my corner.
I tuck the box of scones under one arm so I can tick things off with my fingers. “First on the list, get a job.”
“As good as done.” A don’t-bother-arguing-with-me expression on her face, her ponytail bounces as she nods. “Next on the list?”
Laughing freely and easily is another joy I’d forgotten. “Find a place to live. Permanently, I mean.”
She flaps a hand. “Another thing that shouldn’t be on the list. My cabin is yours for as long as you want. Seriously. Or I can help you find another place if you’d prefer to live right in town. Though, you’re more likely to cross paths with Amazra outside of the bakery if you stay where you are. He has a small house not far from the spot you crossed the boundary.”
Warmth licks at my cheeks, and I’m torn between denial and asking all the X-rated questions floating through my mind. “My interest was that obvious?”
“To me, yes, and probably to Dauphine. Elves are quite perceptive in general, plus, she’s the closest thing to a friend for Amazra.”
“People don’t like him?”
“Nobodydislikeshim, but aside from Dauphine, people don’t really know him. When he came to Fate’s Falls, he basically stayed on the outskirts. Hell-born demons don’t need to eat or drink, so he doesn’t shop for that stuff like most of us mortal species do. I saw him occasionally, out in the woods and fields near the fox shifters’ cabins, but he only started coming into town when he bought the bakery a couple of years ago. Even now, he doesn’t mingle with anyone socially, not even casually. Just goes to and from the bakery.”
Bringing the box of scones around to my chest, I hug it tight. “That sounds so lonely.”
“To me too, but hell demons are different. They’re primarily solitary and reclusive; they’re not wired for bonding or emotional connection like most species.”
There’s no room in my stomach for the scones because it suddenly feels full of rocks. “I see.”
“Just because they’re not wired for love doesn’t mean they don’t, you know.” She makes the universal finger gesture for sexual intercourse, laughing when I swat at her expressive hands. The easygoing sound tapers off as she studies my profile.“If I’m reading the look on your face correctly, I’m guessing you’re not a keep-it-casual kind of girl.”
“Honestly, I don’t know.” Staying in step as we head toward our next destination, I turn my head to face her. “I didn’t date much before my ex-husband. A serious, committed relationship is the only kind I know.”
“Respectfully, what you experienced with him wasnota serious, committed relationship. Based on the stuff you told me last night, that guy was a total narcissist.” Her mouth pulls into a grimace. “I’m sorry, hon, I’m being insensitive. I’m sure there were bright spots.”
“Some,” I say when she doesn’t continue, though I’m sure there’s more she’d like to add. The unspoken stuff is etched in her expression. “But you’re right, it was a really unhealthy situation.”
“And now you’re out of it, with a new, shiny, positive, happy life ahead of you.” Looping her arm through mine, she tugs me close and squeezes. “You’re smart, brave, compassionate, totally gorgeous, and free to do whatever the hell you want, includingdoingthe hell-demon baker.”
Any response other than laughing at her wiggling eyebrows is impossible.
“So, that’s possible? As in, physically?” Heat floods my cheeks as I copy her finger-in-hole gesture. Briefly, since my hands are in front of the bakery box, in full view of anyone who might be looking in our direction.
“It sure is.”
“I’m asking for later. As in, down the road. I think it’d be a mistake to attempt any kind of romantic or even strictly physical connection with Amazra right now. I’m kind of ashamed to admit how much of a number my ex did a number on my self-esteem. Logically, I know I have lots of great qualities, andthere’s nothing wrong with my body shape or size, but it’s going to take time to get comfortable with myself again, you know?”
“You have no reason to feel ashamed. I wish you could justdecideto delete the negative feelings your ex caused, and poof, they’d disappear, but even the magic of Fate’s Falls can’t do that. However, Idoknow the perfect person to help with your self-reacquaintance process. After your new job is confirmed, we’ll pop across the street and I’ll introduce you to Lexi.”
