“Noted.” He turned a page in his cookbook. “Now, do you think people would prefer traditional burgers or something more adventurous?”
And just like that, I found myself planning a suburban barbecue with a demon prince. Life had officially reached peak absurdity.
Chapter 9
Sunday arrived with perfect weather—sunny but not too hot, with a gentle breeze that kept the mosquitoes at bay. Malphas had been up since dawn, preparing food and setting up the backyard with the same precision he applied to everything.
I watched from the kitchen window as he arranged chairs and tables on the immaculate lawn, his movements efficient and purposeful. He’d dressed in what I now recognized as his “blend in with humans” outfit: dark jeans, a navy button-down with the sleeves rolled up to expose his muscular forearms, and—I had to stifle a laugh—a pair of New Balance sneakers.
“You’re staring,” he noted without looking up as he adjusted a tablecloth.
“Just admiring the view,” I called back. It wasn’t a lie—Malphas was unfairly attractive even when performing mundane tasks. Maybe especially then.
He looked up, flashing me a smile that made my stomach do a little flip. Over the past month of living together, I’d become increasingly aware of a dangerous truth: my feelings for Malphas were evolving beyond simple attraction or even affection. I was falling for him, hard and fast.
It was terrifying in a way that had nothing to do with his demonic nature.
Before I could dwell on these unsettling emotions, Malphas joined me in the kitchen. “Everything’s ready outside. The guests will arrive in about an hour.”
He surveyed the impressive spread of food he’d prepared: a variety of marinaded meats for the grill, homemade sides, and a spectacular fruit tart that would have made professional bakers weep with envy.
“This looks amazing,” I said honestly. “Your neighbors are going to be blown away.”
“Our neighbors,” he corrected, then looked suddenly uncertain. “I mean… while you’re staying here. I know your apartment will be ready soon, but…”
He trailed off, and an awkward silence fell between us. My apartment repairs were indeed nearly complete—I could move back within days. Neither of us had addressed what would happen then.
“Right,” I said finally. “Our neighbors. For now.”
Something flickered in his eyes—disappointment, perhaps—but before he could respond, the doorbell rang.
“That’s early,” he frowned, glancing at his watch.
“I’ll get it,” I offered, grateful for the interruption.
I opened the front door to find a woman in her sixties with silver hair and an abundance of crystal jewelry. She held a covered dish and was peering at me with obvious curiosity.
“You must be Sam,” she said, bypassing any formal introduction. “I’m Alice Deleon from across the street. Malphas has mentioned you.”
“He has?” This was news to me.
She nodded, eyes twinkling. “Oh yes. Not directly, of course—he’s quite private. But I’ve seen your car here, and he’s had a certain… energy lately.” She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “His aura is much brighter since you arrived.”
Oh great, the neighborhood mystic who suspects Malphas isn’t human.“That’s… nice to hear,” I managed, stepping back. “Please, come in. You’re a bit early, but I’m sure Malphas will be glad to see you.”
“I know I’m early,” she confirmed, sailing past me into the house. “I wanted a chance to meet you properly before everyone else arrived. And to bring my famous seven-layer dip.”
I followed her to the kitchen, where Malphas looked up in surprise. “Mrs. Deleon. You’re early.”
“Alice, please,” she corrected, setting down her dish. “I was just introducing myself to your young man.”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks at the designation. “We’re, uh—”
“Thank you for the dip,” Malphas interrupted smoothly. “It’s always a highlight.”
Alice beamed at him, then turned her assessing gaze back to me. “You know, Sam, not many can see things as they truly are. It’s a gift.”
A chill ran down my spine at her words. Did she know I could see Malphas’s true form?
