“That obvious, huh?” I laughed. It sounded as tired as I felt. “Guess I’m in my head. Being in your realm feels safe, and I’ve grown close to some of you. It’s easy to forget sometimes what’s waiting for me outside the barrier. And the life I left behind.”
Softness touched his expression. “You miss your home.”
I nodded and wrung my hands together in my lap. Even if I wasn’t ready to tell him about me being the Hallowed Saint, I could still confide in him. “I went from an ordinary, coffee loving bookworm to public enemy number one. Not only that, mercenaries are on my tail. It’s just… a lot.”
“I disagree.” He focused on the long, leafy branches in front of us. “You have never been ordinary. Quite the opposite. Since the day I first laid eyes on you, I sensed a fire in you, Evan. A quiet intensity that drew me in. Here I am still, unequivocally drawn to you.”
Hope budded in my chest that, maybe, he did feel our fated bond.
“You’re drawn to me, huh?” I found myself grinning. No poker face whatsoever. “Why, milord, I do believe you’re smitten.”
The edge of his mouth hitched upward. “Smitten? I’m not sure that’s the right word.”
“What word would you use then?” I kept a playful tone despite the sudden flurry of butterflies.
His subtle smile vanished. “Haunted.”
The butterflies crammed between my ribs. “Well, that doesn’t sound like a good thing.”
“It’s a curse like no other.” A wistful expression crossed his face. “Like the moth drawn to the flame, this attraction is destined for ruin. Fate is a cruel mistress. Placing you in my path.”
“Oh.” I swallowed hard, not sure how to take his words. “I can leave if you want.”
“Don’t,” he said, placing a hand on my leg before yanking it back. That touch, though brief, sent electric zaps through my veins. “Stay.”
There was no way I could move even if I wanted to, especially when he looked at me. His gaze held me prisoner.
“You haunt me too, you know,” I said, voice softening. “You have ever since we met in the dark wood. I can’t get you out of my head. And I’m not sure I want to. Being here with you feels… right.”
“Is that wise?” The red in his eyes became more apparent. “Your lovers have only begun to accept that we demons may not be the monsters they once believed, yet I’m sure they’d rage at the thought of you succumbing to a demon’s touch.”
“Actually…” Tingles poked at my sternum, and I felt hot all of a sudden. Fluttery too. “About that. They—”
“I do find it strange now that I consider it,” he said, brows knitting together. “The ease in which they all share you without jealousy.”
The hope in my chest deflated. Popped, really, like a sharp needle to a balloon.
“Are you saying you could never be in a relationship like that?” I asked. “Being with someone who loved other people too?”
Lord Onyx watched me, his expression indecipherable. “Is that an invitation?”
“Um.” My mind blanked as my heart went into overdrive. “Do you want it to be?”
“I have little need or desire for romance.” His voice dipped low as he reached for my face, brushing his thumb over my bottom lip. “However, I would gladly pin you down and ravish every inch of you. Burn a piece of myself into your very soul.”
My breath caught. This demon with his searing gaze would stop my heart someday. Maybe that’s what Lupin meant by one of my men killing me. Death by failure to breathe in the presence of such a stunner.
“Or not.” A slanted smile touched his lips. His finger lingered on my mouth before he pulled away. Different than how he’d yanked away earlier. “Look at the flush in your cheeks. Teasing you is much too fun.”
“The rumors about you are true.” I crossed my arms, hoping he couldn’t hear the wild racing of my heart. “You’re a wicked demon lord. Just downright evil.”
His musical chuckle joined the sound of rustling leaves as another spring-like breeze reached us beneath the tree. Still not spring but getting closer every day.
Oreo took off after a butterfly and batted at it with his paw, then rolled over to his back in the grass. It fluttered around his head before landing on his nose. He exhaled through his nostrils, and it flew away. The puppy emitted a growl before giving chase, leaving the shade of the willow.
“He’s happy,” Lord Onyx said, watching him play in the field. “I noticed he’s taken a liking to your men as well.”
“I think he likes whoever gives him treats and head pats.” I focused on Onyx. His gaze remained on the puppy, giving me the chance to admire the smooth planes of his face and his sharp jawline—my weakness. I reached over and patted his head.
