"Enough."
The demon allowed himself to be pulled along without resistance. "I have not finished explaining."
"That's exactly the problem."
Behind us, Nina had completely lost control of herself. "Don't encourage him," I told her.
"I haven't said anything," she managed between laughs.
"You haven't needed to."
I stopped beside the couch and released the demon's wrist before pointing firmly at the cushions.
"You. Sleep there."
His gaze moved from me to the couch and back again. He considered the arrangement with the seriousness of someone reviewing an important contract.
"That seems acceptable."
"Good."
I turned toward Nina next. She was still grinning like this was the best thing she'd ever witnessed.
"You. Your room. Now."
Nina's smile widened. "You know, most people don't assign sleeping arrangements after accidentally entering a supernatural courtship."
"Nina."
"Going."
Still laughing, she slipped off the couch and disappeared down the hallway before I could find something to throw at her.
The apartment finally grew quieter. Not quiet, because the demon was still standing beside my couch, deep in thought, which was never a good sign. Every time the demon started thinking, my evening became significantly worse.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Do not."
His eyebrows lifted slightly. "I did not say anything."
"You were about to."
For a moment he actually considered that.
"...Possibly."
"Goodnight."
Before he could continue, I turned and headed straight for my bedroom. I could feel his gaze on my back the entire way down the hallway, which made me walk faster.
The moment the door closed behind me, I pressed my forehead against the wood and let out a long breath.
Silence.
No cult members.
No discussions about demonic courtship rituals.
