He stared at me a second too long, and I shifted under his gaze. I turned toward my bed with my Kindle, but caught something as I looked back.
A smile.
Hewas smiling at me.
I fell asleep with that image burned into my brain, and my book clutched in my hands.
Chapter fifteen
Dagon
Ihad two goals.
First, keep Diablos safe.
Second, make things right with him.
Since Di was safely tucked into bed, I decided to work on my second goal.
The morning was pleasant. It was early spring in February, but there were still days that were cold. Luckily, the coffee shop I’d noticed Di eyeing yesterday was open. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by a girl with bright purple hair and an even brighter smile.
“Good morning. What would you like to order on this beautiful day?” She beamed.
I smiled back. She lit up the whole place like a walking sunshine far too energetic for this hour.
“Good morning.” I looked at the menu before ordering. “I would like one cup of black coffee, a long one, and one cup of coffee with coconut milk.”
“Coming right up. Is it takeout?”
“Yes, please.” I glanced at the pastry display and added, “Four croissants and two cupcakes, too.”
As she got to work, I checked my phone. There was a message from Andras.
Andras:You okay?
Me:Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?
His reply came almost instantly, surprising me. Andras was a night owl on the weekend, not an early riser.
Andras:Well, if you must ask. What about you being out there with the brother you supposedly can’t stand? I’m fascinated he’s still alive.
My hands tightened around the phone. Even though this was Andras, he didn’t know shit about Diablos and me. Though I knew he suspected.
Me:Still alive and whole. I have to go. ttyl
Andras:Be safe, and don’t kill our little brother. Ttyl
My gut twisted. I forced myself not to linger on it.
The girl was now humming and dancing behind the counter while making our coffee. I couldn’t help but chuckle. She turned to me with a curious look, and I quickly straightened.
“You know, you look like someone I know,” she said.
“I don’t hear that often,” I replied.
“Yeah. He is my best friend and often drives me crazy, but I love him.”
“Glad to hear that.”
