Page 31 of The Devil’s Feather

I gave Rafael an apologetic shrug.

He smiled. “I pay a housekeeper for that very reason. She comes in twice a week and bosses me around. If not for her, my house would be filled with half-empty coffee cups. I also pay her twice her asking rate. She deserves it for putting up with me.”

Impressed, Dee nodded. “As for the rest: no kids, and she’s not allergic to any animals as far I know. Keeps saying she wants a cat, but I’m the allergic one. Too much of a rule-follower to break any laws. Wastes money mostly on book art, but otherwise she’s pretty thrifty.”

“Art is never a waste of money,” Rafael said immediately. Was it really too early to declare my undying love for him? “Her book cover was worth whatever she paid for it. Perfect for the genre.”

“Oh my god, you’ve read her dragon porn book?” Annie leaned forward.

“What better way to get to know an author? Besides, she already knew my music, so I was at a disadvantage.”

My housemates exchanged confused glances.

“You did not tell them?” Rafael’s eyebrows shot up. “Hmm, impressive. I assumed you would.”

I explained to my excitable friends how I knew Rafael’s work before we met. They stared at him with renewed awe. Even Annie was speechless for once. When I yawned, he cut me off.

“Enough. You need to sleep.” He stood, gathering me and my overnight bag into his arms, much to the swooning of my housemates. “A dubious pleasure, I am sure.” He ducked out the front door.

I squeezed my eyes shut and prayed to whoever was listening for the whole ride back. Probably Satan himself, since we made the entire 45-minute drive in like 20. That, and the speed metal that set my nerves on fire.

Rafael’s bathroom was even nicer than the one by the kitchen. Along with another massive claw-foot tub, he had a huge walk-in shower. The marble floor was heated. More Deco mirrors adorned the double sinks. Interesting that he’d chosen to install two.

When I walked into the bedroom in my best silky pajamas, he was lying on his back in the bed, wearing only black sweatpants. I couldn’t help myself. My eyes went straight to the dickprint. Goddamn. The man’s cock was more than proportionate to his size. Much more. Like, approaching monster romance proportions.

Rafael sighed, tracking my eyeline.

“Sorry.” I crawled into bed beside him.

He wrapped an arm around me. “It bothers me much less when you do it. But I am tired of being a collection of someone else’s fetishes. Over seven feet. Redhead. Big dick. Etc. That last one causes far more trouble than it is worth.”

“Didn’t Dee tell you? My fetish is mean, funny sadboys who are smarter than everyone else.”

“Damn, and here I thought you loved me for my superior artistic sensibilities.” He reached across me and pulled the chain on the lamp, switching the light off.

“I think I might actually love you for that too, yeah. All of it, really,” I whispered into the darkness.

Silence.

A hand traveled up my neck to cup my chin. His lips landed on mine.

“I cannot believe I am saying this, but I think I might actually love you back, Windup Girl,” Rafael murmured against my mouth. “I have never really said that to anyone. Hinted strongly, implied it, but never said it outright. Those other times were nothing like this. I have never been so…enthusiastic? Obsessed? Eager to bare my soul? Bizarre.”

“That pet name gives me happy wiggles. You really are a trickster god.” I squinted, trying to make out his face. “Did you mean what you said back there? About soulmates? Or were you just messing with my friends?”

He kissed my temple. “No, I meant that part.”

1 “ARABA” – M Lisa

9

TAKE THE DAMN MONEY

Morning light on my face woke me. Disoriented, it took me a few beats to realize where I was. Rafael was curled around me, sound asleep with an arm and a leg tossed possessively across my body. Which was sweet but, unfortunately, I needed to pee.

I squirmed, trying to escape his long, heavy limbs without disturbing him. At the first nudge, his eyes snapped open. He sprang away from me like a startled cat. I bounced backward on the immense bed, covers flying.

“Rafael? Are you ok?” I spat my nightguard into the case.