Page 23 of My Demon Charming

I look into his eyes. They’re still full of life. I rub my hand over his face. My core is so heavy, so fucking heavy even that takes effort. But I do it. Because it’s my fault he’s like this. It’s my fault he’s dying.

Hm. Is his skin warmer, or am I just projecting?

“Don’t cry…darling boy. I’m…I’m going to be fine.”

I want to believe him. I want to, but…

Is it me, or is the wound in his chest shrinking?

I look down at him, look deep into his eyes through the lenses that are somehow still on his face, and wait.

He smiles, even if it looks a little pained.

“You…you’re dying.”

“I’m a demon, darling boy. I…I’ll heal.”

Did he just say…?

“Can I do something? Is there a way to help?”

He shakes his head, lifts a hand, and covers mine still on his face.

“Just being here is enough.”

I nod.

My gaze darts back and forth between his eyes and his wound, and it’s undeniable. He is healing. It does feel like it’s taking forever and time is ticking away, but it’s happening.

I…I haven’t killed him.

Oh, thank the Goddess.

“Help this old man up. Will you, darling?” He puts a hand on the floor and tries to push up.

I help him sit up, and for the first time, I put my fingers on his wound. It’s so small, barely noticeable through all the blood. And he doesn’t hiss, which is a good sign, I guess.

“See? I’m fine. I’ll be back to speed in no time. You were crying for nothing.”

He wipes my face at the new tears that have found themselves on my cheeks, and the warmth of his touch is…rejuvenating. It fills my lungs and my whole body with new life.

“I feel awful for dragging you into this.”

“What for? If you hadn’t, you’d still be suffering. I’m glad you called me so I can save you.”

His hand lingers on my face, and after the last few moments, after the dreaded feeling I was going to lose him, it’s a welcome comfort.

“We’re still trapped though. And he’ll be back. He’ll feed on you again.”

“My darling Yu-jin,” he coos and sits up a little more so he’s supporting himself. “You worry too much.”

He closes the distance between us and brushes my mouth with his lips. It’s very gentle, very chaste, but it lights a fire inside me.

Despite everything I’ve put him through, he still treats me like I’m important. Like I mean something. Even after everything Kevin did to him, he still treats me like a soulmate.

He pulls away and licks his lips with a grin.

“Salty.”

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