Page 30 of Infernal Hearts

He laughs. “Try poking it. You might get a rise out of me.”

I wince, thinking how bad that might hurt him. “I’d rather not cause you any pain.”

“Who said the rise would be coming from pain?” He looks so pleased in his ability to make anything conversational completely filthy.

My mouth immediately turns down, almost on its own. “You’re ridiculous.”

There’s an intoxicating scent of sweat coming off him, almost like cologne. Calvin Klein could never bottle something so enticing—a marine breeze mixed with sandalwood and the musk of pure testosterone. I do my best to block it out. It must be pheromones. Demons don’t have odors like humans do, just another natural defense. They’re predators and have plenty of ways to draw prey in.

He clears his throat, rubbing his lips and making strong eye contact. “I had one question, if you don’t mind.”

I smile politely and adopt a flat voice. “As long as it’s not anything about a prostate exam.”

His eyes immediately perk up as he wonders out loud. “You know, I’ve never had one. At least from a professional. But maybe we can save that for another day.”

I scoff. Everything’s a joke with him. “What’s your actual question?”

He clenches his jaw, like he’s trying to force the words out against his will. “If you and your dad really had that bad of a fight…why didn’t you move farther away? Get away from all of this?”

Still examining him, my mind is being pulled in so many different directions. It’s more complicated than he’ll ever know. “I know you had a shitty relationship with your Maker, but I love my dad. He was a real bastard the last day we talked, but that doesn’t change everything he’s ever done for me.”

Levi’s eyes soften, and he nods. “I understand that.”

“Michael just gave me such a hard time about it today. It really shook me.” He always made me feel like I was making stupid decisions. Maybe I was too stupid to love, too.

Levi shrugs. “Don’t let that bastard get to you. He knows he fucked up. I could sense it. I say you finally let him go and let him live with it.”

“A walking emotion detector. You’re pretty useful.”

“I try. And I could think of one thing that might cheer you up.” He looks at my hand, back up to my face, and raises an eyebrow. “Well, a string of things, at least.”

“Way to ruin the moment.”

He throws his head back and shouts at the ceiling. “Oh, come on! It’s been days! I’m going crazy!”

“Days?” I cross my arms and curl my lip. “Try a year.”

His jaw drops open. “A year?! He really didn’t treat you like you should be. You deserve to be worshiped every day. Multiple times a day.”

I’m done with this conversation. “Worshiped. Right. Thanks.” I wave him off before I stand up and walk to the door. “If you can think of anything you actually need my help with, just ring the bell for the office.”

“I mean, I could think of a few things I actually need help with. But suit yourself if you’re not curious.”

“Ugh. Good night.” And I slam the door shut behind me.

I know he’s an incubus. I know he deals in sex. He isn’t flirting with me or remotely interested in me. This is just what he does, and he can’t help it. But seriously, is that all he thinks about? I was only trying to be nice. Is he really that incapable of having normal human moments? Is it a demon thing?

Finally back in the comfort of my room, I plop on the couch. Grover, sensing how tense I am, curls up next to me and puts his head on my lap. My muscles immediately relax deeper into the cushions.

Maybe I am a little curious. Is that so wrong? But he doesn’t need to constantly throw it in my face like that. I don’t know what’s bothering me more—the fact that he’s around here constantly hitting on me or the fact that it’s starting to sink in and make me wonder. Either way, I’m not going to give in.

I absentmindedly pet my dog, trying not to think about what Levi must be doing to satisfy himself down in my guest house.

…

Levi

With the real Dr. Blackwell missing somewhere doing fuck all, I don’t really have any leads on where to start looking in this town. He seems to have been the only real magical powerhouse in this entire area.

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