Page 10 of I Summoned A Demon For A Date?!
I swallowed hard and took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "I think we should stick to the original terms of the contract," my voice shook slightly.
Aldaine chuckled and leaned back in his seat, his smirk never leaving his face. "As you wish."
Aldaine chuckled and winked. I couldn't help but feel a little relieved. I didn't want things to get too serious too quickly, and I was glad that he seemed to be on the same page.
As we finished our lunch, Aldaine began telling me stories from his past. He had lived for centuries and seen and done things that I could only dream of.
He told me about the time he had met a famous artist in Paris and how they had spent the night drinking wine and discussing art. He told me about the time he had traveled to Japan and learned how to meditate with a group of monks.
I was fascinated by his stories. I found myself hanging on his every word. I had never met anyone like him before and I couldn't help but feel drawn to him.
Aldaine glanced over at me, a smile on his face. "What are you thinking about?" he asked.
I smiled back at him. "I'm just thinking about how lucky I am to be here with you. A few days ago I was about to be evicted and no job prospects. Now, you're here." Even if it cost my soul.
He reached over and took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I feel the same way."
The winding driveway seemed to go on forever, perfectly manicured trees lining both sides. My stomach twisted into knots as we got closer to the main house. The pristine landscaping always made me feel inadequate, like I didn't belong here. Perfectly trimmed hedges created natural walls between different garden areas, and flower beds exploded with color everywhere you looked.
"Well shit," Aldaine muttered as we rounded the final curve. "This is where you grew up?"
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. "Sort of. I mean, after Dad married Jan when I was fourteen."
The mansion loomed ahead of us, its stone facade gleaming in the afternoon sun. Three stories of architectural perfection with floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap around porches on each level. The pool house, which was bigger than my apartment, sat off to the right. Between them stretched the massive pool area with its rock formations creating multiple waterfalls that cascaded into both the main pool and the attached hot tub. A twisting water slide wound through the rocks, ending in the deep end.
Aldaine let out a low whistle. "And you were facing eviction from a tiny apartment because why?" His voice held genuine confusion as Marcus guided the car toward the circular driveway in front of the main entrance.
My cheeks burned with embarrassment. "It's not my money," I felt like hiding. "Jan comes from old money. Really old money. And she, well, she tolerates me because of Dad, but that's about it."
"Your father?" Aldaine's voice had taken on an edge I couldn't quite identify.
"He travels a lot for work. Jan convinced him it would be better if I learned to be independent." I tried to keep the bitterness out of my voice. "I didn't tell them about losing my job. Or almost being evicted. They wouldn't understand." I shrugged. "I would have left anyway. It's not my money."
Aldaine's hand covered mine. The warmth of his touch sent tingles up my arm. "You mean they wouldn't care."
It wasn't a question, but I nodded anyway. "Stephany is the perfect daughter Jan always wanted. I'm just the awkward stepdaughter who doesn't quite fit in with their world." I forced a laugh that sounded hollow even to my ears. "I mean, look at this place. Everything has to be perfect. Including the people."
The car slowed to a stop at the base of the wide stone steps leading to the front door. I could see movement behind the windows and my anxiety kicked up another notch.
"Well then," Aldaine's voice dropped to that dangerous purr that made my insides melt. "Won't they be surprised when they meet your perfect, wealthy, completely devoted boyfriend?"
I turned to look at him, caught off guard by the wicked glint in his eyes. "What are you planning?"
He lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to my knuckles that sent heat flooding through my body. "Nothing too terrible, little minx. Just going to show them exactly what they've been overlooking." His smile promised trouble. "After all, what kind of demon would I be if I didn't exceed expectations?"
Before I could respond, Aldaine was already out and around the car, offering his hand to help me out. As I stood, smoothing my sundress, I caught sight of the front door opening.
"Game time," Aldaine whispered in my ear, his arm sliding around my waist. "Ready to show them what perfect really looks like?"
Despite my nerves, I found myself smiling. Maybe this week wouldn't be so bad after all.
My stomach was doing somersaults as I took in the familiar sprawling Victorian mansion. Before I could spiral into full panic mode, the front door burst open.
"Rosie!" My dad came bounding down the steps, his face lit up with genuine joy. Despite my nerves, seeing my father brought an immediate smile to my face.
I barely had time to get out of the car before he wrapped me in one of his signature bear hugs, lifting me off my feet. "God, I missed you, my girl!"
"Put me down, dad!" I laughed, but squeezed him back just as tight.
