Page 35 of I Summoned A Demon For A Date?!
"Space," She repeated, eyebrow arched skeptically. "It's complicated," I murmured, staring down at the intricate pattern in the carpet.
"Complicated how? Like he's your boss complicated?"
Despite everything, a smile tugged at my lips. "Something like that."
Rita watched me for a long moment, her usually animated face serious. "You've fallen for him, haven't you? Like, for real."
The question hit with the precision of an arrow finding its mark. I couldn't lie to her, not when she was looking at me like that, not when the truth was probably written all over my face.
"Maybe," I whispered. "But it doesn't matter. Whatever this is between us, it's not what I thought."
Rita reached over and took my hand, squeezing gently. "Did he say that?"
"Not in so many words. He just," The memory of Aldaine's face, cold and distant, flashed before me. "He pulled away. Said he was dangerous to me. That I don't know what he's capable of."
"So what's the problem?"
I stood up abruptly, needing to move. "The problem isthat I don't actually know him. Not really. And he won't let me in. Every time I think we're getting closer, he pulls away."
"And that hurts," It wasn't a question.
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
"Oh, honey." Rita stood and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly. "I'm sorry. For what it's worth, I've seen the way he looks at you when you're not watching."
I pulled back slightly, studying her face. "What do you mean?"
"Like you're water and he's been wandering the desert for a thousand years. Whatever's going on in that head of his, I don't think it's lack of interest."
I wanted to believe her. Desperately wanted to believe that the connection I felt with Aldaine wasn't one-sided. That his protective instincts, the heat in his eyes when we touched, meant something more than just the terms of our contract.
"It doesn't matter," I pulled away. "He made his feelings clear tonight."
"Did he, though?" Rita persisted. "Or did he just freak out after almost murdering Roger into pulp?"
I remembered the look in Aldaine's eyes when he'd found Roger cornering me. The way the air had crackled with energy, the sudden drop in temperature. How quickly he'd moved, faster than humanly possible, his hands around Roger's throat before I could even process what was happening.
"Maybe," I conceded. "But that doesn't change anything. He still pushed me away."
Charlie studied me for a moment, then sighed. "Look, I can see you're not ready to talk about this. And that's okay. Just know that I'm here when you are, alright? Whatever happens with Tall, Dark, and Lickable, I've got your back."
Gratitude washed through me. "Thanks, Rita."
She squeezed my shoulder. "That's what friends are for. Even if we just reunited. Now, do you want me tostay? We could raid the fridge, talk shit about Stephany's bridesmaids' dresses?"
A genuine smile pulled at my lips. "Tempting, but I'm exhausted. I think I just need to sleep."
"Okay," She nodded. "But my room's just down the hall if you change your mind. Or if you need help hiding any bodies."
"I'll keep that in mind," I laughed weakly.
After Rita left, the room felt even emptier than before. I changed mechanically, hanging up my gown and slipping into my oversized sleep shirt. The bed seemed too large without Aldaine's solid presence beside me. It was ridiculous how quickly I'd gotten used to sharing a bed with him, even though it had only been a few nights.
I went through my nighttime routine on autopilot, washing away my makeup, brushing out my hair until it fell in waves down my back. In the bathroom mirror, I looked more like myself again. Just Rosie, without the glamour of the evening.
Just Rosie. The woman who'd been desperate enough to summon a demon. The woman who'd somehow, against all odds and commonfuckingsense, fallen for that demon.
"It doesn't hurt that much," I told my reflection firmly. "It's not like this was ever going to be real."
