Page 63 of I Summoned A Demon For A Date?!
"Rosie," she began, her voice wavering slightly. "I wish we had more time. There's so much I want to say."
"We'll have time," I assured her, surprising myself with the certainty in my voice. "This isn't goodbye forever."
Her eyes filled with tears, and for the first time in my memory, she didn't try to hide them. "You were always stronger than we gave you credit for," she practically whispered. "I'm so sorry for that. For all of it."
I nodded, not quite ready to offer absolute forgiveness, but open to the possibility of it one day. "Thank you."
She wiped at her cheeks, offering a watery smile. "Come visit, if you want. It would mean a lot."
"I will," I promised. And I meant it.
Dad cleared his throat, turning his attention to Aldaine. "Take care of her," he offered his hand.
Aldaine shook it firmly. "Always."
"The guests have started leaving," Jan noted, gathering her composure somewhat. "Stephany and Roger left last night. I think it's for the best, given everything that's happened."
I nodded, relieved I wouldn't have to face another confrontation with my stepsister. Whatever Stephany's future held, it would be of her own making now.
"Rosie!"
I turned to see Rita hurrying down the grand staircase, still in pajamas and a robe. She'd always been the kindest of Stephany's 'friends', the only one who ever bothered to learn my name.
"I heard you were leaving," she was slightly out of breath. "I wanted to catch you before you did."
"Rita," I smiled, surprised but pleased. "I thought you'd be sleeping in after last night's party."
She waved away the comment. "Sleep is overrated. Besides, I wanted to get your number. We should stay in touch more."
"I'd like that," I replied honestly, pulling out my phone to exchange contact information.
"And maybe bring this gorgeous man with you when we meet up," she added with a wink towards Aldaine. "Seriously, how did you keep him a secret all this time?"
I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in years. "It's a long story."
"The best ones always are," she grinned, giving me a quick hug. "Text me when you get home safe, okay?"
"Will do."
With final goodbyes and promises to call soon, Aldaine and I made our way out to his car. The estate looked different in the morning light, less imposing, less perfect. Just a house, albeit a very large one.
Aldaine stowed our bags in the trunk while I settled into the back seat, watching him through the window. Every movement was graceful, efficient, the contained power of his body was evident even in these mundane tasks. And he was mine, in a way that went beyond human understanding.
He slid into the seat next to me, casting a glance my way. "Ready?"
I reached over to lace my fingers with his. "Ready."
The drive was peaceful, the countryside gradually giving way to suburbs and then the familiar landmarks of the city. We talked about everything and nothing, favorite books, childhood memories (his stretching back centuries), plans for the coming week.
About halfway back to my apartment, Aldaine fell silent, his hands tightening slightly on the steering wheel. I could feel his nervousness through our bond, a fluttering sensation in my chest that wasn't my own.
"Everything okay?" I prompted when the silence stretchedtoo long.
He cleared his throat, eyes fixed determinedly on the road ahead. "I've been thinking."
"Always dangerous," I teased gently.
A small smile tugged at his lips before his expression grew serious again. "Your lease isn't up for what, four more months?"
