Page 24 of I Accidentally Summoned A Demon
“Easier said than done.”
Nex let go of her hand and picked up the picture again, waving it. “What was the occasion? You look rather happy.”
Kat smiled at the photo. “My eighteenth birthday. I wanted to go to Las Vegas.”
“You? In Vegas?”
“For the shows,” she said, tucking her hair back. “And I always wanted to see the Strip at night. I’ve heard the lights are amazing.” Her smile grew as memories flooded her mind. “Vegas is a ways away, and we couldn’t afford it, so my mom and dad turned the house into a casino. The kitchen table was the poker station.” She gestured to the table. “The kitchen was the bar. Then Mom brought up slot machine games on our computers and put them inside cardboard boxes she decorated, so they looked like slot machines.” She laughed. “Outside was a fancy steak house with candles and white tablecloths and everything. It was a better birthday than if I’d gone to Vegas.”
“Sounds like they loved you a lot.”
“They were the best parents anyone could ask for.” She almost asked about his parents, but she didn’t know how that worked. “Did you have parents?”
Nex broke eye contact. “I assume so.”
“You don’t know?”
“I was told I died at twenty-two, and that’s why I stopped aging at twenty-two. All I know is I was born again in the underworld, though I don’t know why, and I have no memory of any life before, so it’s difficult to say what the truth is. If it is the truth, then yes, at some point, I had parents, but I don’t recall it. Nor do I recall what I did to deserve the underworld.”
“That’s terrible.” Kat’s expression fell. “I’m sorry.”
“We all have our demons.” Nex’s mouth quirked into a smile. “I hardly remember that part of my life—growing up. It was a long time ago and only difficult when I was young. Before I found my place. It’s not so fresh, not like it is for you.” He took her hand. “The pain does ease, kitten. Time helps. It never goes away, but it becomes bearable.”
Nervous at his proximity and affection, Kat nodded stiffly. He had more of an effect on her than she liked to admit, especially after learning his history. She didn’t trust herself with him, so she walked to the window and checked the time on her phone.
“It’s early. Relax.”
“I can’t help it.” She tugged on one of her curls.
“It’s not like this is your first date ever. Sit down and breathe.”
Kat chewed her lip and avoided his gaze.
Nex’s eyes narrowed at her hands wringing together. “Wait.Isit your first date?”
Kat hid her face. “Don’t be mean.”
“How’s that possible?”
“You’re supposed to be nice.”
“I don’t mean it in a mean way.” Nex leaned forward and clasped his hands together. “You’re beautiful. Hasn’t anyone ever asked you out?”
Kat shrugged, still hiding her face for her original reasons but also to hide the blush from his compliment.
Nex shook his head. “People in this realm are fucking idiots. Don’t be embarrassed. I’m not going to mock you. I understand your nervousness now. Come here.”
“Why?” Kat dropped her hands to her sides.
Nex beckoned her. “Come here.”
Kat sighed and approached.
Nex offered a bite of ice cream, and Kat shook her head. “Come on. It’s for the nerves.”
“I can’t use the same spoon you used.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” He held the spoon out. “Stop being so uptight.”
