Page 50 of I Accidentally Summoned A Demon
“I’m fine.” Kat’s hands trembled. “Terrified but fine.”
“Come here.” He lifted her and carried her into the bathroom. “Why did you do that? You shouldn’t have threatened her.” He sat her on the counter and flicked on the light. “She’s dangerous.”
“I didn’t want her to hurt you. I didn’t want to lose you,” she mumbled, darting her eyes away.
Nex pretended he didn’t hear the last part because it sent his mind racing on what she meant. Kat removed her cardigan, leaving her in the tank top. She gathered her hair behind her shoulders as Nex cleaned the injury.
“What did you do to them?” Kat asked.
“I didn’t physically hurt them.”
“Not what I asked.”
“I scared them.” He pulled his gaze from the wound to her eyes. “I scared them out of doing anything like that to you or anyone else again.”
“She said you ripped the house apart.”
“Part of the scare tactic. Does it matter? The point is, it’s taken care of.” He secured a bandage over her shoulder.
“Why did you do that if you knew you’d get in trouble?”
“Because they deserved it.” Nex lowered his lips, kissing the bandage. “As long as I’m here, no one’s going to hurt you.”
“She was scary.”
“I know.” Nex’s face crumpled, and he pressed his forehead against hers. “Don’t be scared. I won’t let her hurt you. I won’t let anything happen to you, Katherine. You’re safe with me.”
Unsure what to say or how to feel about what he did for her, she stared. Safe with him. It seemed silly to believe she was safe with a demon. Except she did feel safe with him.
Gazing into her eyes, he let his anger fade, and he stepped back, offering a hand. “I’m sorry she hurt you. I shouldn’t have left you alone.”
Kat took his hand and slid off the counter. Nex followed her to the main part of the house, where she picked up the groceries he bought and took them to the kitchen. She pulled out the wine, filled a glass, and took such a long drink that she had to refill it.
Nex walked into the kitchen, crossing his arms. “Say something.”
“I don’t know what to say. You . . . care about me?”
“I don’t know how that hasn’t been obvious given my relentless presence the last month.” Nex stole her glass and set it down. “Do you not want me to care about you?”
“It’s not that. I guess I’m surprised. I thought you felt sorry for me. I’m your ticket home, so you have to care to some degree.”
Nex brought his hand under her jaw and tilted it up. “No, Katherine. When I feel sorry for someone, I don’t—” He sighed and dropped his arms to his sides. “I don’t do what I’ve been doing. I’m not like this.”
“But Lilith said if you had me killed, you could go home. You didn’t know me when you first got here. Why didn’t you have me killed?”
“Because it took very little time to see you’re everything good in this world. I may be a demon, but I’ve only punished those who are evil. Not the ones who are good.”
“So . . .” A smile tugged on her lips. “You’re a big softie, huh?”
Nex scowled. “For fuck’s sake.”
“It’s so sweet!”
“Shut up, kitten.” Nex tried not to smile at her playful expression.
“And you care about me, too.”
“I’m beginning not to as much.”
