Page 57 of Demon's Mate
Ash’s fingers tightened on Harper’s chin. “I’m so sorry, sweet.”
Harper pulled away. “It’s not your fault.”
“I know, but I’m still sorry anyone treated you that way. I promise you’re important to me. I’ll make sure you know it.”
20
HARPER
Could Harper believe Ash?He was saying everything Harper wanted to hear, but it was too perfect. What were the chances such a powerful being would be so taken withhim? Why did Ash care?
Feelings couldn’t make a demon lose control. Ash’s feelings couldn’t be strong enough, especially when they first met.
It didn’t add up.
Ash must have some sort of angle, but what could it possibly be? A demon trying to trick him to gain his trust made no sense. Harper was nobody compared to Ash.
He may have planned to tell the Hounds about his hunt and his coven’s aims, fantasizing that they would help him in return, but being offered that and so much more out of nowhere was suspicious.
Wanting everything Ash said to be true didn’t mean it was, and until Harper figured out what was going on—the full story—he’d keep his cards close to his chest. Most people weren’t good, and so many magical beings had a sinister side. Harper wouldn’t disregard all the lessons he’d learned in life just because a demon said he hadfeelingsfor him.
Ash ran his fingers through Harper’s hair. Fuck, it felt good. Harper leaned into the touch, unable to stop soaking up the affection, even with his doubts.
Harper had a lot of his own damn feelings.
Why not indulge them? Ash revealing himself meant something, and until Harper figured it out, he could enjoy this. He was on a date, and Ash touching him felt better than anything he’d ever experienced.
He needed something good. He needed to feel safe and okay. He needed Ash. He just wouldn’t give Ash everything.
Harper straddled Ash’s lap, and the demon smiled, his hands finding Harper’s hips. Fuck, Harper could get lost in Ash’s eyes. They’d shifted when he’d let his demon features out, a gold-orange glow warming the deep brown of his irises.
How was this real? He was sitting on a demon’s lap. A demon who wanted to date him.
“What’s that look for, sweet?” Ash purred, hands flexing on his hips.
Harper blinked, not sure what he’d given away with his expression. “You’re beautiful,” he said because it was true.
“Not scary?” Ash teased, ducking his head and bumping a curved horn against Harper’s cheek. They poked out of his dark hair and curled back across his head, as inky black as the darkest feathers of his wings.
Harper laughed. “No, but I’m sure you could be if you wanted.”
Demons were pure magic, the closest things to gods in their world. Harper was sure Ash could be terrifying, but the adoring look in his glowing eyes was worlds away.
“Yes, I can be when I want.” Ash’s smile twisted mischievously. “But only for your enemies. I’d never hurt you.”
The air whooshed out of Harper’s lungs. He believed Ash, even though he shouldn’t. He trusted no one. But sitting on thelap of the most powerful being he’d ever encountered, someone who could end or entrap him with magic so easily it wasn’t even funny, Harper had never felt safer.
He didn’t understand it. Maybe he was losing his mind after the stress of running and trying so hard to find freedom.
“I’d never hurt you either,” Harper whispered as he wrapped his arms around Ash’s neck, burying his fingers in the hair at his nape.
Ash grinned. “Glad to hear it.” He probably found the promise funny when the power imbalance was so far in Ash’s favor. But Ash only hauled Harper closer, fingers digging into his hips. “You don’t mind dating a demon?”
Harper shook his head. It was wild, but he didn’t mind. “Not at all. I love seeing your wings.”
Ash’s eyes flashed. “You can touch them. Touch me anywhere you like.”
Harper ran his fingers along the black feathers towering over Ash’s shoulders. They were soft and surprisingly warm. All of Ash seemed to burn like a furnace.
