Page 44 of Demon's Mate
Ash’s brow furrowed. “I don’t mean to pry. I’m only trying to help you, Harper. If you’re in trouble, I can protect you.”
Damn, the offer was tempting. Harper wished he could turn to Ash, but that would be beyond reckless.
“I don’t really know you,” Harper reminded him.
Ash frowned like he’d forgotten that mattered. “You can get to know me. I’d like to get to know you.” He flashed a small way-too-handsome smile.
Yes. Harper wanted to say yes. He could hook up with Ash again, date him, and see where they went. But Ash wasn’t human, and that made everything so complicated.
No one in the magic community could know who Harper really was. Ash saving him didn’t make him an exception to that rule, and Harper still couldn’t detect any magic in Ash, which was suspicious. He had to be wary of his feelings and not get caught up in attraction.
He had to be careful.
Ash must be suppressing his magic like Harper, but why? There was no way to ask without giving himself away.
Harper set his empty glass aside. He couldn’t trust Ash, but that didn’t mean he had to push him away completely. The safe feeling Ash gave him had to mean something, and Harper didn’t want to ignore it. He just had to be smart and not let it override his better judgment.
He fiddled with the bedspread. “We can get to know each other.”
Maybe Ash would explain what was happening with his magic without Harper needing to ask. Maybe Harper was being paranoid and Ash wasn’t hiding anything big.
“Perfect, I’m glad you agree.” That handsome smile was back, melting Harper’s heart.
Damnation. Why couldn’t he throw caution to the wind, tell Ash all his secrets, and let Ash take some of the weight off his shoulders? The thought of Ash caring for him, protecting him, created a hollowness in his chest. He ached for it.
But longing for a man he didn’t know was silly. None of these feelings should be this strong. Maybe he was just tired of facing everything alone.
Ash’s smile disappeared into a serious line. “Even if you don’t want to explain what happened with the witches today, will you tell me if you’re safe now that they’re gone?”
Harper chewed his lip. How much could he say without putting himself at risk?
17
ASH
“They aren’tthe only ones looking for me,” Harper said at last.
Ash clenched his jaw. “I see.”
The problem was worse than he thought.
If only Harper would explain, but he clearly had trust issues. Could Ash really blame him? It wasn’t as if Ash was being honest. He could have revealed his true nature and laid all his cards on the table rather than let Harper think he was a vampire. But he wasn’t ready.
At least they’d cleared up what happened the night of their hookup. He’d been able to tell Harper the most essential truth, and now Harper didn’t seem to hate him.
He should earn Harper’s trust before revealing the whole demon’s mate thing anyway. And Ash really couldn’t expose himself without talking to Dante and Onyx. Even if Harper was his mate, Ash needed to be sure Harper would keep his demon nature to himself. Harper needed to trust Ash and understand why being a demon was a secret to be kept at all costs, especially now that Lucifer was in the Human Realm.
Ash would have to protect Harper from Luc as well aswhatever witches Harper was in trouble with. Shit, this was a mess. The worst timing to find his mate.
Harper could be ripped away from him before they had a chance to bond. Ash’s muscles seized and his fire flared hot. He absently rubbed at the center of his chest.
He had to concentrate. Keep Harper safe. Win him over. Find Lucifer. Deal with him. Break the mate-news to Dante and Onyx. Simple. Except he was almost dreading that last one more than dealing with Luc.
Harper eyed Ash wearily, clutching the bedspread.
“I’m not going to interrogate you,” Ash said. Harper visibly relaxed. “Let me give you my number. You can call me if you need help. Anytime. No questions asked.”
Harper blinked at him, his glasses giving him an owlish appearance. “Thank you,” he whispered.
