Page 57 of Demon's Heart
“No, I’m good. I’ll watch over you.”
Ollie shouldn’t like hearing that. He didn’t need watching over. He’d never wanted it before. But at the moment, he didn’t care if it was truly what he wanted or the bond’s influence. He was sleepy and safe, and Dante smelled good.
Ollie turned his head and pressed his nose to Dante’s thigh, breathing him in through his jeans. “Hmm,” Ollie hummed, eyes closed.
Dante’s hand returned to his hair. “Did you just smell me?”
Ollie’s eyes popped open. “No.” His cheeks burned. He couldn’t believe he’d done that.
Dante’s hand shifted and his nose pressed against Ollie’s head. He breathed in, nose nuzzling before pulling back. “You smell good too, Ollie.”
Ollie’s whole body heated and his heart fluttered. It should have been weird, not the most comforting thing in his life, but he drifted off to sleep with a smile.
15
DANTE
Ollie nestledagainst Dante’s thigh and barely stirred once he fell asleep. His breathing evened into soft snores, leaving Dante free to watch him all night.
Dante swelled with pride, knowing his presence comforted Ollie. He wasn’t completely incapable of taking care of his mate.
He’d hated being away from Ollie the past two days, and when his phone had first rung, Dante had feared the worst. He didn’t think Ollie would call for anything short of physical danger. He’d been wrong.
If only every night could be like this, snuggled together. But that’s not what friends did. Well, maybe some. Would Ollie like to be that kind of friend? Could Dante be physically affectionate without letting romantic attachment creep in? Had it already crept in?
Ollie slept through to the morning when an alarm sounded on his phone. He jolted up, glancing around like he didn’t know where he was.
Dante grabbed the phone from between the couch cushions and handed it to him. “Sleep well?”
Ollie silenced the alarm and rubbed his face. “Yeah. I swearI blinked, and it was morning. Were you up all night?” Concern creased his brow.
“It’s fine. One sleepless night isn’t going to bother me.”
Ollie frowned, lips pouting. “Are demons like vampires and don’t need sleep?”
Dante chuckled. “Both demons and vampires need sleep. All beings need to rest, but immortals can go longer than humans without it.”
“In that case, I won’t keep you up two nights in a row.” Ollie tossed his phone on the coffee table and pulled off his hoodie, his shirt riding up and exposing his belly.
Dante looked away, unable to suppress the tingle of pleasure at seeing his mate’s bare skin.
“Aww, don’t look disappointed.” Ollie nudged his shoulder. Dante met Ollie’s gaze, and Ollie hesitated before adding, “Did you like keeping me company last night?”
Dante’s body heated as his fire flared. “Yes. I like spending time with you, no matter what we’re doing, and I’m glad I was able to help you rest.”
“Me too,” Ollie said barely above a whisper. “Um…I should get ready for work. I’ve got a full morning booked.”
“Can I make you breakfast?”
Ollie’s cheeks pinkened. “You don’t have to do that.”
But Dante wanted to. Maybe it was too much, especially considering the romantic direction his thoughts were heading. He shouldn’t indulge them. Ollie liked space. “Should I leave you to get ready as usual?”
Ollie opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it with a small nod.
Dante stood and stretched. “Have a good morning at work.”
Ollie fisted the hoodie in his hands. “You too. Have a good morning, I mean, not at work since you don’t really work. Uh…I’ll text you later. After work. Maybe we can do a few missions tonight.” He looked up at Dante through his lashes.
