Page 31 of Demon's Desire
Nico should accept. It would save him spending money on a security witch, and Onyx’s spell would be stronger than anyone’s, except possibly other demons.
“What do you want in exchange?”
Onyx blinked, like the question confused him. “Do you ask for anything in return when you do favors for people?”
“No.” Nico helped people who needed it, not so he could gain anything for himself.
Onyx stood. “Didn’t think so.”
“But—”
“Sit back and relax, and I’ll make you an impenetrable fortress. Well, not quite, but demons aren’t after you. Just big scary cats. Besides, you’ve wormed your way into our little group, so you should be protected like Ollie and Harper.”
Nico gaped at Onyx, his chest tightening. When was the last time he’d let someone look out for him? With Rowan, everything was mutual. Nico didn’t ask for favors. He gave his time and talent to others but relied on himself.
He almost told Onyx that someone had broken in, then stopped himself. They wouldn’t be able to violate his space after the demon cast his spell. Nico didn’t want to worry Onyx, or even worse, find out that Onyx wasn’t actuallyconcerned, and this was some weird…Nico didn’t know what, but he didn’t want to ruin it.
9
ONYX
Onyx arrivedat the restaurant early and was shown to the table he’d reserved. Ollie and Harper couldn’t be too far away. Once they were here, their Shearwater Landing food tour could officially begin.
Onyx ordered sparkling water for the table and opened the menu.
As kept happening that day, Nico intruded on his thoughts. He’d been so awkward about Onyx protecting his apartment. It should have been annoying, but was kind of adorable. Too bad Nico hadn’t said what caused him to be so jumpy.
Maybe it was nothing, and Onyx shouldn’t care. The witch could take care of himself. But Onyx hated not knowing. Hopefully, if he teased Nico about being afraid of cats enough, he’d give in and tell Onyx the real problem to shut him up.
“This place looks nice.”
Onyx glanced up, finding a beaming Harper approaching the table, closely followed by Ollie.
Ollie pulled out a chair. “I love sushi. It’s the perfect way to start our tour.”
“Couldn’t agree more.” Onyx put down his menu and smiled at the little mates, feeling even mushier than usual.
“I’ve only had sushi a couple of times,” Harper confessed. He wore eyeliner and what looked like mascara, making his eyes pop behind his glasses. Onyx hadn’t ever seen Harper wear makeup before.
“You’ll love this place. We can get a little of everything.” Onyx reached across the table and tapped Harper’s shoulder gently. “You’re looking good, by the way. The liner suits you.”
Harper’s cheeks bloomed red. “Thanks. I’m—uh—playing around with it.”
“As you should. Trying out different styles never gets old, especially as the decades go by.” Onyx was still in his work clothes, a designer T-shirt and distressed jeans. He went back and forth between business casual and not, depending on his mood. At least at work.
Harper leaned forward. “What’s your favorite style?”
“At the moment?” Onyx considered. “Nothing dinner appropriate.”
Harper’s eyes went wide, and Ollie snorted.
“I’m kidding. Kind of.” Onyx was at his most free when he was wearing as little as possible. Contrary to what his brothers might think. “I like using clothes to fit in with human society. They help shape how they see me.”
Harper seemed fascinated. It was the longest the two of them had ever talked without Onyx ruining it. “You like dressing human?”
Onyx willed his cheeks not to heat. “Yeah, maybe that sounds dumb, but I want to feel like I’m a part of their world, not just passing through.”
Harper nodded as if this made sense. “You’re so much better adjusted to the real world than Ash or Dante. I swear I have to remind Ash to put on a shirt every time we go out.”
