Page 87 of Demon's Desire
“I didn’t need it.” Nico’s gut twisted. “I’ve always managed on my own.”
Ever since his dad died, Nico had taken on his own problems. He’d needed to be there for his mom, for his friends. Taking care of himself was a strength and made him feel secure.
The fury faded from Onyx’s face. “I’m sure you can manageon your own, but you don’t have to. I’m your mate. I want to be there for you.” His voice faded to a whisper, and his gaze dropped. “But you didn’t know that. I never acted like someone you could turn to. I’m sorry.”
“Hey.” Nico covered Onyx’s hands with his. “You were here when it mattered. We both thought we had plenty of time to open up and figure out what was going on between us.”
Onyx’s next words were strangled. “Please let me apologize for pushing you away.”
Nico kissed him. “Apology accepted. Come on. I need to get out of here.”
Onyx reluctantly let go and followed him through the shop. Nico left the upended table and battered shelves as they were, locking the door and pulling down the grate. Maybe he’d text Harper and close the shop for a few days. Give them both some time off.
As he turned to walk toward home, Onyx caught his hand.
“Let’s go to my place. I’ll fly us.”
Nico’s heart leapt. “All right.”
Onyx led Nico around the back of the building. He was already shirtless, and released his wings, his usual cocky attitude nowhere in sight. Onyx seemed more and more shaken as time passed. That wouldn’t do.
There was no reason for Onyx to feel guilty. Nico wouldn’t change anything about how they’d come together. He was falling in love with the feisty brat. Onyx didn’t need to be anyone other than himself, or be instantly comfortable with Nico being his mate.
But behind the apothecary by the trash cans wasn’t the place to discuss the big stuff.
Nico crossed his arms. “Are you going to carry me?”
“Yes.” Onyx bristled, as Nico had hoped, his familiarindignation warming Nico’s soul. “I’m a hell of a lot stronger than you. Now get over here.”
Nico obeyed. Onyx scooped him up like he weighed nothing, enveloping him in his invisibility illusion.
Nico wrapped his arms around Onyx’s neck. “I don’t think anyone’s held me like this since I was a toddler.” It was strangely soothing, even though he hardly fit.
Onyx squeezed him tight. “Take it as a reminder that I’m here to care for you.”
Before Nico could respond, Onyx launched into the air. They cleared the buildings, and Onyx pumped his wings, taking off toward the river. He picked up speed and soon everything was a blur.
Nico closed his eyes. Onyx’s secure hold didn’t prevent him from being all too aware of his bulk and awkwardly cramped limbs. He wasn’t scared of falling, however, his instincts couldn’t help sending his pulse racing.
Before long, Onyx landed and set Nico down on a deserted flat roof surrounded by similar industrial buildings.
“Welcome to my loft.” Onyx marched to a service door and held it open.
Nico entered a stairwell and headed down, Onyx beside him. “Did Ash and Dante protect this building for you like they did with my place?”
Onyx’s steps faltered, but he didn’t answer right away. They continued to the ground floor, where Onyx led them along a short hallway.
He paused in front of a set of metal double doors. “No, they didn’t. I haven’t shared my home with my brothers.”
“You aren’t worried about Lucifer after what happened at the gallery?”
Onyx seemed to wilt. He sighed, opened the door, and ushered Nico inside.
Nico forgot his concern as he stepped through. He stood in a huge open space nearly the size of the entire building, the lofted ceiling high above their heads.
The wall to the right was a floor-to-ceiling window, with many panes, some frosted, others clear, all buzzing with a strong privacy spell, and looking out on the South Banks. The building sat on a hill overlooking the river, and gave Nico a view of the neighborhood that he hadn’t seen in a long time.
Couches and cushions were nestled in front of the view, set atop an array of colorful rugs. In front of Nico, a ladder led to a catwalk and a platform that seemed to hold a small library. There was no kitchen visible, and only one door in the far corner.
