Page 23 of Summoning Mr. Wrong
“I’m not sure I want to know,” I laughed.
Deus’s phone (which he’d acquired from somewhere, refusing to tell me how) chimed with a notification. He checked it, his expression darkening briefly before he schooled it back to neutrality.
“Everything okay?” I asked, noticing the change.
“Fine,” he said, too quickly. “Just some… work stuff.”
“Demon work?” I raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were on assignment here.”
“I am. But there’s still… administrative things.” He put the phone away, clearly wanting to change the subject. “How did your interview go today?”
I let him redirect the conversation, too content with our evening to push. “I think it went well. The bookstore owner seemed to like me, and the hours are better than the coffee shop.”
“Beans & Books’ loss is…” he paused, “what’s this place called again?”
“Page Turner,” I supplied. “And I haven’t gotten the job yet, so don’t jinx it.”
“You’ll get it,” he said with confidence. “If not, I can always pay a visit to the owner. A little demonic persuasion goes a long way.”
“No demonic persuasion,” I said firmly. “I want to get the job on my own merits.”
“Your merits are excellent,” Deus said, his tone suddenly suggestive as he set aside his takeout container. “Speaking of which…”
He moved closer on the couch, his intent clear in his glowing eyes. I laughed but didn’t resist as he pulled me into his lap, his hands already sliding under my shirt.
“Again?” I teased. “Didn’t we just ‘release your energy’ this morning?”
“What can I say?” His lips found my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “You inspire me.”
Later, as we lay tangled together on the couch, pleasantly exhausted, I found myself thinking about how quickly this had become normal. Having a demon in my apartment, in my bed, in my life—it should have been terrifying, but instead it felt… right. Like he belonged here. With me.
That’s dangerous thinking,a small voice in my head warned.He’s not human. This isn’t permanent. Eventually, he’ll complete his “favor” and leave.
The thought sent an unexpected pang through my chest. I pushed it away, focusing instead on the pleasant weight of Deus’s arm across my waist, the steady sound of his breathing.
Just enjoy it while it lasts,I told myself.Don’t get attached.
But as Deus pulled me closer in his sleep, his face peaceful in a way it never was when he was awake, I had a sinking feeling it was already too late for that.
Chapter 15
I got the bookstore job. The owner called the next morning, offering me a position with slightly better pay than the coffee shop and a schedule that didn’t require waking up at ungodly hours. I accepted immediately, relief washing through me like a physical wave.
“Told you,” Deus said smugly when I shared the news. “Your merits are excellent.”
“You didn’t do anything demonic to influence this, did you?” I asked suspiciously.
He placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “I am shocked—shocked!—that you would accuse me of such a thing.”
“That’s not a no.”
“I did nothing,” he assured me. “This was all you. Though I did pick out the shirt you wore to the interview, so I deserve some credit.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress my smile. The financial pressure that had been crushing me was lifted, at least temporarily. I’d still need Deus’s help with this month’s rent, but going forward, I could manage on my own again.
“We should celebrate,” Deus declared, already opening the fridge. “I’m thinking homemade pizza and that wine you liked last week.”
“Sounds perfect,” I agreed, watching as he began gathering ingredients with practiced efficiency.
