Page 25 of Incubus with Benefits
I stiffened, fingers curling around my coffee cup. He didn’t ask before sliding into the seat across from me, manspreading like he owned the place.
“I talked to my uncle,” he said with a smile that made my skin crawl. “Good news. I can get your job back.”
I didn’t even blink. “You mean the job I lost because you lied about me stealing your work? Not interested.”
His smile didn’t falter. He leaned in, and his cologne practically climbed through my nostrils to strangle me. “Come on, Lily. You’re not going to find anything else without a good recommendation. And you get to keep your team.”
“I said I’m not interested.”
“Don’t you even want to know how easy it would be?”
I sighed. “Fine. What do you want?”
“One date. That’s all it takes.”
Ha! Like I believed that! I bet that if I hadn’t given him what he wanted during that date, I’d lose my job again.
“Yup.Definitelynot interested.”
“You’re going to regret that when no one is willing to hire you. I’m going to be generous and give you one more chance.”
Ah, so generous that he was already starting on the threats.
I opened my mouth to tell him exactly where he could shove his offer just as the door slammed open, the bell on it jangling loudly.
Julian.
He stepped inside, his gaze immediately locking onto Steven. His posture was rigid, his jaw tight, and the energy around him heavy and unmistakably dangerous.
“She’s said she wasn’t interested.”
Steven straightened, clearly caught off guard. “And who the hell are you?”
Julian didn’t answer right away. He walked forward, slow and deliberate, until he stood at our table. “I’m the one you’re going to have to deal with if you don’t leave her alone now. Lily’s taken.”
I swallowed hard, pulse racing. Julian was jealous. Protective too. And I liked it more than I wanted to admit.
Steven scowled, first at Julian, then at me. “A fucking incubus? You've got to be kidding me.” He stood, crossing his arms.
Worried about my laptop in case things went sideways during the pissing contest, I quickly closed the screen and tucked my precious baby under my arm, and backed away from the table.
Julian’s voice dropped, low and lethal. “Say one more word, and I’ll show you exactly what I am.”
I stood, heart thudding, unsure if I needed to intervene or let Julian handle it. The tension between them was thick, and neither looked ready to back down. Which, considering Julian could probably pummel Steven to a bloody mess, didn’t give him points for intelligence.
But then, a sudden swirl of magic lashed out from Steven. Oh shit. I’d known his family had magic, but for some reason, that hadn’t mentally translated tohimhaving magic. I looked over at Gigi, who had her hand held in front of her like she was about to throw a blanket over a fire. It must be a spell to protect her shop from the result of a fight.
Magic licked out from Steven’s body and shoved at Julian's shoulder.
I took that moment to jump between the two of them. “Enough! Both of you. Steven, I’m not interested. And Julian, stand down.” I reached out and put a calming hand on his forearm, hoping it was enough.
The door opened again—thank the goddess—and in walked Officers Hayes and Cooley.
“Everything alright?” Hayes asked.
Steven perked up immediately, like he thought backup had arrived for him. “Officers! Glad you’re here,” he said, flashing a smile that probably worked better on mirrors than people. “I was just having a little chat with Lily. And this demon came barging in.”
Officer Hayes raised an eyebrow. “You mean Julian?” He turned to me. “What’s going on here?”
