Page 102 of The Prince of Demons

The way he said it sounded absolutely ridiculous. Demons were the pure embodiment of evil. Wicked, foul, hideous, and fundamentally untrustworthy. Although the more time I spent with Reaper, the more I questioned whether everything rumored was true.

“I have a bargain with Flora,” I answered as Fabian led me through more steps. He was a superb dancer. Shame I actually had to pay attention and not talk to him. It would be interesting to see how much Flora told him about my situation.

I spared a glance at Aubrey, who had wrapped herself in Reaper’s arms. Reaper noticed me, only briefly, before he slid his hands up her back and around her neck to grip her face. She batted her eyelashes and spoke something I couldn’t hear. Reaper winked like a thief, conspiring on some great heist with his new partner in crime.

“Flora sets lots of bargains,” Fabian responded. “None as charming as you.”

Heat rose to my cheeks. I hoped Flora wasn’t listening to this. I was on her hit list already.

“Thank you,” I said, a little mortified.

Reaper’s hand now combed through Aubrey’s hair while the other slid lower on her back. Dangerously low. He smiled endearingly at her, pulling her closer.

I hoped they both died. Then I would never have to watch something so disgusting ever again.

“You know,” Fabian said conspiratorially, “the more I compliment you, the better the nightlife will be with Flora later.”

He pecked my cheek. Then said, a bit louder, “So, darling, you’re really doing both of us a favor.”

I whimpered. Ice bit at my hands again. I couldn’t move them at all.

A deep, ravaging force buzzed behind me.

“Seraph.”

His wrath blazed over my skin, moving all the way down to my soul.

I curtsied politely to Fabian. “Thank you for the dance.”

He bowed. “Anytime, sweetheart.” Flora appeared instantly, gave me a look that could freeze me into an ice sculpture, and dragged him away. He laughed the entire way, ruffling Flora’s perfectly manicured hair. She snapped at him.

“Seraphim.”

Shadows curled around my ankles, forcing me to turn.

I hesitated to look up. I was fearful, for a moment, of what jealousy could do to him.

“Please recall your shadows,” I murmured. “We’re in public.”

They dissolved.

Graceful fingers pushed my hair beyond my ear. Traced the bond along my skin, then ghosted over my collarbone.

“Do you go out of your way to torture me?” I breathed.

“This is torture?” He chuckled lightly. “You are very sensitive.”

“Did you come to dance with me or to confront and prod me in public?” Although my tone was a tad irritated, I was actually feeling quite shy. I’d never danced with someone I liked before. Not that I was allowed to like him. Those feelings were purely imaginary.

He twisted me up against him and spun me around. He was so much taller and stronger than me that he led me effortlessly, letting me follow his cocky rhythm.

His body remained aligned with mine, rumbling deep in his chest every time we drew closer. He spun and spun me, delighting the chaotic shadows within, distracting me from actually having to converse with him. Perhaps that was a strategy in itself. Work me so hard that I ignored the flaming chemistry between us.

Too bad my shadows thrived on conflict. “Why not keep dancing with Aubrey?”

He threw me into another move as an answer. “What do you have against her? She is your friend?”

“She looked like your lover just a minute ago.”

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