Page 84 of The Prince of Demons

“You should ask him out on a date.”

My jaw dropped. “What? He’s off limits!”

Cordelia frowned, as if she’d forgotten. “Keep it undercover.”

“Cordelia, I’m only doing this because I have to! I can’t make a dangerous situation any worse than it already is!”

I collapsed onto the blanket, remembering how badly I was treated when the oracle implied we were dating. If I went through with this, that meant she was right. I couldn’t give her the satisfaction.

“Yeah, but if you’re already stuck with him, you might as well have some fun,” Cordelia prompted.

“I’m not sure a date with him would be fun,” I said. Reckless, sure. Interesting, absolutely. Memorable? Undoubtably. But if my recent Beyond adventure was our last date, I shuddered to think what he would follow that one up with.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out!” Cordelia pushed.

“Cordelia, I have to be responsible. My standing and reputation at this University are at stake.” Just thinking about the hours I spent studying this week made me nauseous.

Sparks flew in Cordelia’s eyes. “Just go on one date with him to get information. Bring some alcohol to loosen him up. Get dressed up, and get enough info to placate Flora for a while!”

I forced my eyes shut, haunted. “I’ve never, in my eighteen years of living, found a human man to go on a date with me. How am I supposed to get the Reaper to do so?”

“Just ask him!”

Heavens above, she sounded just like Gaksi. I bet he gave her the script for this conversation. Maybe I should get better friends.

“What if he says no?” I asked quietly. Cordelia swatted my arm. “Hey!”

She rubbed it reassuringly. “He’s already admitted that he finds you attractive. And I feel like you don’t give yourself enough credit. You could have a lot more in life if you just went for it.”

Her hope in me was unwarranted. “You sound like my mother.”

“Maybe she has some brilliant advice you’ve been putting off.”

My face scrunched. “Maybe you give her too much credit, too.”

“You’re deflecting,” Cordelia said. “Just admit that you’re scared—”

“I am not scared—”

“Your fear doesn't involvehim. You’re scared of your feelings being hurt!”

I scowled and crossed my arms, sitting up. “I think I’ll go study by myself now.”

“Yeah, keep running from your problems. It’s not like he’ll be back for you, regardless.”

My lips clamped shut. There was nothing worse than your closest friend knowing your soul far better than she should.

Regarding Reaper, I should be fearful of him. My feet should hit the ground running at his presence. Anxiety should fill my heart whenever I thought of the bond he snared me in.

I shouldn’t be thinking of which types of soju he’d like best.

* * *

My scalp prickled.I resisted the urge to stare.

Reaper appeared in the brewery I’d drawn my latest wraith to. I sat at a white linen-coated table set for two, surrounded by stacks of alcohol. I opened two bottles of soju in front of me, but I hadn’t drank any yet. Once I saw Reaper, his presence would intoxicate me enough.

There was nothing more venomous to my future than his smile.

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