Page 131 of A Summoned Husband

Asmodeus said nothing to defend himself against her accusation.

“And if things don’t go to plan, she can always get a divorce.” Olivia shrugged.

Asmodeus’s brows dropped. “What is divorce?”

Olivia smirked, closing her eyes as she tilted her head to the ceiling. “Freedom.”

Confusion pressed his lips thin as he turned to look at the woman I didn’t know who lifted her shoulders in a quick shrug.

“It’s when a marriage doesn’t work out you can both go your separate ways. Undo the marriage,” Alicia explained.

His hand fisted on the table. “There is no undoing this marriage. My heart is hers.”

“What if she gets tired of you?” Olivia shrugged. “It happens. I was so tired of my ex at the end. Sick and tired. Hell, I’m still tired of him.”

“If she is so tired she can take a rest.”

Everyone except for Asmodeus and the other demon erupted into laughter.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“You have a lot to learn.” Alicia grinned.

“What is there to learn? If she is tired, she requires rest. Even demons require rest.” He nodded at the other demon.

They laughed some more.

“What is the joke here?” Asmodeus pouted. “Enlighten me.”

“Oh, my poor sweet summer child,” Gran clasped a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll explain this to you a bit later. After everyone has a full belly.”

“Speaking of everyone,” Alicia muttered as she rose slightly in her chair to look toward the steps. “How much longer will Eden sleep?”

“Maybe she’s tired of Asmodeus and taking a rest,” Olivia quipped.

Horns appeared above his head and the other demon reached over to tap his hand. “Calm yourself.”

“I am calm.” He bit the words through his teeth, brimstone lighting his eyes as he stared at Olivia.

I had to hide my mouth behind my hand as Asmodeus crossed his arms over his chest and sunk back in his chair. Clearing my throat, I stepped into the room and flashed them all a warm smile. “Are y’all teasing my husband?”

All eyes turned to look at me. I felt suddenly vulnerable under so many gazes filled with worry and relief. It felt a little bit like being seen for the first time. Realizing it was possible for someone to love you enough that they saw through the smile I wore to the battle I was fighting behind it. My eyes burned and my throat tightened.

“Hey, baby. You hungry?” Gran pulled a chair out beside Asmodeus for me.

He shoved to his feet, eyes glued to me.

“Hey.” My hands wrapped in the hem of my shirt as I toyed with the fabric. “So… that was all nuts, right?”

Shoulders squared and with his horns still on his head, Asmodeus stalked toward me. His face was an unreadable mask as his eyes flashed with kept fires. I stiffened as he reached me, suddenly unsure. His hands wrapped around my waist and he lifted me. His mouth captured mine as his fingers pressed into the flesh of my hips.

Dizziness overcame me as heat and the taste of smoke filled my mouth. My chest warmed and my skin pulsed.

“Excuse me! I know you’re not doing all that in front of her grandmamas.” Gran knocked on the table between our place settings. “Come on now. Come eat.”

Asmodeus broke the kiss but kept me in his hold. The intensity in his eyes made butterflies flit anxiously through my belly as they shifted back and forth between mine. “I could get rid of them,” he whispered.

“Young man. Demon or not, don’t think I won’t take you by the ear. Come and sit.” Abuela shook her head as she shovelled food onto plates without asking anyone what they wanted.