Page 61 of Demon Dating Service

But now that he was walking next to Matteo in the frigid cold, he couldn’t help feeling a little silly. Their town was safe, and it was rare for any crimes to be reported on campus. The most common problems were underage drinking and noise complaints.

“Sooooo…” Matteo drawled, bumping his shoulder into Luke’s.

“Huh?”

“What do you want to do on our second date? We did the very clichéd but always successful dinner and movie.”

Luke huffed a laugh and bumped Matteo’s shoulder. “What movie? We weren’t even fifteen minutes into the movie when we scurried out of there. And that was all your fault, I might add.”

Matteo snickered and looped his arm through Luke’s. “Are you mad?” He jutted out his bottom lip and fluttered his eyelashes in the fakest pouty expression Luke had ever seen. “I couldn’t help myself. You were so sexy in your suit, and I thought if I could suck your dick?—”

He didn’t get the chance to finish. Luke burst out laughing so hard that he nearly lost his balance. He stumbled to his right, leaning hard on Matteo as he regained his stability.

“You’re ridiculous!” Luke crowed.

“Maybe, but I’m also serious. You’ve got this adorable, nerdy, sexy vibe going, and I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time, but I was afraid I wasn’t smart enough.”

“What? That’s crazy!”

“It’s true. Everyone I asked about you said that you’re this insanely smart grad student who spends all his time working or studying. I was scared to death to open my mouth and prove what an idiot I am. Then you’d never talk to me.”

Luke snatched up Matteo’s gloved hand and pressed a kiss to the knuckles. “You are not an idiot, and I don’t ever want you to say that about yourself again. Besides, as soon as I saw you, I was sure you were way out of my league and wouldn’t evenlookin my direction.”

“Nope. Nope. You’re adorable. That league stuff is crap.”

Luke ducked his chin and smiled behind his scarf, Matteo’s words warming him better than any layer of clothing could. To think he’d been worried that Luke wouldn’t think he was smart enough. That was crazy!

“So, what do you want to do for our next date?” he inquired.

“Hey! That was my question!” Matteo shouted, ending in another round of giggles.

Luke opened his mouth to make another teasing comment when he thought he saw someone move in the deep shadows between two buildings. His heart lodged in his throat. Was that one of the demons? Were they following them to the college? Usually, Azroth would simply send the crows to watch over him, but maybe it was too cold for the crows.

It had to be the demons. They could probably sense that he and Matteo had left the house. They likely returned home, and Azroth ordered Tog or Mullmag to follow them to the college to make sure Matteo made it safely. That had to be all it was.

Except another shadow moved between two homes. This one was larger and human-shaped. But not shaped like any of the demons in their human form.

No, they were being followed, and it wasn’t by the demons.

Luke’s heart raced as he glanced around, and sweat beaded up on his back despite the cold. There were few businesses in this area, and they were all closed for the night. Just homes with their lights turned out as everyone slept. Right now, they were a block from the closest entrance to campus. There was a blue call box right by the entrance that linked straight up to the police. Not to mention, security cameras covered the campus.

If they could make it to school, it was likely whoever was following them would give up. From there, he could return to Matteo’s dorm with him and call for a ride-share to take him home.

There. He had a plan. This was going to work.

Luke slipped a hand up to grip Matteo’s biceps and leaned in close, pinning a fake smile to his lips as he whispered. “When I tell you, run as fast as you can to campus.”

Matteo’s pace faltered, but Luke maintained a tight hold on him, keeping him moving. “What?” Matteo gasped.

“We’re being followed.” A car door slammed shut somewhere down the block, and Luke used it as a starting pistol. “Run!” he barked.

They launched themselves forward, racing along the sidewalk. Behind them, a car engine roared to life and tires squealed. Panic exploded in Luke’s chest, but all he could think to do was run. A second later, new footsteps pounded on the sidewalk behind them. He couldn’t think. Didn’t know what to do. The only thing he knew was to run.

As they were reaching the corner nearest the college, Matteo suddenly jerked back, ripping free of Luke’s hand. His surprised cry cut through the cold, silent air, stopping Luke’s heart. He stopped and turned to grab Matteo, but it was too late.

Two big men dressed all in black wearing black face coverings seized Matteo’s arms while one punched him in the stomach. Luke lunged for them to pull Matteo free, but another man in black stepped up and took a swing. Luke dodged. Behind him, a car screeched to a stop and a car door was flung open.

No! They had to run. If they were stuffed into that car, there was no hope of escape.