Page 70 of Demon Dating Service
Matteo sat quietly, gazing at where he was still holding one of Luke’s hands in both of his. “So…they helped us to go on a date,andthey saved our lives?”
“Yes.”
Matteo shoved a hand through his messy hair. His eyes were wide, but there was a distance to his stare, as if he couldn’t really see the room. A boulder sank into the pit of Luke’s stomach. He’d been afraid this would be too much for him to handle. Demons? A demon dating service? Vigilante demons who saved their lives from evil bullies? It was all too much.
“Luke…”
“You’re overwhelmed. I understand,” he murmured.
“I think…I’m going to need some time to think about all this.”
“If you’d rather…” Luke paused and licked his lips. “Az said that he could wipe your memory. You wouldn’t have to remember what happened last night.”
Matteo’s haunted gaze snapped up to his face. “All of it? Does that mean I’d have to forget about us?”
Now it was Luke’s turn to hesitate. He was the one who said that he wanted Matteo to accept all the parts of his life and that he intended to keep the demons in his life. If Azroth wiped Matteo’s memory of the demons now, weren’t they just living on borrowed time, setting themselves up for more pain down the road in the event that Matteo was never able to accept the demons as Luke’s extended family?
“I don’t know,” he whispered.
“Then…can I have a little time to think about it?” Matteo squeezed Luke’s hand and flashed him an incredibly fragilesmile. “I don’t want to lose you, but I need to figure out if I can handle this.”
“That’s fair.” Even though it was breaking his heart.
There wasn’t much more to talk about. Matteo reluctantly released Luke’s hand, and they both got dressed. One of the demons must have been listening, because none of them were to be found as they descended from the attic to the front door.
Matteo paused as he stepped past the threshold and looked at Luke. The sun was shining brightly overhead, chasing away all of last night’s shadows except for the ones that seemed to linger in Matteo’s sad brown eyes.
“I’m sorry—” Matteo started, but Luke quickly cut him off.
“Don’t. Please don’t apologize. None of this is your fault.”
“But I like you, Luke. I like you so damn much, and I don’t want to screw this up.”
“You’re not. I promise. You’re looking out for you, and that is important to me too.” Luke lifted a hand and brushed his knuckles lightly across Matteo’s cheek. “I want us to date, but I won’t ever sacrifice your peace of mind. Take all the time you need. I’ll be here.”
Matteo nodded jerkily. He lunged forward, his lips crashing into Luke’s for a hard, painful kiss before he darted away, running down the porch stairs. Luke watched him as he hurried along the street, closing the door against the cold winter wind only after he could no longer see Matteo.
He turned and sat in the foyer, his back pressed against the door. Had he made the right decision?
Tog appeared a moment later in his demon form, shuffling down the hall toward him. The demon stood over him for a heartbeat before flopping on the floor next to him, his back against the door as well.
“Matteo will come around. I know it,” Tog declared.
Luke leaned his head on Tog’s beefy shoulder and sighed. “I really hope you’re right.”
Chapter 27
Demon on Campus
AZROTH
Azroth stepped into the library and fought down his revulsion. It was too bright and airy. He preferred the library at home with all its dark corners, old wood, and that rich decaying book smell. The furniture was large and unwieldy. The carpet was thick and the same color as dried blood. And then there was always the chance that the library would break into weeping at the most random thing. All bonuses that made being in the library at home even more enjoyable.
But here at Ravenwood, the library was filled with college students studying for their exams. No one was making mischief or plotting evil. So boring.
Or as Luke’s generation would say: Zero stars. Would not recommend.
Azroth rolled his eyes at the thought and again at Luke’s entire generation.