Page 30 of Demon's Desire

Nico cleared his throat. “I don’t feel young.” His back certainly hadn’t that morning, but the way his insides squirmed at Onyx’s teasing left him out of his depth. Comparably, he was young and innocent.

Onyx’s gaze dragged over Nico once more, and his skin tingled. “I guess that makes sense. You’re an old soul. Too responsible and concerned to be youthful.”

True, but ouch. “Make it sound less like a compliment, why don’t you?”

Onyx pursed his lips. “I could, but I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”

Nico shook his head. “Your kindness really knows no bounds.”

“Right?” Onyx gave him a feral grin. “I’m a gift unto this mortal plane.”

Nico barked a laugh. He liked everything about this, even the shock of discomfort. He was a fool for thinking he could get a handle on an immortal like Onyx.

Didn’t mean he wouldn’t try.

A sound like clanging metal had Nico’s head whipping around. He stared out the darkened window. The curtain wasn’t shut, but he couldn’t see anything with the lights on inside. Had that been something out on the fire escape?

“You okay?” Onyx asked.

Nico forced himself to look away. “Fine. I heard something, but it was probably a cat.”

Onyx narrowed his eyes. “Are you scared of cats?”

“No. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m not. You’re the one who jumped like someone was about to appear in the window and sayboo.”

Nico rubbed his palms along his thighs. “What? I can’t be startled?”

He stood and crossed the room. Opening the window, he stuck his head out and looked up, then down. There was nothing on the fire escape. He closed the window and drew the curtain.

“You should have your house better protected,” Onyx said as Nico sat back down.

“Are you inspecting my spells?”

Onyx shrugged. “Yeah. They could use some help.”

“Fuck off.” Onyx was right, but the protection was the best Nico could do without hiring someone more powerful.

He had a solid magical ability, nothing extraordinary. Nico had studied hard and knew a wide range of spells. He was good at picking things apart and figuring out the best way to counter most magic. His skill was versatile. Strength wasn’t everything.

“I’m not being rude.” Onyx put the controller down. “All I’m saying is, stronger spells would keep the big scary cats out, if they’ve got you jumpy.”

Nico ignored the cat comment. “I’m going to get someone to sort it out, but haven’t gotten around to it.”

He’d asked Rowan if the coven had any trouble recently, but it was no surprise that all was quiet. It was unlikely that whoever had broken in had been mad about something Nico had done for Rowan. If they were, why not go directly to the vampire they had a problem with?

The break-in seemed personal, but it had been years since Nico had fallen out with a friend, and his family wasn’t among the living.

“I can protect your place for you,” Onyx said with a flippant wave of his hand.

Nico’s spine stiffened. “You don’t have to.”

The demon arched a brow. “Damn right. Seeing as I don’t have to do anything, ever. I’m offering because I want to.”

“Why?” Nico stared at him. Onyx didn’t hate him, but whatever was building between them wasn’t strong enough to garner a favor like this. “Aren’t I annoying?”

“You can be annoying and well-protected at the same time. I don’t see the issue.”