Page 12 of Demon’s Desire (Lovers of the Damned #3)

NICO

Nico handed Onyx a controller. “I’m not trying to get rid of you.”

Onyx glared, like the reassurance was offensive. “Even if you were, it’s not like I need you to entertain me.”

“Of course not.” Nico sagged into the couch. A moment ago, Onyx had been opening up, and Nico wanted that back. “Maybe I need you to entertain me.”

Onyx didn’t seem to know what to say to that.

Nico’s face heated, and he turned his attention to the TV. Hopefully, Onyx wouldn’t read into it.

He didn’t really need anyone to keep him company. He wasn’t lonely. But he wanted this. Onyx next to him on his couch was…not soothing—because it was Onyx—but welcome. The prickly demon fit, strangely like he belonged, even if Nico kept most of his friends out of his private space.

“Let’s start with Power. It’s by the same people who created World’s End, but it’s not as involved.” Nico selected the game and started from the beginning. The intro music played, and Onyx watched the screen with apparent interest.

After a minute, he said, “Why are we watching a movie?”

Nico laughed. “Just be patient.”

Onyx crossed his arms and slouched further into the couch. Once the intro was over, Nico attempted to guide Onyx through creating his character, but he didn’t seem interested in any of the options. Nico quickly chose what he needed and passed him the controller.

“Play through the tutorial.”

Onyx looked from the screen to his hands. “I don’t get what it’s telling me to do.”

Nico scooched closer until he was almost pressed against Onyx. “The buttons are labeled.” He pointed.

“Oh.” Onyx pressed a mash of buttons, and the character on screen did a random mix of moves. “It’s going to take forever to get good at this. How much damn time has Dante wasted learning so many games?”

“It’s not like either of you are short on time.”

“No. I guess not. And I do like to try everything once.” Onyx made more of an effort to follow the on-screen instructions.

“Everything?” Nico couldn’t help asking.

Onyx cocked his head, blue hair falling artfully to the side. “Pretty much. Though if it’s sexual, I like to give it more than a one-and-done. To be sure. Things like ironing or building a ship in a bottle don’t need further investigation.”

“You’ve built a ship in a bottle?” Nico wasn’t sure if mentioning it in the same breath as ironing or sex was weirder.

“Miniatures are fascinating, even if I don’t particularly enjoy making them myself.” Onyx turned back to the TV and tried again. “Don’t look so shocked that I have hobbies.”

“Sorry. I’ve never met anyone who’s built a ship in a bottle.”

“I guess I’ll forgive you then. I’m sure it’s not the last time I’ll shock you.”

Nico bristled. “I’m not exactly innocent.”

Onyx’s attention snapped back to Nico, glee brightening his face. “Oh? Are you a naughty little witch?”

“Fuck.” Nico’s body flashed hot. Not expecting that, he scrambled, “I-I’m not little.”

Onyx’s gaze raked over him, searing even without fire in his eyes. “Would you prefer young?”

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 say boo.”

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.”

Nico should accept. It would save him spending money on a security witch, and Onyx’s spell would be stronger than anyone’s, except possibly other demons.

“What do you want in exchange?”

Onyx blinked, like the question confused him. “Do you ask for anything in return when you do favors for people?”

“No.” Nico helped people who needed it, not so he could gain anything for himself.

Onyx stood. “Didn’t think so.”

“But—”

“Sit back and relax, and I’ll make you an impenetrable fortress. Well, not quite, but demons aren’t after you. Just big scary cats. Besides, you’ve wormed your way into our little group, so you should be protected like Ollie and Harper.”

Nico gaped at Onyx, his chest tightening. When was the last time he’d let someone look out for him? With Rowan, everything was mutual. Nico didn’t ask for favors. He gave his time and talent to others but relied on himself.

He almost told Onyx that someone had broken in, then stopped himself.

They wouldn’t be able to violate his space after the demon cast his spell.

Nico didn’t want to worry Onyx, or even worse, find out that Onyx wasn’t actually concerned, and this was some weird…

Nico didn’t know what, but he didn’t want to ruin it.