Page 20 of Demon's Heart

“Is it okay that we introduced them?” Ollie asked.

“What?” Dante shook himself and stopped staring.

Ollie’s gaze flitted away from Dante’s. “We didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s fine. I’m sure Onyx is glad to be done talking to me.”

A slight frown tugged at Ollie’s lips. “I’m sensing tension.”

“You could say that.” Dante suppressed a laugh. “It’s what happens when you’ve known someone your whole life. Onyx is like a brother, and brothers don’t always get along.”

“We certainly bicker like siblings,” Ash muttered.

“Oh, I get that.” Ollie’s expression brightened. “I mean, I get it in theory since I’m an only child. Half my childhood friends didn’t get along with their siblings.”

Did Ollie seem relieved? His babbling came out when he was nervous, but why be nervous about Onyx?

“I think Ollie and I are going to head out for some food soon,” Harper said, and Ollie nodded in agreement. “Do you guys have time to come with us before you meet up with your friend?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Dante wanted to hang around thegallery until Onyx was done. Otherwise, he’d slip out of coming with them. “Next time.”

Ollie ran a hand through his hair. “For sure.”

There was a long pause, and Dante couldn’t help getting drawn into Ollie’s hazel eyes. He was beautiful, friend or not.

“Maybe I should get your number?” Ollie bit his lip. “We can compare notes on what games we like. Play together sometime.”

Dante could have purred. He didn’t, but he could have. He pulled out his phone and cleared his throat. “That’s a great idea. Here, put your number in, and I’ll text you.”

Ash clapped Dante on the shoulder as if he were a proud father. Damnation, could he be any more obvious?

Ollie’s eyes darted to Ash’s grip, then away.

Dex wrapped up his conversation with Onyx and the blue-haired demon slipped away so quickly that Dante swore he’d put on a burst of inhuman speed. Not that it was getting him out of anything.

Harper and Ollie wished him and Ash goodnight, then left with Dex in search of dinner. Dante’s body begged him to follow Ollie out the door, the distance between them tugging like Ollie had a hook around his heart.

“What are you going to do for your first date?” Ash asked, jarring Dante out of his thoughts.

He stiffened. “We aren’t going on a date. Ollie doesn’t date. He told me he’d like to be friends.”

“Friends?” Ash said like it was a rude word.

Dante winced.

He handed his wine glass to a passing server and crossed his arms. “Yes, friends. And I plan to respect his wishes. If he isn’t interested in a romantic connection, that’s all right. He’s my mate, but that doesn’t mean we have to be lovers. I can still be by his side.”

Ash’s mouth opened, but it took a few seconds for any sound to emerge. “By his side as a friend? Forever? No, you’re giving up too easily, Dante. Saying he doesn’t dateright nowdoesn’t mean he never wants a partner. Plenty of young men don’t want to be tied down right away.”

“True. But it could also mean romantic connections aren’t for him at all. You didn’t hear how he said it. It wasn’t the way someone casually brushes off commitment.” Dante gripped Ash’s shoulder. “I have to be okay with loving Ollie like a brother. If that’s what he wants, that’s what I’ll be.”

“Dante…” Ash shook his head. “You’re mates. And he’s young. We’ve forgotten what that’s like, but believe me, it makes a big difference. He’ll change his mind once he gets to know you. I’m sure of it.”

“That’s fine if he does, but I won’t ask him to.” The distinction was important. Couldn’t Ash see that? “I can’t be the friend he needs if all I’m doing is holding out for a romantic relationship. Please don’t push this. As his mate, I must be attuned to his needs, and I have to do what feels right for both of us, not only me.”

Ash’s expression softened. “I’m sorry. I won’t tell you what to do. I just can’t imagine not bonding with Harper.”

Dante’s heart gave a painful jolt. “Maybe we can still bond. I don’t know. The connection doesn’t necessarily have to come from a romantic place.”