Page 47 of Demon's Heart

“I don’t usually free my tail when I fly,” he admitted. “It’s annoying having it out with jeans on.”

“I can see that. You can show me another time.”The flush on Ollie’s cheeks spread down his neck, but his tone remained casual. “If you want,” he hurried to add.

“Another time.” Dante tried not to get excited about Ollie’s interest in his body. It was curiosity, not necessarily attraction. “Let’s get you home. You’re sure you don’t want me to fly you all the way?”

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Ollie said, his tone stiffening. “I can get there myself.”

For whatever reason, it seemed important to Ollie that he make his own way, so Dante didn’t argue. Maybe it was his fear of heights, or maybe there was more to it, but it didn’t feel like the right time to ask.

Dante opened his arms, gesturing for Ollie to come closer. “Wrap yourself around me like a koala.”

Ollie snorted and covered his mouth. “Can’t you pick me up?” He moved directly in front of Dante, leaving hardly any space between them.

“Sure.” Dante grinned, scooping Ollie into a bridal carry. “This okay?”

Ollie wrapped his arms around Dante’s neck and squeezed tight. “Yeah, but I’m closing my eyes. Don’t drop me.”

“I won’t.” Dante held Ollie tight as he launched into the air.

Ollie squeaked, voice reaching a surprisingly high pitch, and gripped Dante tighter.

“You’re okay,” Dante murmured, lips next to Ollie’s ear, his nose in Ollie’s hair, his sandalwood scent going straight to his head. “We’ll be back on the ground in two minutes. I promise.”

Ollie nodded but didn’t speak as a spike of fear traveled down the bond despite Dante blocking most of Ollie’s emotions.

Dante flew as fast and as smoothly as he could, and soon, they were landing among the tall trees lining the base of the reserve.

Ollie didn’t release Dante right away, staying curled against his chest. “Are we on the ground?”

“Yes, Ollie.” Dante chuckled warmly.

Ollie’s eyes popped open to glare at Dante. “Don’t laugh. That was like being on a roller coaster. I hate those things.”

Dante set Ollie on the ground. “Sounds like I’ll have to figure out a better way to get you to and from my house.”

Ollie seemed surprised. “Will I be coming over again?”

“If you want.” Dante rubbed the back of his neck. “You could check out my game room next time.”

Gaming was the furthest thing from Dante’s mind. He imagined cooking for Ollie, showing him the shearwaters, and snuggling together on one of his huge armchairs, even though snuggling probably wasn’t on the table.

At the mention of gaming, Ollie grinned. “Oh, definitely. I want to see all of your old consoles. I can’t believe you have so many vintage games.” Ollie pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’d almost be okay with flying to see that.”

“Almost.” Dante nudged Ollie’s arm, and Ollie rolled his eyes.

At least Ollie wanted to keep hanging out.

Dante waited as Ollie requested a rideshare, the two of them walking out to the road and lingering on the sidewalk until the car arrived. When it did, Ollie disappeared into the back seat with a wave.

A tether tugged on Dante’s heart, urging him to follow. He gritted his teeth and stayed where he was. When the car was out of sight, Dante recast his illusion of invisibility and freed his wings, launching into the sky.

He dialed Ash. They had Lucifer’s demise to plan.

13

OLLIE

Ollie headed straightfor the couch as soon as he got home and sank into the cushions. They weren’t as comfortable as he swore they’d been that morning. Harper didn’t appear to be home, so Ollie pulled out his phone.