Page 90 of Demon's Heart

“I’ll stay,” Onyx said quickly.

“Me too.”

How predictable. Ash couldn’t be outdone. Oh well, Dante would take it. “Then behave, or the birds will peck your eyes out. They like peace and quiet.”

25

OLLIE

Ollie hadthe coffee brewed by the time Dex arrived. Harper hadn’t surfaced from his room, but given what he’d said about not sleeping well, Ollie wouldn’t wake him.

“I’ve got croissants today.” Dex raised his bag as he entered the apartment. “We can do breakfast sandwiches.”

“Hell yeah.” Ollie led him into the kitchen. “I’ve got eggs and everything else we need, so it’s perfect.”

“That’s what I like to hear. I’m starving.” Dex unpacked a box of croissants and a bunch of bananas.

“You work up an appetite last night?” Ollie teased.

Dex peeled a banana and took a bite, shrugging slyly. “Maybe.”

Ollie waggled his eyebrows. “Anyone worth seeing again?”

“I didn’t get that vibe. Or a phone number.” Dex hadn’t had a steady relationship or anything resembling one in years. Even his interest in hooking up seemed to come and go.

For a flash, Ollie wished Dex had a mate. He deserved that kind of partnership even more than Ollie. Someone he’d never lose, never have to worry about dying or being taken from him.

“How about you, still over hookups?” Dex asked around another bite of banana.

“Huh?” Ollie’s face burned. “I mean, yeah. Something like that. I’m never redownloading that app.”

“Come out with me next time. You know I’m a good wingman.”

He was, but Ollie wouldn’t ever need that particular help from Dex again. “I don’t know, maybe. How’s selling the car going?”

“Good. I’ve got a buyer lined up. Should be done this week. I’m going to call a realtor soon too. Selling the car made me realize it’s past time to get out of the condo, you know? I probably won’t even bother renting the parking space unless it looks like it’ll take a long time to sell the place.”

“You want to be out that soon?”

“It’d be for the best. I need a fresh start. Not that I’m leaving the city,” he added quickly. “I couldn’t leave everything I have. Especially you.”

Ollie was hit with a rush of affection. “I couldn’t leave you either. But if you wanted a bigger change, you wouldn’t lose me.”

A hint of sadness crept into Dex’s gaze. A blink later, it was gone. “No, I wouldn’t. But all I’m doing is selling the condo. I probably won’t even move neighborhoods.”

“Why would you? We already live in the best one.” They shared a smile. “Let me know if you need help with anything. Selling the place is going to be so much work.”

“You’re going to regret offering.”

“Ugh. Don’t ask me to clean.” Ollie almost regretted it. He didn’t because he’d be there for Dex no matter what. But cleaning was not his favorite.

“Yep. You’re helping scrub the place for sure.” Dex lookedmore closely at Ollie. “You seem better than the last time I saw you.”

Ollie averted his eyes. “I am.”

“You want to talk about it?”

Ollie had been vague when Dex asked how he was doing last time. Everything had felt unimaginable and confusing, and if he were honest, he hadn’t wanted to share the worst of it.