Page 31 of Their Demon

Hi, her soft voice responded.

I didn’t mean to wake you.

You didn’t. I was awake.

Can’t sleep?

I was worried about you. You missed our training. I was afraid you wouldn’t come home.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. She’dwaitedfor me.

I’m sorry I worried you. Everything’s okay. I just had a lot of work to do.

I had no plans on telling her the sacrifice I’d made for her sake. She had enough on her plate.

Lillian just looked at me, a stillness filling the space between us. After several moments of nothing, I figured she was done talking. I expected her to close the door and slip back into hersafe space with the twins, who gave her everything she needed, everything they had.

I couldn't help but be surprised when she opened the door even more and tiptoed into the hallway, closing the door quietly behind her.

She was dressed in her pajamas: a purple tank top and gray cotton shorts. Her nipples were hard, pressed against her shirt, begging to be sucked into my mouth. The bottom of her tank had ridden up to reveal the smooth, pale skin around her belly button. As my eyes trailed lower, her legs pressed together. She was aware of my ogling.

I closed my eyes for a brief second then forced them back up to her face, refusing to indulge myself in another look at her perfect body. I didn’t deserve it.

She was looking at me with a small, knowing smile. This time, itwasmy heart that raced. The most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on stood before me, smiling at me, even after everything I’d done to her.

“It’s not too late to train. We could blow off some…” She giggled so quietly, I barely heard it. “Steam.”

I sure know you could use it, she pushed into my mind.

I shook my head, fighting a massive grin as I rolled my eyes. “You need sleep, Lillian. Go back to bed.” She stood her ground, defiance written all over her face. “I’m serious, princess.”

The corners of her mouth twitched. “Always so serious.”

She took a couple of slow, methodical steps toward me, the movement making my breath hitch. She was so close, I could smell her, sweet like vanilla and honey. It was intoxicating. It was dangerous.

“Lillian…” I warned pointlessly.

I need this… Her voice had changed in my head. It wasn’t playful anymore; it was troubled.I’m scared.

What’re you scared of?

My father’s face, red eyes blazing and a poisonous grin, flashed before in my head, and goosebumps erupted down my arms. He stood over me, blood beginning to drip from his smile. My heart raced, and my palms felt clammy. I shook my head, trying to force the fear away.

“How did you do that?” I asked her. She didn’t just tell me or show me her fear. I’dfelther fear as I saw her view of him. Was our connection getting that strong?

“Do what?” she spoke softly, unaware of what she’d just done.

Before I could tell her, she whispered, “He scares me. He wants me to die, Keir.”

“You shouldn’t be scared, princess. We still have time to train, to prepare.” I started to reach out with my hand, to place it on her shoulder and comfort her. I stopped myself, though, keeping my hands clenched at my sides. “Please don’t fret about this. You can do this, Lillian. You are strong, capable. I have no doubt we will all be laughing about the stupid look on his face when you complete that first trial.” She threw her attention to the floor, and my hand instinctively tucked under her chin and pulled up until she looked at me again. The tears in her eyes made my heart hurt. I let go of her before my thumb did something unspeakable, like caress her or glide across her lips.

“I know you guys are saying all those things to make me feel better. You don—”

“Stop right there. What would I have to gain from lying to you?” Her eyes searched mine, and I saw the moment she’d found what she was looking for: the truth. “Exactly.”

Her body relaxed, and she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. I had to hold back a growl because I really wanted to slam my mouth against her and take that lip between my own teeth.Shit.

“Get dressed. We can do a quick session, I guess,” I said roughly, realizing she was right about blowing off steam, and if we stayed in this hallway any longer, my self-control might fail me.

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