Page 19 of The Demon's Tongue

My tongue swipes along my teeth, brushing over the sharp fangs within my mouth. "Admit it. You'd love for me to stay, wouldn't you?"

To my surprise, she doesn't deny it. Instead, she meets my gaze, her green eyes filled a gentle vulnerability. "Maybe I would. Is that so wrong?"

I chuckle, trailing a finger along her jawline. "Wrong? Oh, dear human, you have no idea how deliciously wrong it is. Temptation strikes when you least expect it. But then again, that's what makes it so... enjoyable."

Geneva swallows hard, her pulse quickening under my touch. "So, will you stay or not?"

I pull back, enjoying the way she leans forward, chasing my touch. "Now, now. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I have a body to dispose of, remember?"

She nods, disappointment flashing across her face. "Right. Of course."

"But," I add, unable to resist teasing her further. I relax against the pillows, somewhat enjoying how they feel against my body. "The night is young. And we could have a little fun in the meantime."

10

CALIX

After dragging the dark elf's corpse into a different realm and depositing it into the void, I return to the opulent bedchamber, just like she wanted me to. Geneva's still there, her posture tense as she continues to sit on the edge of the bed. Smart girl.

"It's done," I announce, sprawling across the bed. The silken sheets feel cool against my skin. "Our pointy-eared friend won't be bothering anyone ever again."

Geneva's eyes dart to the spot where the body had been. "Thank you," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.

I arch an eyebrow. "What's that? I didn't quite catch it."

She clears her throat, meeting my gaze with slight annoyance. "I said thank you. For... taking care of him. I couldn't stand looking at him anymore."

"Look at this. Manners from a human. Will wonders never cease?" I smirk, enjoying the way her cheeks flush. "Though I must say, your aversion to corpses might prove problematic in our line of work."

Geneva's brow furrows. "Our line of work? I'm not?—"

"Aren't you?" I interrupt, sitting up. "You made a deal with a demon, my dear human. That puts you squarely in my world now."

She grimaces, her hand unconsciously reaching for the remaining crystals hidden in her clothes. I feel them pulsing gently underneath the lace fabric. "I don't think I'm like you," she insists.

I laugh, the sound echoing off the ornate walls. "Oh, darling. You're more like me than you realize. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be."

Geneva's jaw clenches, her eyes flashing with that delicious defiance that has enthralled me since the moment we met. "I'm nothing like you," she spits. "I'm just trying to survive."

"And what do you think I'm doing?" I counter, rising from the bed in one fluid motion. "Survival takes many forms, Geneva. Some more... entertaining than others."

I close the distance between us, relishing the way her breath catches as I lean in. Standing over her, I'm quick to notice how much I enjoy seeing her glance up at me with those green eyes.

"Speaking of entertainment," I purr, "how about we find a more enjoyable way to pass the time?"

Geneva lets out a shaky breath. She scoots away from me slightly, tugging the dress fabric over her legs. I chuckle slightly, returning to my spot at the center of the bed.

"Suit yourself."

I settle back against the plush pillows, watching Geneva as she fidgets with the hem of her dress. The silence stretches between us, thick and heavy. Finally, she breaks it.

"I still can't believe I summoned you," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

I arch an eyebrow. "Enlighten me. What drove you to such lengths?"

She takes a deep breath, her green eyes meeting mine. "I was left with Miss Pickett as a baby. Just... abandoned on her doorstep."

"How pathetic," I drawl, but motion for her to continue.

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