Page 28 of Premonition of Peace

“Stop being jealous, Lucifer. It’s not a good look on you,” I retorted.

Lucifer said nothing but continued watching me as I finished getting ready in silence. I repressed a sigh and decided to just let him sulk.

When I moved toward the bedroom door to leave, Lucifer intercepted, appearing in front of me, blocking my path. He reached out, pulling me close for a deep kiss that took me off guard.

“Have fun,” he murmured against my lips before releasing me.

I blinked, slightly dazed by his sudden intensity, then composed myself. “Uh, yeah, thanks.”

With those stumbled words, I headed out of the door. Despite the fact that the diner wasn’t far away, I decided to drive. It was chilly outside, and I just didn’t feel like showing up with a runny nose and red cheeks.

In my short commute, I mulled over how to broach the subject of Sasha and Not-Sasha with him. There was still a lot that had been left unresolved regarding us. Things like their mate bond, my own bond with August, and what that meant for all parties involved.

The bell above the door tinkled softly as I walked into the upscale diner. There was a hum of conversation in the air, and the entire room was full of supernaturals—as was obvious to me because I could see the many shades of swirlingmagic. Unsurprising, honestly. It was hard to come across nice restaurants like this since the Magic Wars, but of the ones that did exist, it was generally only supes that could afford them.

Soft, ambient lighting streamed through large, arched windows adorned with lace curtains, casting a warm glow over the whole place. I spotted August sitting at a corner booth, giving him an unobstructed view of the entire room. As I approached, his face lit up with a warm smile.

August was always handsome, with curly black hair, glamoured slate blue eyes, and earthy brown skin. I found myself breathing easier in his vicinity, as if my body recognized a safe harbor.

“Hey,” he greeted, rising slightly to kiss me. Our lips met and sparks ignited. I had to hold back a groan as his tongue slid against mine. The kiss was over too fast, and it left me breathless.

“Hey yourself,” I breathed, sliding into the seat opposite him.

“You look beautiful, as always.”

“Beautifulandtired,” I added, trying not to scoff at his compliment. I didn’t mean to be dismissive of his flattery. Around August, I just felt like I could be more honest about these things.

“Okay. And tired, though it’s not something I would have said,” he amended, placating me. “How are you holding up?”

“Fine,” I replied, trying to muster up a smile, but I knew it fell flat. August’s eyes narrowed slightly, seeing through the noncommittal answer easily.

“Did you just use the vague female go-to? ‘Fine?’ he said, tilting his head. My cheeks flushed. I had indeed. He tsked. “Try again.”

“Things are less than fine. Happy?”

“Have you slept?”

“I’ve slept.” I winced and picked at my nails. I slept great with Lucifer, but it felt like fatigue was a shadow, clinging to me. I couldn’t seem to escape it, and ultimately I didn’t have the time. “Have you?”

I wasn’t the only one showing signs of being tired. August was sporting a five o’clock shadow despite it being nine in the morning. The corners around his eyes crinkled more, making him look years older despite the fact he couldn’t age.

“Like absolute shit,” he said, reaching across the table to link our fingers together. He squeezed my hand when I looked at him with concern. “I sleep better when you’re next to me.”

That feeling was mutual. I felt heat creep over my skin as memories flooded me. All the things we do before we sleep. I mentally chastised myself. That was the exact reason we were meeting in public. We were far less likely to start fucking on top of the table in a crowded diner. The chances were slim, but they still weren’t none.

“Enough about me, though. Your thinly veiled attempt to turn this around won’t work. You said you’re less than fine. What’s going on?” he asked.

“What’snotgoing on feels like a safer question these days,” I murmured.

“Are you going to tell me what that means, or did you want me to ask you what’s not going on?”

There was no reason to drag this out with small talk. Whether I wanted to or not, I had to tell him about it. I sighed. Taking a deep breath, I let it out, telling him that someone came back in Sasha’s body, catching him up on every detail that had happened since then.

“That’s a hell of a lot to process,” he admitted a few moments after I’d finished, his hand still holding mine.

“Yeah, it is,” I agreed, leaning forward in my seat, “That’s why I haven’t been around. I’m not avoiding you. I’m truly just busy.”

“What does this mean for Sasha? The real one.”

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