Page 17 of Controller's Obsession

“No. No crick.” Turning and facing the demon, just out of arm’s reach, Peni pushed back his goat’s bleating and dug deep into the last ounce of courage he had left. “I can’t be with you and just sit on your lap while you run your business. I’m not a pet. I’m a person. I have wants, needs, dreams, and desires, just like the next person, and unlike the Mrs. Danials of this world, I’m prepared to work for what I have.”

“You don’t have to. I can take care of you.” Merihem wasn’t smiling now.

“I’m sure you can. But your comments, and how you view our life together puts you in the same league as my father, who thought my looks and where I put my cock were the only things important about me, too. I didn’t join in my father’s orgies, and I’m not sitting on your leg, keeping your cock warm either. Thank you for the salad.”

“Who said anything about orgies? I’m not taking you to any orgies. Peni. Peni?”

Peni turned and started to walk away briskly, his goat bleating in his ear all the while.Yes, I know he’s our mate, but he’s a self-centered asshole. I won’t… I can’t…

He met the server coming to the table with their pasta. “Shall I just leave this on the table for you?”

“Yes, thank you.” Peni was sure Merihem could eat his portion, too. He quickened his step. He had to get back to the house before Merihem did so he could clear his things out of the basement.I’m going to have to leave town… I’m going to have to find somewhere else to stay… I don’t know what to do.The only thing Peni knew was he was destined for better things than sitting on someone’s lap and looking pretty.

A tremendous roar sounded behind him, and Peni turned, just for a second, to see Merihem’s demon fighting past the server, coming in his direction. The roars were full of anger, and for the first time in ages, Peni and his goat were in accord.

Run.

Chapter Nine

Merihem

Merihem’s mouth had run away with him, or so it seemed. He wasn’t sure how he’d got painted into such a tight corner. Now he was in trouble because his blissful one was hightailing down the street.

What were you thinking?His demon roared and the next thing he knew, he was naked and running down the street chasing his little goat, who was fast on his feet. However, his legs were much shorter than Merihem’s demon.

I was trying to make amends for that woman taking advantage of Peni. That’s what I was thinking.

You weren’t thinking at all while mouthing off about him sitting pretty on your knee. Can’t you see he takes pride in what he does? You have to ask what he wants.

The roaring was deafening as the sound of brakes slamming and metal crunching was lost on his demon, who could see exactly where Peni ran to—Dakata’s house.

If he runs away, I’m going to cause a riot that will give the king a genuine reason to boot us to the darkest pits of hell.

Shut up and let me think.

Fuck no, if you think we’ll end up losing the one precious gift Fate has given us. You keep your mouth shut and let me do the talking.

Yeah, you’re making such a good impression. A bare-assed demon roaring for all his worth. That’ll work to make Peni want us.

The roaring ceased, but Merihem wasn’t sure if that was because they could see Peni skid to a stop at Dakata’s door and dart around the side of the building towards the window he used to get in and out unnoticed.

He didn’t get a chance to think what he should do as they watched Peni’s ass disappear through the open window. There was no way they could fit in there.

If we go in through the house, he’ll run out this way. If he knows we’re here, then he’s gonna go the other way.

The entire world knows where we are!How could they not? A big red assed demon with his cock slapping off his thigh, his horns glowing in the sunlight.No one would notice that, would they?

Sarcasm was all Merihem had in his panic. He didn’t want to lose the most precious gift he’d received. Hell no, but he’d got lost in how wonderful it was to have Peni so close to him. He could easily envision Peni being there with him—all the time. And maybe talking wasn’t his strong suit, but shouldn’t he get points for trying?

His demon rolled his eyes at him and punched a vast hole next to the window. Brick and dust flew as the wall crumbled like a sandcastle a random child had whacked with a spade.

Dakata’s gonna have our ass for this!

We’ll fix it.His demon side didn’t sound in the least bit concerned as he ducked in through the hole and gave the wide-eyed Peni a gentle smile. “Sorry for making such a dramatic entrance, but I was worried you’ll run before we had a chance to meet, officially.” His voice was deeper and smooth as damn silk. He offered his enormous hand to Peni. “Hi, I’m Merihem’s better half.”

Merihem gave a dramatic eye roll at his demon side.

“W-Well… I-I… W-Wow, you’re big.” Peni didn’t move as he eyed the hand that was bigger than his head.

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