Page 16 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

"You're doing better than you think." I lean forward. "I know you feel like you have to manage it, but you're good at redirecting them. Teaching how to use it in a better way."

"Pure instinct. My brother used to-" His voice catches. "He would've known what to do. Him and Sarah both. They had plans, books, teachers lined up..."

Another purple flash illuminates the hallway, followed by giggles.

"They're supposed to be asleep." Karn pushes himself up, but I catch his wrist.

"Let them be. They're safe. We're right here if they need us." My thumb traces one of the burn scars on his forearm. "You're not alone in this, you know. We can figure it out together."

He sinks back into his chair, closer than before. "You have a lot of patience."

"Something I've seen in you." I pick up the yarn again. "And the twins are learning, too. Nova was able to calm down and redirect a spell today. They'll get there."

Karn's expression softens. "I forget how quickly demons grow. They're so young, and yet, it feels like they know so much."

"They do." Another flash, this time blue. "Though right now, I think they're just testing boundaries."

"Like their father used to." His voice holds equal parts fondness and pain. "I just hope I can keep them safe while they learn."

I look up, catching his gaze, and my fingers slow. Instead, I'm lost in Karn's violet eyes, in the pinch in the brow and this emotion pouring through my chest. I want him to see how much good he's really done for all of us - though I understand his fears

A knitting needle clatters to the floor, rolling under my chair. Clearly, his magic forgot to hold them up as we stared at each other. We both reach for it at the same time, our fingers brushing. A shock races up my arm, stealing my breath. My head snaps up, and I freeze.

Karn's face is inches from mine, close enough that I can see flecks of darker purple in his violet eyes. The light catches the scar through his eyebrow, softening his usually stern features. My gaze traces the strong line of his jaw, the slight point of one fang visible against his lower lip.

He's handsome. Not that I haven't noticed that before, but…

He's really, really handsome.

Heat floods my cheeks as I realize I'm staring. But I can't look away. His copper hair has come completely loose from its tie now, falling around his face in a way that makes my fingers itch to brush it back.

My heart pounds against my ribs. This is dangerous territory. He's a demon - not just any demon, but one who's trusted me with his nieces, giving me safety when I needed it most.

I can't risk everything because my traitorous body suddenly decides to notice how his shoulders fill out his shirt or how gentle his calloused hands can be. It hits me just how attractive I find him. How much I want…

"I should go." I jerk back, nearly knocking over my chair. "It's late and the twins will be up early and I-"

"Mira-"

"Goodnight." I practically run for the door, not daring to look back at him. "Thank you for letting me help with the knitting."

I don't stop until I reach my room, pressing my back against the closed door. My fingers drift to where his skin touched mine, still tingling from the contact.

"Stupid," I whisper to myself. "So stupid."

7

KARN

The morning sun casts long shadows across the market square as I guide my small group between the crowded stalls. Today is market day, the only day I close the shop. I always bring the twins out here, but I was nearly as happy as the girls when Mira agreed to join us.

Even if I was up all night after she ran away from my study.

It was stupid of me. I know I've been alone for far too long, especially now that I have the twins. And she used to be a slave. I shouldn't have encroached in her space, made her feel so uncomfortable.

I just thought there was a moment where she wanted me to kiss her…

I shove the thoughts away, hating my own damn foolishness, so I can focus on the crowds - and the twins. Nova clings to Mira's right hand while Luna skips ahead, tugging at her left. I keep close behind them, my height giving me a clear view over the bustling crowd.

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