Page 41 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

"Damn magic," Karn mutters under his breath once he catches his. His ears have darkened, and he won't meet my eyes.

I grab my cup with trembling fingers, trying to hide my flaming cheeks behind it. Of course Nova would notice - she's always been sensitive to changes in people's bodies with her magic. I should have expected this.

"Is Mama's heart doing it too?" Luna asks innocently.

"No more listening to hearts at dinner," Karn growls, but there's no real heat in it. His hand slides off my knee, and I immediately miss his touch.

Nova smirks - actually smirks - and takes a dainty bite of her vegetables. "It is," she announces with all the satisfaction of someone who just proved their point.

I've never wished harder for the floor to swallow me whole.

After dinner, Karn helps me wrangle the twins into their night clothes and bed. It takes two stories, one song, and a stern look from Karn when Luna tries to float her blanket away before they finally settle.

While he kisses them goodnight, I hover in the hallway outside their room, uncertain. Last night feels like a dream, and I'm not sure of the rules now. Do I go to my room? Stay? The brand on my wrist burns with phantom pain as old anxieties surface.

Karn's heavy footsteps approach from behind as he shuts the twins' door. Before I can overthink further, he spins me around and captures my lips with his. His kiss is hungry, desperate, like he's been holding back all day. My back hits the wall as he presses closer, one hand tangling in my hair while the other grips my hip.

"Been wanting to do that since I woke up," he growls against my mouth.

Before I can even ask, he kisses me again, picking me up and carrying me to his room. Inside, he lays me out on the bed and shows me just how much he missed me…

Afterward, we lay tangled in the sheets, his massive frame curled protectively around mine. His fingers trace lazy patterns on my bare shoulder.

"Let me take you somewhere," he murmurs into my hair. "Just us."

I twist to look at him. "The twins-"

"Mrs. Blackwood from the bakery can watch them for an evening." His violet eyes are earnest. "I… want to do this properly. Court you right."

"Court me?" I prop myself up on an elbow. "I didn't think demons..."

"We don't usually." His ears darken slightly. "But you deserve better than stolen moments between work and twins."

"I'd like that." I trace one of the burn scars on his chest. "Where would we go?"

"There's a place up in the hills. Good view of the stars." He catches my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. "Could pack some food, wine. Proper romantic shit."

I laugh at his gruff attempt at romance. "Very proper."

"Hush," he murmurs against my bare shoulder as he presses a kiss there. But he's grinning, pulling me closer. "Day after tomorrow? Give me time to arrange everything?"

"Yes." I tuck my head under his chin, breathing in his scent of smoke and metal. "It's a date."

17

KARN

Iguide the twins down the cobblestone street, their tiny hands clasped in mine. Nova's already covered in flour - somehow she manages that even before reaching Mrs. Blackwood's bakery.

I've known the older matron all my life. She never once sneered at Ash and Sarah, or their daughters. And while she might be a gossip, she's not said a word about Mira at my home. It's why I felt comfortable enough letting the girls stay with her for a few hours.

"Remember what we talked about?" I crouch down to their level. "Best behavior for Mrs. Blackwood."

"Yes, Uncle Karn." Nova nods solemnly while Luna bounces on her toes, distracted by the sweet scents wafting from the shop.

Mrs. Blackwood opens her door, her weathered face breaking into a warm smile. Her curved horns are decorated with tiny bells that jingle as she bends to greet the girls. "There are my favorite little helpers! I've got cookie dough waiting to be shaped."

The twins rush inside without a backward glance. I straighten up, brushing flour from my work clothes. "Thank you for watching them."

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