Page 16 of How Not to Date an Angel

Worshiping a false god?Julian smirked. Humans had the silliest notions.

“That would be considered a frivolous use of magic,” Rami answered.

The silence stretched on. “Okay, and?” Julian asked.

Rami frowned at him, lips pursed to blow at the top of the mug, steam dissipating. “It’s not right to use magic frivolously.”

“Who in the world told you that?”

The angel didn’t answer, and honestly, Julian didn’t know why he’d asked a question he knew the answer to. He was just so… flabbergasted.

And, well. Maybe it was time for a proper temptation.

“It’s not like using magic leaves less of it in the world, Rami.”

The angel’s name felt odd on his tongue. Sticky.

He took a sip of hiscoffee to wash it away.

“There’s not someone up there,” he said, whirling a circle in the air and pointingup,“keeping track of what magic you use when and where and for what. Using it doesn’t take it away from someone else.” It was hardly the least selfish thing Julian was going to tempt the angel into, but he had to start gently, ease them into it.

The angel was still as a statue, averting their gaze to their mug and blowing the steam away once more. They took a sip, and then spoke. “Even if that was my concern, it matters not. I’m supposed to blend in and help the humans. Hard to blend in if I’m using magic all over the place.”

Julian narrowed his eyes. The angel was being purposefully obtuse.

So Julian waited, and let the subject drop for the moment. The angel picked up a book from their side table, and traded their mug of coffee for the contents within. It didn’t take long for the steam to disappear, the angel too lost in their book to notice.

The rustle of pages turning was the only sound in the home for a long while. The sun tracked across the couch, and left the angel in shade eventually.

Only then did they reach for their coffee, and frowned, their gaze falling to the cooled mug and then to the clock in the corner.

The demon stood, stretched, and then regretted it as his side protested.

With a snap, he reheated the angel’s coffee and watched as surprise filled their face. Then their features went all pinched as they met the demon’s eyes. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Easier than watching you have to do anotherritualin order to heat it back up,” he teased to cover his tracks.

The angel stared for a few moments longer, and then slowly lifted the mug to their lips. Their gazes were still locked as they took a noisy sip.

Julian held out his arms as much as he could without aching, and shrugged. “See? No smiting necessary for a tiny bit of magic. Enjoy your coffee, angel.”

“And where are you going?”

“Is it any of your business?” Julian asked.

Rami shrugged and sat back in their chair, sleeves still covering their fingers where they held the book gently in their hands. “I suppose not.”

“I’m bored. I’m going for a walk because I’m tired of watching you read,” he grumbled, unsure why he was answering.

“Are you sure that’s smart?” Rami asked. Their brows were ruffled, tight in the middle as they quit pretending to read and stared at the demon over their book. “What with…” They lifted a hand to motion at him. “Whoever is after you.”

“I’ll be fine, but I’m touched you care,” Julian drawled.

He watched Rami process, lips pursed. “If you feel well enough to go out on a little day trip, don’t you think you’re well enough to leave?”

Julian cocked his head to the side. “And go where? I’m clearly not welcome back in Hell, and I have no connections here. Why, Rami,” Julian cooed. “You want me out on the street?”

Rami’s expression went all tight. Adorably bitchy. “You could just use that magic you’re so partial to. Set yourself up.”

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