Page 111 of How Not to Date an Angel

Julian stilled. These human terms didn’t mean much to him, but he knew it wasn’t anything good.

“Melissa…”

“I know, I know what you’re going to say,” she said with a huff. “But he’s my husband.”

It was quiet for a long moment, and Julian wondered if they were having one of those conversations with their eyes.

“What will you do in the meantime?” Rami finally asked.

Julian had the same question. Surely she didn’t mean to go home?

“I can go back to the domestic violence shelter. I’ll be able to stay there while I get the restraining order filed.” She sighed. “There’s forms, and I’ll have to go to the courthouse, and there will even be a hearing, and—it feels like a lot, right now.”

“Goback?” Rami asked, and the following silence was telling.

Clearly Melissa had not been forthcoming about everything during their sessions.

Rami’s voice lowered, and when Julian could hear them again they said, “You are more than welcome to stay here for as long as you need it.”

“No, no. I couldn’t. I don’t want to put you out.”

“Melissa,” Rami said, almost scolding. “You’d never. You could take my bed, or I even have a pull-out couch, if that makes you more comfortable.”

Julian arched a brow, knowing that absolutely was not true. It was good to know Rami would use magic for someone else’s benefit, at least.

“Rami, please. I’d like to take care of this myself, if possible. I don’t want to…” She took a shaky breath. “I’m a big girl.”

It was quiet again, and Julian knew one of Rami’s looks could say a thousand words.

She chuckled softly. “I wouldn’t mind a ride to the shelter, though, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“Ofcourse,” Rami said gently. “Anything. Anything at all.”

“Yourfriendcan come,” she said, and Julian smirked at the teasing note in her voice.

“Melissa,” Rami warned.

“What? I’ve never heard you even hint at a romantic interest, and here you are with amanin your house!You’ve been sitting on a secret.”

Julian could practicallyhearRami purse their lips. “Well, my dear, it seems I’m not the only one.”

“You’ve got me there,” she said. “I really thought it would be different this time.” Then she paused. “Never mind all that. We can discuss it in our next session.”

Rami cleared their throat. “I look forward to hearing the whole story.”

She hummed quietly. “I think I’ll miss your little birds. I’m ready when you are.”

Rami was silent for a moment, and Julian strained his ears.

“Well, look at that,” they uttered quietly. Another moment passed before they asked, “Do you have anything you can take with you?”

A pause. Melissa must’ve shaken her head because she said, “I left without even thinking. I didn’t bring anything. Not even my wallet, because I paid for the taxi on the app.”

Julian frowned at that, and waved his hand. A duffle bag full of clothes and necessities appeared beside the back door.

A long moment passed before Rami and Melissa finally came out of the office, and she smiled kindly at him. It made his throat ache.

“Nice to meet you,” she said, and stuck her hand out. “I wish it was under better circumstances.”

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