Page 112 of How Not to Date an Angel

“Likewise,” he said. “Would you like me to drive? I can be the official chauffeur of the evening. At your service,” he said, with a bow that made him wince. How stupid of him—

But she giggled, so it was alright.

“That would be lovely, thank you.”

Rami’s eyes were a little shiny, and they cleared their throat before opening the back door. “After you, m’lady,” they said, voice tight.

Melissa went out the door first, and Julian followed behind after picking up the duffle. Had he ever driven a car before? No. But it couldn’t be that hard, could it? Besides, he had magic on his side that he wasn’t afraid to use.

It wasn’t until he slid the duffle into the trunk that she paused and asked, “What’s that?”

Julian’s cheeks flushed. “I hope you don’t mind. My… sister comes to stay with us sometimes, and this is just a few of her belongings she’s left here over the years. I figured you might be around the same size.”

It was a lie. Quite a complicated one, because Julian didn’t have sisters, unless you counted every single demon that’d been created alongside him. And he didn’t, for the record.

Rami’s eyes were shiny again, and even Melissa cleared her throat.

“That is so very kind of you,” she said. “The shelter usually has items, though—“

“Consider these all yours,” Julian said, and shut the trunk. “I do.”

“Well,” she said, voice scratchy from the tears he saw welling in her eyes. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” he said, and opened the back door for her.

She slid into the seat, and when he closed the door, Rami was there.

“Thank you,” they said, and—

Hugged him.

Julian sucked in a breath filled with the clean cotton and floral scent of Rami, and squeezed his arms around the angel. “Of course,” he repeated.

Melissa directed him from the backseat. She knew her way there, and that saddened him, too.

Rami was unusually quiet as Julian navigated the city, directing magic to assist him when he needed it. Eventually, they pulled up outside a nondescript building with an iron gate out back.

Julian popped the trunk with the lever by his left foot, and then… waited.

“Would you like me to come with?” Rami asked.

“Actually, you’re not allowed to,” she said softly. “But thank you.” She hesitated with a hand against the door. “I’ll let you know when I’d like to resume my regular appointments.”

“Melissa,” Rami said. “I’m here, anytime. Even for just a simple phone call. No charge, of course.”

She sniffled and nodded. “Thank you.”

“Be safe,” he said, and with a final nod she pushed open the door and collected her bag from the back.

They waited as she approached the gate.

Julian watched her hit the buzzer, and a few seconds later a kindly older woman and a large, tough-looking man hurried her through the gate.

Rami released an audible sigh as the gate was locked and secured, their hands tightening around the arm rest.

“She’ll be okay,” Julian promised.

“It’s just not fair. It never is,” Rami muttered, and Julian put the car in drive before pulling out of the lot. A bit of magic assisted him, but he’d never admit it.

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