Page 11 of How Not to Date an Angel

“An estimate, maybe?” Rami pressed.

The demon shrugged and then winced, regretting it, and guilt pierced Rami. The demon washurt,had been cast out, or—or something! And here Rami was trying to push him out the door already.

“However long it takes to heal?” Julian said, turning those big brown eyes up to them. “I’ve nevernotbeen able to heal myself. So I don’t know.”

Flustered by the effect those pretty eyes were having on Rami, they hummed, and turned their back.

“Where are you going?” Julian called out.

Rami paused by the doorway. “Downstairs. I’ve got some work to finish.”

“Work? Celestial work?”

Rami glanced over their shoulder. “No, I need to update client files with today’s notes.”

Julian arched a brow. “Clients? You a hooker?”

Rami caught their eye roll before they could complete it. “If youmustknow,” Rami said slowly, “I’m a therapist. I’ll be downstairs if you need anyth—“

Julian’s howling laughter interrupted them, and followed them out the door as Rami turned away, cheeks aflame, and retreated down the steps to the solitary peace of their office.

They shut both doors and locked them for good measure before they stalked over to their desk and sat down with a flourish.

“What am I doing?” they mumbled to themself. Housing a demon?

Absolutely ridiculous.

Rami had spent many lifetimes witnessing injustices, unable to step in because of the natural order of things.

And this demon, Julian, was hurt. And in need.

This time, Rami could help.

So no matter how annoying he might be, Rami was going to, whether the demon wanted it or not, whetherRamiwanted to help a demon or not.

With a chuckle, they released a much-needed sigh, and let their shoulders slump before filling their lungs again.

Once they felt more settled, less rattled, they cracked open their laptop and began transcribing the notes they’d made during sessions.

Melissa had made some major realizations today, and they were so proud of her! They made themself a note to prepare a little treat for her before the next appointment.

It didn’t take very long at all, and then they focused on sending automated texts and emails to cancel all appointments for the next week. Surely it would take the demon a few days to heal, and Rami couldn’t have clients visiting if there was a demon in the house.

Demons and angels were still kept secret from humans. And even if they seemed alright with werewolves and vampires and dragons and all the other creatures, Rami wasn’t going to be the one to accidentally reveal them.

Their chest ached as their finger hovered over thesendbutton, and their gaze trailed overhead, to the ceiling, wishing the demon knew they were glaring.

Because ofhim,Rami had to press pause on their clients who were making great headway.

With a sigh, they added that they could still contact Rami for any emergencies and finally sent the notifications.

As if the demon had some sixth sense—it wouldn’t surprise Rami if he did—he called out.

“Hey, Feathers! Hellooo!” he practically sang.

Rami took a breath, prayed for a bit more fortitude, and shut their laptop down. They were finished with work anyway. After grabbing a pillow from their client couch, they made their way upstairs.

Upon reaching the second floor, they found the demon had cleared his bowl and even finished all his water.

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