Page 66 of How Not to Date an Angel

Gently, the angel placed their bookmark inside the pages before shutting it and setting it so carefully on the side table.

“We don’t have to drive; it’s within walking distance,” Julian said.

“Oh, it’s close by? Lovely.”

Julian almost rolled his eyes. He contained himself—and his horns—somehow.

Doing so became increasingly more difficult as they stepped outside to begin their walk, and Rami instantly grabbed hold of Julian’s arm to pull him close. He sputtered at first before the rhythmic clicking of a wheel caught his attention, and a bicycler sped by the two of them in a blur.

“Humans are particularly ruthless on the sidewalks—be careful,” Rami told him.

Warmth rushed to Julian’s cheeks. His chest went all tight. The angel was soft and warm against him. They smelled like cotton and that sweet scent of the soap they used.

Julian took a comfortable step away, his spikes flaring again to puncture any of the softness offered.

“This way,” Julian said, and directed the angel down the sidewalk.

“Yes, I’ll follow your lead,” Rami said, and Julian gritted his teeth.

What the hell is wrong with you? This is your job.

This is what you want, isn’t it? Easier to tempt the angel if they’resoftfor you.

Julian didn’tlikethis softness, or maybe he liked it too much. He was particularly frustrated that Rami was trusting him so easily, treating him so kindly when he didn’t deserve it.

Thisfuckingangel was just sounderstandingandniceandkindand Julian was decidedlynot. In fact, Julian was being an asshole this morning, and the angel wasnotgiving him the fight he wanted.

So he scowled and pouted his way to the shop, knowing the angel was following closely, viscerally aware of all thegoodnessemanating from behind him.

“Oh,” the angel said softly when they realized where Julian had stopped.

“Yep. It’s exactly what you think it is,” Julian drawled, and pulled open the door of the sex shop.

“You’ve been showing me simple pleasures. Maybe it’s time I show you a different kind of pleasure,” Julian said.

Never one to shirk their manners, Rami swallowed, their smile tight but pleasant as they stepped through the door.

“Hey there, let me know if you need help with anything.” The voice belonged to the clerk behind the counter with dyed hair and piercings galore, and Julian grinned fiercely at them.

“I know my way around, but thanks anyway,” he said, if only to get a reaction out of the angel.

And oh, what a reaction it was. The angel stiffened, sliding to the side and making way for Julian to step further into the store. Their cheeks were already pink, and growing warmer by the moment.

“By all means, lead the way then, expert,” Rami said, practically whispering. It came out like a hiss, and Julian wanted toglowwith the victory.

Finally. He’d flustered the angel.

Julian would’ve given up if he hadn’t been able to getsomeemotion out of them, what with all the silicone dicks and vibrators hanging on the walls.

“No, I think you should take the lead,” Julian said to them, lowering his voice. “What are you curious about? I’m happy to answer any questions you might have, Feathers.”

Rami’s gaze was pointedly sharp, their cheeks still red, hands fluttering at their side and over their pristine clothes before finally shoving them in their pockets.

“No, no. Iinsist.Please take the lead,” Rami said through gritted teeth and a forced smile.

Poor angel—they seemed so distraught.

Julian turned to the selection, wondering where to start. He took confident steps to the dildo wall, a rainbow of silicone toys stretching out before them.

---