Page 101 of Dead Heat

I rubbed my nose. “What? Is there something on my face?”

“No, I’m waiting for the rest.”

“I think that’s it.”

“That can’t be it. That’s not even a standard. That’s more of a bare minimum expectation.”

I turned my attention to the stars overhead. They seemed brighter here, with less light pollution than the view from the balcony of the Castle.

“I guess I haven’t given the subject much consideration.” Or any at all. “Never use a witch’s magic to learn about me. If you want to know, ask. If I refuse to answer, accept it.”

He nodded. “Fair. What about children?”

“Kids ask whatever pops into their heads. No filters.”

“No, I mean are you interested in raising a family?”

The question floored me, not because Kane had asked, but because I was thirty-five-years-old, and I hadn’t once considered whether or not I wanted children of my own. I was too embarrassed to admit that out loud though.

“Can I get back to you on that one or do you need answers now?”

He chuckled. “I don’t need definitive answers. If you don’t know yet, that’s perfectly acceptable.”

“Can you even have children?” And could he have them with me or did he need to find some hot demon lady with whom to procreate?

“I am capable of bearing fruit, yes.”

“Have you already?” Were there little Kanes running around the circles of hell wreaking havoc, or dare I say it, raising Kane?

“No.”

“No, or not to your knowledge?”

“No.”

“Because you don’t want them?”

“I didn’t want them in my old life. Lately I’ve found myself reconsidering. I wouldn’t categorize it as a dealbreaker.”

I sat up straighter. “Because of me?”

“In a sense. It’s more to do with seeing myself through your eyes. Before we met, I wouldn’t have considered myself father material.” He gazed at me. “You’ve made me realize that I deserve to give and receive love in all its forms.”

A lump formed in my throat. “I think that’s the most amazing thing anybody’s ever said to me.” The lump expanded. “Is it a dealbreaker if I decide I don’t want children?”

“Not for me. I only wanted to share the impact you’ve had on me, and to let you know that if children are nonnegotiable for you, I’m happy to oblige. If not, I’m equally happy.”

“This doesn’t seem too early in the relationship to be having this conversation?” Or too late, considering what was on the horizon?

“I already feel like I’ve left it too late. My feelings, such as they are…”

I snuggled against his chest. “I know. Maybe that’s a reason to stop talking.”

“Absolutely not.” He rubbed my arm. “We’ve already established that we’re not entertaining other romantic partners.”

Thinking of Alessandro’s long list of mystery partners, I peered up at him. “That includes one-night stands, right?”

“It does for me.”

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