Page 34 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

Her grip tightens, and I see the mother who fled through demon territory with nothing but wit and will to protect her child. "Swear it. On your markings, on your honor - swear she'll be safe."

I cover her hands with mine, feeling the slight tremble in her fingers. "I swear on my life and my honor. Rose stays safe." I meet her gaze, letting her see the truth of it. "You both do."

She sags forward, her forehead resting against my shoulder. I remain still, offering what comfort I can while she processes the horror of what's happening beyond these walls.

Ada's whisper breaks the silence, her breath warm against my neck. "Maybe... maybe weshouldrun. Before they find us."

Something primal and fierce rips through my chest at her words. My hands tighten over hers where they still grip my forearms. "No." The word comes out like gravel, rough and raw. "No one is taking you from me. Either of you. You're safer here than anywhere else."

She stiffens in my grip, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. The firelight catches the gold flecks in her brown eyes, making them shine like amber. Her lips part, but no words come.

The weight of my declaration hangs in the air between us, heavy with implications neither of us is ready to face. My thumbs trace unconscious patterns over her knuckles, feeling the slight tremor that still runs through her hands.

"I didn't mean..." But I did mean it. Every word. The possessiveness in my tone surprises even me, though it shouldn't. These past months of having them here, of Rose's laughter echoing through my halls and Ada's quiet presence filling spaces I never knew were empty - they've become mine to protect. To cherish.

Can't she see that? That she means something to me - even if neither of us will name it?

Ada's breath catches, her pulse jumping beneath my fingers where they've slid to her wrists. She doesn't pull away, but I see the wariness creep back into her eyes, the careful distance she maintains even now.

"Dezoth..." My name on her lips sounds like a question and a warning all at once.

I release her wrists, standing to put space between us. The loss of contact feels like a physical ache, but I force myself to step back. Neither of us is ready for what that possessive declaration truly means.

"Just…stay here. For Rose's sake."

She chews on her bottom lip, but finally, she nods. And I'll take that, even if this is all I ever get with her.

Even if it's not the promise of forever I'm starting to crave.

15

ADA

The floorboards creak beneath my feet as I wander the darkened halls of Dezoth's home. Sleep eludes me, my mind churning with the weight of his earlier confessions. Moonlight streams through tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished wood.

I pause at the entrance to one of the rooms I rarely go in. It looks like it might be another study or a forgotten bedroom, and for some reason, my curiosity is getting the better of me, my hand hovering over the brass doorknob.

The door swings open with barely a whisper. Books line the walls from floor to ceiling, their leather spines gleaming in the dim light. A massive desk dominates the center of the room, its surface neat and organized.

My attention catches on a small wooden box tucked away on one of the shelves. The craftsmanship is exquisite - delicate carvings of roses and vines wind across its surface. Something pulls me toward it, though I know I shouldn't pry.

"I shouldn't," I whisper to the empty room, but my fingers trace the intricate patterns anyway. The lid opens with a soft click.

Inside, nestled in dark velvet, lies a tiny blanket. The fabric is impossibly soft, preserved with obvious care. Pale yellow with delicate white flowers embroidered along the edges - clearly meant for a baby. My throat tightens as I lift it, thinking of all the times I've seen him looking at Rose with sorrow.

Beneath the blanket rests a portrait in an ornate silver frame. A woman with striking features smiles up at me - high cheekbones, warm amber eyes, and dark curls cascading past her shoulders. Her expression holds such joy, such love. She's beautiful…

And human.

I'm not sure what to make of it. I stare at the photo and blanket for far too long, thinking of the abandoned flower garden and the fierce need he seems to have to protect both of us and I wonder…is there more to the reason that he wants to save Rose? Is there a secret behind the way he's so good with her?

I never go to sleep and the next morning, just after I get Rose up, the front door opens. "Good morning!"

I recognize Vashti's voice and the twins come running in, immediately grabbing Rose and tugging her into the living room. Magic and sparkles fill the air and I stare after them, at the twins, thinking agin of what I've found.

Vashti takes one look at me and gives me a smile. "Tea?"

I nod, and within minutes, we're settled in the chairs at the table, the girls playing in the room next to us. Steam rises from delicate cups as Vashti's golden eyes, so like her brother's but infinitely warmer, study me.

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