Page 55 of My Saintly Demon

“I was wondering, since like you said, it’s a place for beings who don’t quite belong, if I could… if I could help them settle?”

Mike leans forward. “How so?”

“I have a strength. It’s listening and helping others make peace. X and I had a wonderful conversation, and he mentioned there’s been other beings that have been here but never stayed. I wonder if maybe they needed someone to assure them it was okay? Provide them comfort free of judgment.”

A quick look at Dave tells me he thinks it’s a great idea. He doesn’t have to say a word. His warm hand on my thigh and soft gaze is enough.

“There’s not supposed to be any humans here.” My shoulders slump, and Dave tries to say something, but Mike holds up his hand. “But I recently learned some humans can mix with paranormal beings with zero problems. You might meet them one day. Such a wonderful couple and good friends of mine. John is a great baker, you’d love him, X. I know they’d appreciate having you to talk to, Charles.”

“So I can stay and it’s like a job?”

Mike chuckles. “I forgot what it’s like to be someone needing to work for money. It’s a job, yes, but you’ll find you don’t need to be paid living here. Whatever you need will show up. Even money.” He nods towards Dave. “You can thank Faustus for that part.”

“Is he like a sugar daddy demon? That’s hot.” X laughs as Dave tries to punch him in the shoulder.

“We’re settled then. You’re both staying and if you’re happy with your suite, that’s perfect. X runs this place well without me, so I’ll leave you to it. I’m going to rest and then I’ll be gone for a while again. Questions?”

We all shake our heads and Mike leaves us together in the kitchen.

“I knew he’d like your idea, Charles. I think it’s great. I could have used you months ago, but I’m happy you’re here now.”

“Me too. I’m quite overwhelmed with everything. It’s been such a blur. I’m just happy you helped me realize I could still offer comfort to those who need it and not need the church to do so.”

X nods and pats my shoulder.

“I’m going to make dinner. You two can talk about the rest.”

He winks at me and excuses himself.

“What do we need to talk about, Chuck?”

Taking his hand, I pull him to the front door. “Let’s take a walk. Slip on those boots by the door. We won’t be gone that long.”

Dave agrees, slipping his feet into the ankle high rubber boots. He looks ridiculous, but he doesn’t care. He’s already reaching for my hand again as we step outside.

The farm style house of Mike’s is on a country road. It’s quiet, but I noticed a small group of apple trees when we were out last time. We walk in silence until we get to the group of trees, and I hop over the collapsing fence to the orchard.

“You’re adding trespassing to your list of sins now? Remember, I don’t need to learn to do that anymore.”

Laughing, I watch Dave in his cute borrowed yellow boots step over the same fence to follow me. “I think we’ll be okay. I just wanted someplace without distractions. This looked like a nice place.”

We settle under a tree next to each other and Dave waits for me to speak. That powerful gaze on me like I’m the only thing he sees right now, and I have his entire focus. Which is how I always feel when I’m with him.

“I’m sorry for not asking how you were with your dad’s news first. How are you with that?”

Dave’s smile is soft as he brushes the back of his hand over my cheek.

“Don’t apologize. It was a great BJ.” He kisses my hand and settles back against the base of the tree. “I’m shocked, but also not. Knowing my mother was an angel, a real honest to god angel explains so much for me, Chuck. It’s comforting to have an explanation as to why I struggled so much with the demon way of life. But, it’s confusing. Like, I don’t know what I am now.”

“You’re Dave. That’s all you need to know. Someone who has found a place to belong and hopefully finds peace with that. You’re protective, smart, sexy and when you need to be, you can be scary as fuck. You care, but you’re also a hard ass if needed. You give people a chance, even when they likely don’t deserve it. My opinion might not mean much, but I think you’re the perfect combination andthat’swhat you are.”

Dave sits forward, leaning his arms on his knees.

“I’m not perfect. I know that. Nobody is.”

“True. But you just went through some massive changes. You have wings, Dave. Wings. And horns. And yet, that doesn’t seem to have upset your balance. You took it all in stride. You were barely even angry with your dad.”

He pulls a blade of grass from the ground next to him and wraps it around his finger with a sigh.

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