Page 77 of Beauty's Monstrous Demons

“I am, but I’m going to use the day to get ahead. If this past week is any indication, it’s just going to get more intense,” I say.

“That’s fine, but you’re sleeping in,” he insists. “Do you like French Toast?”

“When I’ve had it, I have,” I hedge, wondering where he’s going with this.

“I’ll tell Phenex to make some, and you can at least be fed before you go off,” he says.

I wasn’t expecting that. My lips widen into a smile as I nod. Well okay then. “Has the mechanic called you yet?” Samael asks.

“No,” I say, watching as he drives. “I was going to call tomorrow to see what the status is.”

He’s actually very intent on the road, maybe a touch nervous, but a good driver. Even though I know he doesn’t drive much, I don’t want to continue borrowing his car. I hate imposing.

“Take a deep breath for me, okay? I have bad news about Bertie. I’ve been calling Joe pretty regularly to check on the old girl,” he says.

“Ugh, she’s going to cost a fortune to fix, isn’t she?” I wail.

“Worse,” he says. “She’s going to need to be scrapped because of how much work she needs. A lot of her bodywork is rusted, and she’s going to need a new transmission.”

“I can’t afford a new car,” I groan, the tears welling up again.

Fuck, I was really hoping for a different verdict.

“Due to this,” he says, raising his voice slightly to be heard over me. “I have a present for you.”

“Present?” I ask, blinking.

“Yes. You’re sitting in it. Happy Valentine’s Day,” he says smiling.

Looking around, my eyes widen.

“The SUV?” I ask.

“Yes. I suppose she’s going to need a name, though. Don’t you think?” he asks.

This is…

“Samael,” I breathe. “A car is a huge gift, Valentine’s Day or not.”

“I believe in large, sweeping gestures,” he says.

You’d think that I would know that by now.My jaw is practically on the floor regardless of this.

“But, but. Samael, seriously?” I ask, shaking my head.

This is the safest vehicle that I’ve ever driven. The gas is better too, and I’ve been kind of sad to give her back.

My mind is reeling.

“Can I accept a car from Samael, Phenex?”I ask through the bond, knowing he’ll hear it.

“He’ll be really sad if you say no. Samael has been very proud of himself for his gift,”he explains. “I know it’s a big deal, but you deserve good things, baby.”

“Thank you,” I say to both of them. Phenex has a good point. I don’t know how to accept good things, because I’ve never really had them. “This is amazing.”

“You want to tell me no, huh?” Samael teases me gently.

“It’s not that. I think I’m shocked that you’d want to give me something as big as this car,” I explain. “It’s like my brain froze for a second. This is absolutely incredible.”

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