Page 37 of Monster's Delight

“You do beautiful work,” he said at last, pulling me back against his body and shielding us again. “I especially like the way your dress frames your body to perfection. It is obvious that it was made especially for you, not modified or off the rack. But didn’t you hear of the fancy tradition that the French royals had?”

“What tradition?” I asked, curious.

“The women’s necklines were so low that the edge was below that of their areolas. The women would rouge up the skin to make their breasts even more enticing to suitors.” The demon smirked down at me. “Yours isn’t nearly low enough for the trends of the time of Marie Antoinette.”

“I’m also not wearing stays that would create so much lift that it would be inevitable that you could see the nipple,” I said, arching my eyebrow. “You’re the one who’s claiming my soul tonight. Do you want everyone here to see me exposed?” I used a charm that my mother had taught me, pushing my breasts up higher than my preference. My bosom was very full, and while I normally wore a bra, I never wore a push-up or anything that would give my cleavage an extra boost.

Now, my dress straining at the neckline from containing the extra flesh that I hadn’t expected to be there, I waited for the demon’s verdict over the difference.

He swallowed hard, gaze fixed on my breasts, and stayed silent.

I traced my neckline, shivering slightly and feeling goosebumps ripple across my skin when my fingers came into contact with my nipples. “Well?” I asked, amused by the effect I was having on this demon.

I swear I heard him growl, “mine!” before his hands were on me, thumbs rubbing over my nipples and making them stand at attention. He groaned then, the rumble echoing through his chest and making the air between us vibrate.

“Kiss me,” I urged, snaking my arms around his neck and trying to get him to bend toward me.

“It isn’t the end of the night. I don’t want to claim your soul too soon.” With what looked like immense effort, the demon withdrew his hands from my body. He stayed close, his wings around us, and said through gritted teeth, “Fix your dress. OnlyIget to see you like this.”

I released the charm and felt the seams of my dress practically breathe with relief. I winked at him. “Don’t forget to claim my soul with that second kiss tonight.”

The music finished with a flourish and I spun away from the demon, ready to find my next dance partner.

“I’ll be nearby,” the demon said.

I smiled at him over my shoulder and was immediately asked to dance by a pirate.

Throughout the evening, I never lost sight of the demon. He was always close, but not hovering. And though he danced with several other girls, I never saw him kiss any of them, or curl his wings protectively around them while they danced.

It made me feel special.

When at last I started to feel tired and left the dance floor, I felt an immediate presence at my side.

“Ready to leave, my lady?” the demon asked.

“After one question.” I turned to face him. “How many others did you seduce with your ‘claiming their soul’ spiel?”

“None.”

I waited for the punchline, for him to continue, anything. But he remained silent, waiting for me to speak.

I continued walking, heading for the door. “Why me?” I asked, confused. “I’m nothing special.”

The demon scoffed. “That’s not true. The full answer to your question is a little more involved. Why don’t we meet in the library tomorrow? I’ll tell you everything.”

“How will I recognize you?” We left the ballroom and the noise level dropped instantly.

He stopped me, turning me by an arm to stare deep into my eyes. I felt like he was looking into my soul.

Finally, he said, “We’ll carry our masks with us.”

I nodded my agreement and we started walking again. “What time? It’s almost one in the morning, so I’ll be sleeping in.”

“Me too.” He chuckled. “I could probably sleep all day. How about after lunch, around two?”

“Sounds good.” My legs were tired from dancing, making the stairs feel even more difficult than usual. “We need elevators in this school.”

“Escalators at the very least,” he suggested.

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