Page 33 of Raising the Sun

“It’s good to hear that we’re being recommended.” Ash smiled, and I knew he noticed—just like I did—the way the customer’s cheeks grew two shades pinker.Bloody tool.“Unfortunately, we’re all sold out today, but I can put you first on the list for when our delivery comes in tomorrow?”

“Aye, that’s… fine.”

“Perfect!” With temptation leaching into his every step, Ash made his way back around the counter, flipping open the diary to tomorrow’s date. “A dozen roses, was it? And what colour would you like those to be?”

“Oh, it’s her birthday, so somethin’ bright,” the guy said, eyes fixed on the way tiny pieces of Ash’s hair cascaded down the sides of his face. “Orange, maybe?”

“My favourite colour.” Ash winked before propping himself on his elbows, giving his arse a discreet little sway in my direction. “Since it’s a special occasion, can I interest you in something better?”

The guy swallowed audibly, and although relatable, I had to force myself not to scoff. Or tackle him to the floor. “What did ye have in mind?”

Whatdidn’the have in mind, should have been the question. Ash proceeded to upsell the guy two bouquets for his mum—one for her living room and another for her bedroom—and a wreath for his grandma’s grave.Andhe evenmanaged to get rid of the very last two candles on the shelf because he’d moaned and said he adored the scent.

It seemed so easy for him to get whatever he wanted. From my perspective, every move was calculated and precise—the way he bit his lip, the way he bent over at the perfect angle to leave you wanting more. It all flowed with pure seduction, but he probably wasn’t even trying. It was natural, a perk of his demon nature, and it made a pang of jealousy well in my belly knowing that everyone who’d come into the shop in the last month got to see the same things I did.

Those feelings were normal for friends with benefits, right?

I was so focused on appreciating the shape of Ash’s arse in those tailored trousers that I didn’t even notice he’d already wrapped up the customer’s items and waved him out the door.

He may not have been actively using hypnosis, but it was happening, all the same.

“See? Easy as pie.” He smirked, folding his arms across his chest, clearly expecting me to fall to my knees and admit he was right. Instead, I ignored him in favour of marching over to the door, locking it and flipping the sign to Closed. “We’re still open for another—”

I was gripping Ash’s linen shirt, dragging him down for a searing kiss before he could even finish that sentence.

And for the third time that month, I fucked him over the workbench in the back room.

I was buttoning up my jeans when a knock sounded on the shop door.Typicalwas my first thought, but at least they’d waited until we were finished.

With a wave of his hand, Ash went from stark naked—bite marks excluded—to fully clothed in a blink. He’d also slipped back into his human form. The horns I’d used as handles as I fucked his mouth were gone again, alongside the feathers that had sprouted over his shoulders when he’d finally let go and come all over the floor. His hair was no longer mussed or his lips blood red and kiss-bitten. It was a shame, I’d worked bloody hard to wreck him, but there was still a well-fucked look in his eyes, and that was enough to satisfy me.

For now.

“I’ll see to that,” Ash said, stepping in close to kiss me, slow and sweet—a little strange without his forked tongue and fangs. “And you, my dear, can go upstairs and get prepared for round two. And three.”

“Prepared?” I cocked an eyebrow, amused. “Am I going to need protective gear?”

“Possibly.” Ash winked and slipped off to work his charm on the customer as I shook my head and half-heartedly wiped cum off the floor and my pubes before wrestling with my shirt. I probably could have left it off, but it was a force of habit.

The bell above the door jingled, and I heard the warm and welcoming ‘good afternoon’ that followed. The abundance of casual flirtiness in his voice made me roll my eyes, though it was fond. There was just something about hearing him interact with people inmyshop that had a measure of giddiness swelling inside me. I would have listened to him talk for hours—a bit of a change from when we’d first met, I’d admit—but Ash had given direct orders and I’d hate to disobey.

So, with a wistful smile, I gathered up my flat keys and headed towards the stairs.

Only to freeze mid step at the sound of a familiar voice.

“Well, hello there, and who might you be? Isaac never said he’d hired an assistant.”

I was through the arch before Ash had the chance to answer.

“Mum… Dad,” I said, looking guiltily between my parents as they stood there beside my demon roommate—the one I’d just tongue-fucked like it was an Olympic sport in the back room—who they knew absolutely nothing about.

Fuck my life.

“What are you—”

Mum squealed and advanced, her arms stretched wide for a hug that I was too slow to prepare for. “My sweet boy, I’ve missed you.” She squeezed tight, then pulled back, bracketing my face with her hands. “You hide yourself away too much. Are ye eating well?”

I couldn’t help but snort at her fussing. “Yes, Mum.”

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