Page 82 of Infernal Hearts

“We’ll see about that.”

I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean. “Why, are there plans that I don’t know about?”

“No.” She readjusts herself in the bed. “But you never know how things work out.”

This has been great, but a relationship with a century old demon… There are definitely obstacles there. Like the fact that I’ll age and he won’t. That’s not something that can be avoided. I’ll be old and decrepit, and he’ll be taking care of me in my final days. That’s not something I’d wish for him to see.

And I’m not the jealous type, but I can’t stand the thought of him having sex with anyone but me. That’s not something I could handle. Monogamy has always been an important part of who I am. Not that I don’t mind sharing some things, but what I feel for him? I want that to stay between us. I don’t want to ever feel like I’m the backup or a second option to whatever his new, shiny conquest is.

I clear my throat. “Do you need anything before I go? Food?”

“I fed before I came here.” She waves her hand. “Reptilian feeding schedule, you know. I’ll be fine for the rest of the week.”

“Okay. Levi should be back to check on you later.”

A small smirk runs along her lips. “Thank you.”

I see myself out, closing the door behind me and untying Grover. Walking back to the office, I think more about my dad. How mad I was at him. How unfair his reaction was. How about how he pushed me into a magical career I never wanted? How about how he’s been totally fine watching me do this all alone for the last few months?

I don’t regret anything I’ve done. I’m glad I left his practice, and I’m glad I met Levi. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have saved Rani. I would never have known how capable I really am.

I walk Grover back inside, and the more I think about it, the more that heartbreaking feeling of thinking the worst takes me over. That last thing I said to my father was attacking him for ruining my life, when in truth, he really did nothing but care for me. I was just angry and trying to hurt him the way he hurt me.

Grover immediately goes to curl up by the bedroom door, still trying to get to Levi. A pleasant heat radiates in my chest as I see how attached Grover’s gotten, but a lump in my throat forms knowing it’ll be over soon.

Heading back downstairs, I prep the clinic for another busy day. I do my best to keep my hands busy, but my mind is buzzing. About everything. Ambrose. Rani. My dad. Levi. It’s overwhelming. I close my eyes and sit down at the front desk, pressing my face into my palms. This is all too much to handle right now. I don’t have a choice, though—I have appointments starting soon, and my staff will be here any minute.

How am I supposed to help Levi when I can’t even figure any of this out? Am I just the backup support for when things keep inevitably going wrong? I feel powerless. All I can do is help clean up messes. I wish I could prevent them. Keep everyone safe.

The door opens, and Valerie hovers in the doorway.

“Hey.” I push up from the desk slowly.

She clenches her jaw and shuts the door behind her. “Hello.”

Oh man. Here we go again. “Are you still mad at me?”

Her hand remains still on the doorknob. “I was never mad at you. I’m just disappointed.”

My heart sinks. “Why?”

“Because you keep putting yourself in danger.” She turns, her eyes meeting mine. “I thought you were smarter than that.”

“Valerie, it’s…” I take a deep breath and exhale. “Complicated.”

She comes up to me on the other side of the desk. “Complicated how? It’s pretty easy from where I’m sitting. Stay away from magic. Stay away from demons. Especially that one.”

“I don’t understand why you’re so hung up on him. I really don’t.”

Her face softens. “Because demons bring trouble. They hurt people. I don’t want that for you.”

“He’s different. He’s kind and gentle. He respects me and has done nothing but try to help me.”

Her eyebrows raise. “Help you? By asking for what in return?”

“That’s between him and me.” My lips purse, and I find myself balling my fists without thinking about it. I don’t want to tell her more than she needs to know.

She pauses, looking me over. “And what else is between you and him?”

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