Page 91 of Demon with Benefits
“I am also excellent.” Her smile didn’t waver, and she realized Daniel was not the only one hiding his true feelings.
“They’re keeping you busy?”
“Indeed. I have been tasked with the protection of a new environmental agency, an endangered species rescue organization, and a traveling musician speaking out against racism.”
“Wow.”
“Yes.” She released his hand and wove her fingers together. “But we didn’t arrange this meeting to discuss my duties. As much as I enjoy our visits, I must keep them brief.”
“Of course. I’m grateful you’ll meet with me at all. I know what it means for you to break the rules.”
“It is worth it for you, dear friend.”
Daniel smiled. “Thank you. So, did you manage to find anything?”
Sunshine held her breath momentarily.
And then... she lied.
“I’m sorry, but my research this time did not bear fruit. I was unable to find evidence of a foolproof way to remove any magical brand.”
Daniel sighed. “Damn. I was sure Heaven would have a method for this kind of thing.”
It did indeed. And Daniel himself would have been privy to the knowledge long ago, before his fall. But as it was now, too much time had passed for him to remember—if he had ever known—and he was no longer able to access the Empyrean Library to refresh his knowledge.
And his friend and confidante had just lied to him.
Sunshine’s stomach churned from the bitter taste of dishonesty. An angel did not speak mistruth. She was to be a shining beacon of morality, a perfect example for humankind to follow.
But an angel’s highest duty was to the heavenly realm first and foremost. And sometimes, to protect meant telling a lie.
At least, that was what she told herself.
“Perhaps,” she tried carefully, “if you could tell me what it is you’re searching for, I might be able to find more conclusive results. It is difficult to search the archives when it is not entirely clear what I’m looking for.”
Daniel’s face fell, and she knew immediately he would not share any more with her. “I’m sorry, Sunshine, but I can’t. Will you believe me when I say it’s for a good cause? That I would never ask you to do something that went against your principles?”
“Of course.” She smiled, but her face muscles resisted the expression. “We have come too far for me not to offer you the same trust you’ve always given me.”
Another lie.This one burnt like ashes on her tongue.
“Shall I continue searching for you?”
“No,” Daniel replied, waving a hand. “You’ve done enough. I know the risk you’re taking just to meet with me, and I can’t ask you to continue looking when no one can know what you’re doing.”
She reached out and clasped his hand again. “Thank you. I’m sorry I couldn’t provide you with any useful information. I wish I could have done more.”
“You’ve done plenty.” He used their joined hands to pull her into a brotherly embrace. That was how she had always seen him: like a beloved older brother. “Thank you, Sunshine.”
“You’re welcome, Daniel.”
They stepped apart, and he smiled. “You know, I think you’re the only person in the world who still calls me Daniel.”
“It’s your name.”
“Not anymore.”
“Do you wish me to call you Dan?” The word felt foreign on her tongue.
