Page 46 of Guarded
But it was another sign that we weren’t meant to be together. Our needs didn’t align in a way that was conducive to a long-term relationship.
I just wished I’d seen it earlier.
“What did you mean though, about not being able to see the lace?”
Jeremiah’s question pulled me from my thoughts. “Oh, I thought maybe that’s why I could smell smoke. Because at the restaurant you…”
“Set my surroundings on fire because I got so excited when I realised how prettily you’d wrapped your cock up?” Jeremiah said drily. “It’s okay. You can laugh.”
His words had me adjusting myself in my trousers instead of laughing. My mouth went dry at the idea that he thought it’d bepretty.
Suddenly, I was desperate to show him. Nothing seemed quite as important as strutting in front of him, showing off every lacy scrap I owned and getting his opinion on all of them.
“Now you’ve mentioned it, I can smell it too.” He sighed. “Fucking Nox.”
“What does Nox have to do with anything?”
“He borrowed my car back while he and Micah were being dramatic.” He pulled out of a junction, barely looking at the oncoming traffic. I didn’t worry. Even if Jeremiah didn’t have the same reflexes and sensory capabilities as me, I suspected he wouldn’t let me come to any harm. Not even for something like a car accident, which we’d both walk away from with nary a scratch. “It took me a few months to get the story out of Nox, but it turns out he set my car alight to get Micah’s attention.”
A strangled laugh escaped me. “He didwhat?”
“Yep.” Jeremiah shook his head and chuckled. “Thought it was a bit over the top when he told me, but now…”
His words trailed off, but my mind completed the sentence for him. He didn’t think it was over the top now, because he’d do something similar if that was what it took to get my attention.
I didn’t know how I felt about that.
“Obviously your car survived,” I said, trying to get the conversation back on track. Before all the things we were leaving unsaid derailed us completely.
“Yeah, he knew I’d gut him if he ruined it, so he used his powers to keep the flames contained. Guess he wasn’t as careful with the smoke.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t notice it until I pointed out.”
“You forget, I grew up in Hell. Smoke is more prevalent down there than oxygen.” His lips thinned, but he changed the subject before I could comment. “This baby was the first thing I acquired when I came topside.”
My eyes narrowed. “Acquired?”
“Demon, remember?” Jeremiah pulled the car up on abusy high street. It was one I was familiar with. Ez and I had come here to browse art a few months back. I’d been meaning to return and actually purchase some, but time kept getting away from me. “Don’t worry though—I don’t think the manufacturer is hurting for cash.”
“Ah. So, you don’t just reserve your thievery for historical sites.”
Jeremiah barked a laugh as he effortlessly parallel parked. “Fuck no. Given the CEO recently got off on tax evasion charges, I don’t feel a shred of guilt about stealing this from him.”
“Your brain is fascinating.”
He gave me a toothy grin. “Not as fascinating as the rest of me. Wait there.”
Ducking out of the car, he walked around to my side. I took those few seconds to glare at my crotch.Stop thinking about what else is fascinating about him.
Sadly, my cock took as much notice as the rest of me, which is to say, absolutely none. Once again, I was grateful I hadn’t gone for the skinny jeans I’d been eyeing.
Jeremiah opened my door and extended his hand. I took it, willing the butterflies in my stomach to curl up and die.
“Did you even know how to drive it when you stole it?”
“Nope,” Jeremiah laughed, leading me around the car. My hand was still clasped in his and I felt no urge to withdraw it. “If we’re being technical about it, Nox stole it for me, and Darius taught me to drive.”
“You must’ve picked it up fast.”
