Page 12 of Halluci-Dating A Demon
He’s more real this way. Wide awake, with blinking eyes that feel like they’re searching deep into my soul. Those muscles flex in a different way here, as he slides the empty cup to another man, keeping his eyes on me.
“Well. You gonna order or not?”
“I . . . yeah . . . sorry. I’ll have whatever you’re having in that cup back there.”
“What makes you think that’s mine?” he asks, tilting his head, and I flit my gaze over his shoulder, eyeing the teal tumbler I’ve seen in his room before.
“Lucky guess.” I lift one of my shoulders.
He huffs out a breath, sounding more agitated than before. “So, Get Up and Go.”
My eyes blink and I shrink in on myself. “Huh?”
“It’s the name of the drink. It’s called Get Up and Go. It has original Red Bull, four pumps of raspberry, and two pumps of vanilla. Still want the same thing?” He lifts a brow, grabbing a clear cup.
This man is nothing like the one I’ve spent the last few days with—he was more chatty and kinder. There were times he even laughed and gave me an almost smile. This version of him is lost and fighting hard to find his way back.
“Sure,” I say, standing taller and tugging on my hoodie strings. My stomach tightens. Oh, sparkle beetle, I’m wearing his clothes. Does he notice? Did I just draw attention to it?
“Alright. Glad we finally got that sorted out.” He scribbles some words on the cup, lifting his eyes. “What’s the name?”
“Arien.”
His eyes grow bigger. “Arien.”
“Yeah.”
He stares at me a little harder, before finally adding my name to the cup and passing it to the guy behind him. “That’s the second time I’ve heard that name in a week. I didn’t realize it was that common.”
“Me either,” I say, fiddling with my sleeves.
“Will that be all for you two today?”
“Yes,” Kyvian says, quicker than me. “You’d think we’d ordered five drinks with how long this all took.” He sputters a laugh.
I shoot him a glare and he ruffles my hair, handing Elias his card. We like pulling one another’s chain every now and again. It’s all in good fun. I’ve really missed all the in-person teasing. After we pay and grab our drinks, I tell Elias thank you and he gives me a nod, calling for the next person to come forward.
“Sorry, should have warned you about the owner. He’s a bit of a . . .”
“Grump?” I finish for him, and he laughs, twisting on one of his earrings.
“I was going to say broody but sure, yeah, I guess sometimes he can be a little grumpy.”
It doesn’t take away from his looks, that’s for sure. If anything, it oddly adds to his appeal. Get a grip, Arien. It’s only been a week and I’m already failing miserably.
“Does he work here every day?”
“Why?” Kyvian’s lips tilt as he leads us to a table by a large window. “You have a little crush? Thinking of swinging by to see him instead of your good old friend tomorrow?” he teases.
I roll my eyes, sitting down first. “Don’t be ridiculous. Was just wondering if he’s overworked. You know I’m always curious about everyone and everything.”
“Not like that.” He takes a seat across from me, sipping from his cup. “You forgot your words multiple times and couldn’t stop making eyes at him.”
“I was not making eyes at anyone.”
“Oh, I don’t know. Their round pupils were definitely turning heart-shaped every time he spoke to you. I’m pretty sure he’s single. I’ve never once seen him bring someone back here before.”
My lips stop before meeting my straw. “Wait . . . he lives here?”
