Page 91 of Demon Kissed
So the demons kissed me. That doesn’t mean anything, right? They’ve probably kissed millions of girls throughout their one hundred plus years on Earth and will continue to do so.
Though…
Why does that thought make me want to hurl? Why do I care what they do andwhomthey do? I tell myself repeatedly that I can’t get attached to them, that they’re going to leave soon, but pain still unfurls in my chest anyway.
By the time the tournament ends and we finish in last place, Alanna is glaring daggers at me, Wade is sulking, and even Tim can only manage a sympathetic smile that quickly wavers into a frown. Janie was awful—no surprise—and I wasn’t much better. I constantly fucked up the answers in my head, too distracted by…well…everything.
William was a fucking decathlon god up there. I don’t think he missed one question. I’m pretty sure every nerd in a twenty-mile radius offered up her panties on a silver platter.
But he didn’t choosethosegirls. He chose me.
Me.
Now, the time has arrived. The moment the universe has held its breath for. The beginning of the rest of my life.
And no, I’m not being dramatic. Jeez.
I stare at the dress Akor has “bought” for me. Honestly, I’m surprised he went to the trouble in the first place, considering how pissed they all seem to be with me. I don’t understand it.
Shouldn’t they be celebrating? For the last few weeks, they’ve been dealing with a hormonal teenager and her four-year-old brother. They’re sexy demons, for fuck’s sake, and I know that my integration into their lives is killing their mojo. What normal man—let alone, demon man—would want to play dad to a random kid?
I haven’t talked to them sincethatnight. You know, the one that involved lips and tongue. Yeah,thatone. I swear I can still feel their lips on mine like a phantom touch.
You can’t be thinking about them, Katrina. You have a date with William. You remember him, right? The love of your pathetic life? Go to your mental shrine and remember how much you love him, dammit!
The hotel room is blissfully empty—Janie left hours ago after a final glare my way, and Alanna went to visit Wade and Tim only a few minutes ago. I’m grateful for the reprieve from their incessant glares, both for entirely different reasons. Apparently, Alanna is a sore loser when she thinks you didn’t try hard enough. I’m pretty sure she mentally skinned me alive at least three times already, if her venomous stares are any indication.
Stepping into the bathroom, I slide out of my normal clothes and step into the incredibly soft dress. It’s a V-neck lace number that stops just above my knees. Almost as if Akor has a point to prove, it’s pure white with intricate flowers detailed into the lace. I look like an angel in it. I look pure and refined…all I need now is a neon sign above my head screaming, “Virgin!”
I keep my pink curls loose before applying some makeup that I was fortunate enough to pack for the trip. Nothing too fancy—just some blush, pink lipstick, eyeliner, and mascara. When I look in the mirror, only an hour later, I feel like an entirely different person.
It’s amazing what a little confidence can do for a girl. Before, I would’ve shrunk my shoulders and attempted to be as small and unassuming as possible. Now, I keep a haughty set to my chin and roll my shoulders back, staring intently at my reflection.
Bring it on, bitch.
At exactly seven o’clock, as we agreed on, there’s a hesitant knock on the door.
This is it. My moment. This is my summons wish come true.
Heart thundering like a stampede of wild horses, I grab my purse—a hideous, clunky black bag that I bought at a garage sale a year earlier—and swipe my phone from the dresser.
“Coming!” My voice squeaks painfully, and I quickly clear my throat.
With bated breath, I wrench open the door, practically falling on my face in my excitement.
And there, standing in the doorway, is none other than William Washington.
He wears a button-down shirt with a dark blue tie, one that makes lighter blue flecks appear in his eyes. Those same eyes seem to sparkle when they catch sight of me, and he gives me a slow, appraising once-over.
“Katrina…you look gorgeous,” he praises, flashing me that dimpled grin I love so much. I blush like a fucking idiot.
“So do you,” I blurt, gesticulating wildly at him in all of his perfection. Though…
I can’t help but think how sexy Akor would’ve looked in that outfit.
Not going there.
“Shall we?” William extends an arm for me, and I take it with a grateful smile.
