Page 47 of Hooked on a Demon
Eliana scoffs.
“It’s true.” Leaning back, he brings one leg up and rests the ankle on the opposite knee. His casual pose is in opposition to his words, but perhaps that’s for the best, as it helps this moment stand out to Eliana as one that she’ll remember for some time. “Hear me when I say this. You are strong. You are worthy. And you are valid.” She sucks in a breath. “You have been through so much and are sitting here today on the other side. You got out. You recognized the situation you were in, and while, yes, it may have taken you a while to leave, you did. Relationships with friends and family can be repaired as needed. Though, from the sounds of it, your family loves you deeply, and your friends are the same. So it’s you, Eliana, who needs to recognize your strength. Because everyone else around you already sees it. I guarantee your fella sees it too.”
“I–I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t need to say anything. Because I mean every word of it.”
Sniffling, she responds, “Thank you.”
He smiles back at her and makes a few more notes on his pad. He calls the session to an end shortly after, and as her hand finds the doorknob, Dr. Colson has perhaps the most important parting words for her. “Tell your family, Eliana. They deserve to know, and you don’t need to carry it all yourself.”
* * *
“Hi, honey, it’s so good to see you.”
Tossing her coat on the railing, she says, “It’s only been a few weeks, Mom.”
“Yet, still feels like a lifetime.”
Eliana rolls her eyes at Cora’s dramatics as she leads them into the kitchen. “Do you need any help?”
Her mother turns, briefly surveying the assortment of pots and pans she has on the go with what’s sure to be another delicious dinner. “No, I think everything is under control here. But if you could set the table, that would be great.”
“That, I can do.” She steps over to the cupboard, pulling out the required items.
Her mother shuffles behind her, reaching around her to pick up a wooden spoon. “Oh, and set an extra plate.”
Confused, Eliana responds, “Why?”
“Everest said Declan is coming. Something about Declan seeming sad and in need of some good home cooking.”
Nerves flood her system, making her feel like she’s suddenly been dipped into a boiling cauldron. She dabs the back of her hand on her cheeks—burning hot. And her back? Feels already drenched in sweat.
“Declan’s coming?” she says, hoping her voice sounds steadier than she feels. Almost getting caught by Everest last night was enough to have her consider asking one of the local witches to make her disappear forever. But here? At her parents? With her whole family around? Fuck, that’s enough for her to expire on the spot.
“Yes, darling,” her mom says before turning to look at her. “Are you alright, dear? You look feverish.” Cora’s hand comes within an inch of her forehead before Eliana dodges out of the way.
“I’m fine, a little warm by the stove. I’m gonna take these to the dining table.” Eliana doesn’t wait for her mother’s response or look back to see if she believes her. As she sets the table, she does her best to keep calm, but knowing that she is going to be in the same room with Declan while her eagle-eyed mom is around isn’t helping. Thankfully, Everest is generally oblivious, and her dad will be too occupied talking cars or something else manly with the boys, to notice.
Maybe that’s what she needs to do—make sure the boys stay occupied with their own conversation so there’s no chance that the attention could shift to her. Yes. That’s it!
With her plan for making it through dinner in place, she takes a moment to pause and breathe, ensuring she is fully calm and ready.
And then the door opens, and Declan walks in, looking like the sexiest demon alive in dark jeans that hug his thick thighs so perfectly. The light gray sweater he’s wearing brings out the blue in his eyes while also accentuating the strength in his frame. The softness of his stomach is hidden by the way the fabric sits, but her body remembers what it felt like to be held against him. Her body attempts to betray her by letting out a tiny whimper, which she manages to disguise with a slight cough as though she meant to clear her throat. Declan catches her eye, and the smallest quirk of his lip lets her know he heard it.
Fuck me, this is going to be a long dinner.
CHAPTER29
Declan
He didn’t plan to go to the Oaks residence, but Everest was already at his place and asked if Declan wanted to join him for Friday night dinner. It’s been a while since he’s attended one, and Ev’s parents always enjoy having extra people over. So it was a pleasant surprise when they pulled in, and Eliana’s car was there. And the look she gave him when he walked through the door… well, it spoke volumes. And that needy sound that she tried to cover. Oh, it told him everything he needed to hear.
He doesn’t like that she essentially ran off like a dirty secret when they were interrupted. The shop was wildly busy today, which meant he barely had a moment to think, let alone text with Eliana. Figuring he could come to dinner and call her when he got home, he put it off until later, knowing he’d prefer a chance to have more than a quick chat. But of course, there she was, looking gorgeously flustered when he walked in the door. It took all his strength to refrain from immediately stalking over to her and kissing her breathless.
Her eyes have followed him since he entered the house, and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy the feeling of her watching him. Her gaze roaming over his body. Hungrily following his hands as he rolled up his sleeves. Hades, all it takes is a look from her to set him on fire. It really is a gift that Everest is as oblivious as he is, or Declan would be in a whole cauldron of trouble.
Which is exactly why he made sure to sit at the opposite end of the table from her. The more physical distance between them, the less tempted he is to find a way to touch her.
