Page 17 of Sweet Dreams

I deadpanned, “This morning I used his toothbrush and didn’t realize it until I had already left the house. Now, I don’t know if I should tell him or not. Does that mean we are close? It feels too close most days?”

Lulu giggled and I grinned at her joy. The ability to brighten her expression was rewriting whole sections of my mind. And, even now, deep in my chest, where the source of my power lay, filled with warmth.

Filled with power.

Because even if I had fucked up our bond, a demon’s mate would always evoke a magical response. She was feeding me, without even knowing it. I could feel the intoxication of it settling in my bloodstream. She was bliss and joy, but also painful protectiveness and worry. Because my instincts screamed for me to do something. To fix the bond I’d broken before.

“I have no advice in that area, but if it were me,” Lulu made a zipping motion across her lips, “What he doesn’t know, can’t hurt him. And, it’s not like you can take it back.”

I nodded, “Wise words.”

The line moved again, she was up next to order. “What do you think I should order today? I was planning on letting Joe choose for me.”

Lulu tilted her head, eyes narrowed on my form as if something on my face–or rather my glamour–was going to tell her something. I froze, holding completely still. After a heavy moment she tapped a finger against her lips and turned.

It was her turn to order. Joe’s eyes widened when he saw the pair of us standing at the counter, me slightly behind Lulu.

“Joe, I need a salted caramel macchiato and a lavender latte,” she said easily, smiling at the cafe owner. She slid her card across the counter. I immediately jerked forward.

“No, wait. You can’t buy my drink.”

“Too late,” Lulu crooned, pointing a finger at Joe with emphasis, “Run it, Joe. I know where you live.”

I growled and saw both the goosebumps on the back of her neck rise as well as Joe’s eyebrows. I cut the sound off immediately, but couldn’t stop myself from stepping forward, pressing myself against her from behind. My hand met the edge of the counter, caging her in against me.

“You aren’t meant to treat me,” I said, my voice still a low growl. It didn’t matter if this was just coffee, as her male, I wanted to prove my ability to support her too. This was not the way to do it, my instincts bellowed.

Lulu moved very slowly, turning her head until her mouth was right by my jaw, her eyes flickering up to mine before going very dark. “Just this once?” She wet her lips, the movement making my groin ache. “Save your coffee money to replace Traum’s toothbrush.”

I chuckled, the tension vanishing as I leaned into her for a breath before stepping back. Joe, who had watched all of this with wide eyes, was suddenly very busy making our drinks. I knew I was still too close, that I should take a step back, but fuck. I couldn’t make myself. Not when every moment here so close with her was offering more of that sweet, sweet hope. The same I’d buried for so many years.

Lulu cleared her throat as Joe made his way over to us, carrying our beverages. She handed me one, “I hope you like it. And, if you don’t, I ordered this one.” She raised her cup to her lips, giving it a quick sip.

“What is yours?”

She smiled, her cheeks pink, “The caramel one.”

“So, this one is lavender then.” I breathed it in for a moment before bringing it to my mouth for a taste. The flavor was shocking and not at all what I expected. I swallowed, my eyes watering as I attempted to find a way to lie about the taste of it.

“It’s uh–.”

Lulu saved me, her laughter ringing out sweet against my mind as she leaned into me, putting her hand on my forearm, “Oh my God, Z, you don’t have to lie. I can tell you hate it. Here. Take mine.” Before I could stop her, she reached out and swapped our drinks.

“Wait, are you sure? I don’t–”

“I actually really like the lavender flavor. I thought it might be fun to find out if you did too. But, I’m more than happy to let you try this one instead.” Lulu held out the cup of her coffee and I took it after a moment, letting her tug the flowery coffee from my other hand. After a quick sniff, I took a drink of the new drink.

Immediately, I knew this was the better choice. “Oh Hades, this is so much better.” I said the words even before I registered, but Lulu only laughed.

“Perfect. It’s all yours.” She raised her lavender latte and with a muffled sound, clicked our plastic cups together. “What are you doing today?” I could feel her eyes coasting over the business attire I’d borrowed from Traum this morning.

“Traum needed some help getting things unpacked. I’m headed to the ETA.”

Lulu smiled up at me. “You’re a good brother.”

I made a face. “Not really, but I owe him big time. What about you? Exciting plans?” I walked by her side towards the door.

Lulu shrugged, “I’m off to convince my boss, who is also my grandfather, to let me completely restart our online newspaper platform.”