Page 120 of Infernal Secrets

“Well, if we’re…” I waved a hand. “Didn’t think you’d be okay with another man—or two—sleeping in the same bed as me.” I wouldn’t appreciate him sleeping with another woman if we were dating, either.

“You can do whatever you want,” he said, surprising me. “You don’t have to answer to me.”

I wasn’t sure I liked that response. It sounded kind and understanding in theory, but if he wanted something more from me than a physical fling, wouldn’t he have an issue with other men in my bed? Nothing would happen with them, but still…

As if sensing my inner turmoil, he said, “You don’t like that.”

“What?”

“You don’t like that I’m unbothered?”

I glanced over at Maya, laughing at something Ezra said. “Is this some sort of infernal thing?”

“What?”

“Knowing what I’m thinking?”

He chuckled. “No. But why do you dislike it?”

I licked my lips. “I think I may have overthought the seriousness of our relationship.”

“Relationship?” His brows hitched.

“Yeah,” I mumbled, embarrassment heating my cheeks. I’d made a fool of myself. “I think I’m overthinking. I’m sorry.” I put my hands on my thighs, ready to push to my feet so I didn’t humiliate myself further in my inebriated state.

He grabbed my wrist, halting me. “No. You didn’t.” When I looked at him in confusion, he added, “I feel something for you Rae, but I don’t know how it can work. You’re human. I’m not.” His hard swallow was audible. “I can’t stay here on Earth with you.”

I lowered my gaze, staring at the two bottles.

“It doesn’t mean I don’t think of you. It doesn’t mean I wouldn’t in any other circumstance.”

“I understand,” I whispered, not wanting to hear him say things that didn’t change our situation. The words only made me feel lousier.

He was right. I’d had to tell myself over and over the same thing, but it never stopped my growing feelings. Maybe his willpower surpassed mine.

“All cleared out. Bedroom’s yours,” Zeke said, calling out to Maya as he rounded the corner at the bottom of the stairs with Cyn on his tail.

Maya yawned. “I’m exhausted.” She turned to me when I stood, wrapping me in a big hug. “I’m glad we could do dinner and a movie again.”

“Me too. Even if you tried to embarrass me all night.”

“Psssh, you know I love you.” She stepped back, glancing at the guys. “I’ll probably be gone before any of you wake up. It was nice meeting y’all.”

They said their goodbyes, and she headed upstairs, stumbling twice along the way.

When I heard the bedroom door close, I turned to Zeke and Cyn. “So, my bed?”

“I’m sleeping without my shirt,” Cyn groused, heading for the stairs. “I’ll keep the pants on, though.”

Like that was supposed to make me feel better.

Zeke yawned. “I’m ready to turn in if you are.”

“Yeah, I think I’m ready for the day to end,” I said, not looking back at Ash.

His reasoning made sense, but it still didn’t dampen the sting of rejection. Our different species aside, the man was royalty. People in power prioritized their people’s needs over casual relationships with ordinary citizens. Peasants only got the prince in fairytales.

I’d never expect him to sacrifice his home or his responsibilities to his people.