“Can I think about it?”

“Of course,” I say as the waitress stops by the table.

“What will it be, gentlemen?” she asks, giving Ryan a bright smile.

“I’ll have the spinach ravioli,” he says, handing her the menu.

“Veal parmesan, and two beers,” I say.

“Was it a girl?” I ask Ryan as the waitress leaves.

“Yeah, some bitch I was dating,” he says, taking another sip of water.

“I wasn’t joking if you need help handling the situation.”

“What are you going to do, whack her?” he says, laughing in his chair. I don’t laugh. I’m usually not up for casual murder, but not completely opposed either. At the very least, I could do some demon like shit and spook the girl. “No, she’s just upset I left her. I’m sure she will cool down eventually.”

“So, how has work been going?”

“Good up until today. Hopefully, not everyone saw the posters.”

“I’m sure it will be fine,” I tell him. I feel like I’m not in my own skin. This small talk and making nice makes me feel itchy. I still don’t feel any genuine affection toward Ryan, and it makes the sloshing feeling in my stomach feel worse. Maybe if he let me do something for him, buy something for him, maybe I would feel better.

The thoughts ease me a little when I realize their selfish nature. It’s about how I feel, not Ryan. At least I’m still a selfish demon at heart.

“If not, I’ll go after her business.” We both hold up our beers that the server dropped off, and it’s probably the first time I’ve felt proud of Ryan.

“Cheers to that.” We clink our glasses, and that’s when the conversation slows. Neither of us really know what to talk about. I can’t exactly explain that I’m searching for a demon who is irresponsibly possessing people. I truly don’t want to hear him talking about selling homes. How trivial.

We’re saved by the server bringing our food, and we eat in uncomfortable silence. Ryan’s phone dings mid bite and he smiles widely. “Thank fuck.” He looks at me and wipes his mouth with his napkin. “I have to go, one of the prospects at the open house today still wants to write. I thought I was going to lose this deal.”

“Sure, of course. Keep in touch.”

“Yeah, sure thing. Thanks for dinner.”

I continue eating my food and I can’t help but think about how I still won’t allow myself to feel a connection. What does that say about me? I shake the feeling quickly, and redirect my focus to Blair and what kind of plans I have for the little witch.

Portaling back to the bungalow is like breathing at this point. The small little beach cottage with the light blue siding is becoming comfortable. Disgusting.

I can hear it before I see it. The low moans and grunting don’t deter me from opening the front door. I’m not surprised when I see Kas, ass up on the couch, and Asmo pounding behind her. If he were with a mortal woman, he could easily shatter their pelvis.