I was guaranteed to lose or break this lanyard at some point. What was he thinking?

He reached for one of the larger diamond necklaces, offering it to me.

“No fucking way.”

He scowled, obviously put out. I let out a choked laugh. The demon had taken me on a date, introduced me to his pet, and now was trying to give me a token of his affection. And I wasn’t cooperating.

“Samael–”

“If I thought you would accept it, I would give you my entire hoard.”

I swallowed. “You’d lose Scylla.”

“I’d replace it within days. This will look stunning around your delicate neck.” His gaze dropped to my throat and I swallowed.

“I have nowhere to wear it,” I tried.

His slow smile told me he knew exactly where I’d wear it if it were up to him. In his bed, naked.

“Just out of curiosity, why do you think you should be giving me what is likely a priceless diamond necklace?”

He scowled. “Why must you be so difficult?”

I waited him out. He didn’t blush— I didn’t think such a thing was possible for Samael. But for a single moment, he couldn’t quite meet my eyes.

“You have only seen the downside of being bonded to me. You’ve seen demon murders and the stares of people who believe you are a traitor. You’ve seen formal events you didn’t want to go to, and your life has changed in countless ways.”

I read between the lines. The demon felt bad and had wanted to do something to make up for all the shit he’d put me through since bonding me to him against my will.

I sighed. He wouldn’t break the bond. That hadn’t even occurred to him, and I doubted it ever would. I would still have to figure out a way to do that myself. In the meantime, this was his attempt to show me that life with him wasn’t all bad.

“I don’t need your diamonds, Samael. Although, I can admit I’m partial to the lanyard and sheath you gave me. If you were hoping to give me something incredible, you did that when you let me up close to your dragon.”

His jaw tightened. “You don’t want jewelry, you won’t move into my apartment, you refuse my protection. What is it that you want, Danica?”

To be left alone. To go back to my life before I met him. Even as I thought it, instant denial ripped through my chest. Samael’s face went blank at my silence, and I had a feeling he knew where my mind had gone.

Once again, it came down to a deal.

“Okay, if you really want me to accept something from you, bring me back here when that egg hatches. If it’s okay with Scylla, of course.”