They drove all day and well into the night before the demon finally pulled over at a seedy motel off the highway, where he left her in the locked car while he sorted out room arrangements. Which turned out to be one small room with twin beds.

“I'm sorry for the cheap room. We are more likely not to draw attention if we stay off-grid.” He actually looked mildly ashamed as he watched her take in the floral bedding, the stained carpet, and the dingy furniture.

Selma bit the inside of her cheek as she glanced at him. It wasn't the standard of the room she was concerned about—it was sharing it with a ginormous demon. Kain might have been helping her, but she knew from last night’s debauched events and the near-constant bulge in his jeans that he was fighting his desires tooth and nail.

He’d admitted as much himself—that he had the same urges to take her as Marathin had. The fact that they were apparently mixed with an insurmountable urge to ensure her comfort and protection was likely the only reason he had yet to give in.

“I spent most of a month sleeping in my car. This is practically luxury in comparison,” she said, offering him a small smile to hide her anxious thoughts—though judging from his frown, he could scent her fear just fine.

“Last night…” he began, hesitating for a moment as if he’d rather not continue that sentence. “I did what I did because I had to.”

“I know.” She did know. The metal ring hidden between her lower lips had been demonstrated enough during her time with Marathin that she understood Kain had had no other option.

She avoided his gaze and walked to the bed furthest from the door, dropping onto its floral surface to a squeak of springs. Horny demon or not, she’d much rather he was here with her than not—there was no arguing he made a mighty fine meat shield. Plus…

Selma looked up at him again through her eyelashes as he moved about, checking the small bathroom and windows. She couldn’t deny that she felt infinitely safer with him around than she ever had on her own. He was big, strong, and demonstrably powerful—and the care with which he treated her made her heart soften despite her innate fear of demons. He was risking everything for her when in reality, he owed her nothing.

She kicked off her shoes, but kept on the dress Meredith had brought her as she climbed underneath the covers. Exhaustion pulled on her eyelids and relaxed her muscles, and when Kain turned to his own bed, sleep wasn’t far away.

“Selma?”