Page 114 of Demons Dig Donuts

“I do not care.”

“You didn’t even say goodbye.”

Mr. Heiss glared.

“Okay, fine.” Indy leaned back in his seat. “Guess you don’t wanna talk about him. Sensitive subject, right? Like, an ex-boyfriend or—”

“Absolutely not.” Mr. Heiss sneered in disgust.

“Okay, okay. Ex-friend?”

“Ex-nothing. He never mattered and never will.”

“Wow. You are just overflowing with love and rainbows.” Indy snorted. “Nyp doesn’t matter, the imp was nothing, I’m nothing—”

“I did not say that,” Mr. Heiss cut in. “I told you that the things I do are necessary for your protection and that I did not mean to upset you.”

“Ah, yes. The world’s worst apology.”

Mr. Heiss grunted.

“Do you know what would be the start to a better apology? Wendy’s.”

“Fine.” Mr. Heiss snarled, aiming his scowl out the window.

The air was thick and gross, muggy with a tension Indy could only qualify as gelatinous. He had no idea if he was actually getting anywhere with Mr. Heiss or if he still wanted to. Yes, the whole not dying thing was a big perk and they didn’t know if Gammy’s treatment was going to be a long-term solution, but this felt…

Well, like more.

More than a means to an end or simply survival.

Which was stupid. So very stupid. It hadn’t been a week—barely half of one—and yet Indy could not deny this sense of connection.

Like, maybe this was right where he was supposed to be.

But it was stupid.

Ugh.

Indy reflected on what Mr. Heiss had said, and it was then he realized he’d missed a very key phrase.

Your protection.

Not his property or asset, but Indy himself.

Huh.

Indy shifted over to sit beside Mr. Heiss. He cleared his throat noisily until Mr. Heiss lifted his arm so he could lean against his side. He smiled a little as Mr. Heiss shifted fully into his demonic form and his tail curled around Indy’s hips. “So. If I’m not nothing, that means I’m something?”

Mr. Heiss hummed as if in deep thought. “Frustrating. Loud. Annoying. Stubborn.”

“Yes, and you forgot beautiful, intelligent, absolutely phenomenal in bed.”

Mr. Heiss chuckled, a small smile breaking through his scowl. He looked younger now, years melted away if only for a moment. “Those things may be true. It may also be true that I have enjoyed our time together.”

“Still wanna cut my hand off?”

“No.” Mr. Heiss shrugged. “I see no immediate reason to make such an attempt again at present. After all, the leshy is at your beck and call, and you are currently at mine.”