Page 13

"They work very hard." I stated in their defense.

An exasperated groan was followed by, "I wasn't ready to meet you." His voice grew quieter. "It was better for both of us."

I blinked. For him? Not me. Something inside my chest softened. He hadn't stayed hidden because he didn't want to hurt me. He'd stayed hidden because... he hadn't trusted himself.

I smiled. "I still want Mrs. Wilton healed."

Another exaggerated sigh drifted through the trees. "I knew you were going to say that."

"I'll take the deal."

Silence. "...What?"

"The deal."

"You'll stop singing?"

I wrinkled my nose. "Fine."

"And?"

"I'll stop singing in the shower."

"Good."

"But..." I pointed a finger toward absolutely nothing. "You close your eyes whenever I'm... not dressed."

"..."

"...Azaren?"

My cheeks went hot just saying it out loud, which was a ridiculous thing to feel shy about with a voice that had no face to blush at.

Another pause.

"...Agreed."

"Good."

Movement flickered in the corner of my eye. I gasped. "There!"

A tall shadow. Broad shoulders. Dark as smoke. Gone almost before I'd focused. "That was you!"

No answer came.

"I saw you!"

"No, you didn't."

"I absolutely did!"

"You imagined it."

"You moved." I squeaked. "I knew it." A grin spread across my face. "Come on. Let's go."

"Fine," his voice deflated, "...let's go heal your Mrs. Wilton before you invent any more theories about me."

I had absolutely no idea what an infernal demon looked like. But I was beginning to think I liked this one.