Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

I was sprawled across the infamous red leather sofa when Nana Pratt found me.

“Why are you making that noise?” she asked.

I stared up at her. “What noise?”

“Something between a groan and a wheeze. A greeze.”

“I feel torn.”

She pretended to sit on the spare cushion, although in actuality she simply hovered above it. “About what, dear?”

“Many things, and they’re hurting my head.”

“Pick one at a time and work your way down from there.”

“How do I choose? I have two nights left before I enter the land of the dead, possibly never to return. Even if I do manage to return, I may find myself in a different land of the dead for eternity as its queen.” My arms flailed. “I don’t want to spend eternity in the underworld, but if I can’t find someone appropriate to relieve Hestia, I don’t see how I can avoid it.”

“That does sound like a headache. What are your options?”

“Find another deity who can handle the throne, one without ties to The Corporation. Figure out whether Hades and Persephone are actually obliterated, or whether there’s a chance they can be restored to their original forms.” I exhaled through my nostril. “Put the Castle on the market and pack my bags. All aboard the underworld express.”

“Hmm. I can see why you’re struggling.”

“Even if I had all the time in the world, that would be a challenge. As it happens, I have the pressing Alessandro situation, which involves sneaking into Helheim and hoping I can sneak my way out again with a shade.”

“And if you don’t go?”

“Alessandro dies.”

“And if you go?”

“I might die. And then Alessandro dies anyway.”

Nana Pratt frowned. “Your life is more complicated than mine ever was. The biggest worry I ever had was whether I’d balance the checkbook that month.”

I gave her a pointed look. “You wouldn’t be here now if that was your biggest worry.”

Her hands fiddled on her lap. “That’s different. I didn’t know Steven and Ashley would become orphans, so it isn’t something I fretted about.”

“Maybe not, but you worry about them now.”

She bristled. “With good reason. Ashley went and got herself kidnapped by homicidal witches.”

I pulled myself to a seated position. “No victim blaming in this house. Ashley didn’t do anything to invite what happened to her. It was pure bad luck. Anyway, she’s thriving at Bridger Farm. Magic suits her.”

Nana Pratt pruned lips formed a smile. “I’ve seen the good that magic can do, especially here at the Castle. I like the idea of my Ashley making a positive contribution to the world.”

My heart warmed at her response. “I’m happy to hear you say that. I think Ashley will be thrilled to know you feel that way.”

“Enough about me, dear. What else is on your mind?”

I laughed. “Because what I’ve said so far isn’t enough?”

“Oh, it’s plenty, but I know there’s more. You still have frown lines left.”

“Those are permanent.”

“The longer we’ve talked, the more they’ve faded.”

“Really?” I paused a moment to reflect and realized she was right; I felt better just from sharing what was on my mind. “I can’t afford a dress for my date tonight with Kane.”

“Do you need to get dressed up?”

I turned to look at her. “What if it’s the last date we’ll ever have?”

“The Lorelei I know doesn’t talk like that. She’s confident and sassy.”

I arched an eyebrow. “You think I’m sassy?”

“Not like Alicia, but you’ve got some sass. Why don’t I make you a dress? Consider me your fairy godmother.”

“I thought you and Ray were the mice. Jaq and Gus.”

Nana Pratt ignored me. “There’s a sewing machine in the attic. I bet it still works.”

“What else is in the attic?”

“Aside from dust, it’s hard to tell.”

“Won’t you need material?” There weren’t even ugly curtains to pull down a la The Sound of Music .

“I’ll sort through Addison’s clothes. I bet I can stitch something together.”

I eyed her with suspicion. “I thought we got rid of all her clothes.”

“I may have squirreled away a handful of items for emergency purposes.”

“A fashion emergency?”

She gave me a pointed look. “We’re having one right now, aren’t we? I’ll have Ray bring down the sewing machine and make sure it’s functional.”

“Good idea.”

My armpit tickled. It felt like my response to Gun activating the ward, but it seemed unlikely when I’d only left him an hour ago.

I walked to the front door to investigate. Sure enough, Gun was cresting the bridge.

I opened the door. “Can’t get enough of me, huh?”

He brushed me aside and entered the house. “I started thinking about your excursion to Helheim.”

“And?”

“And if Kane has claimed tonight, I think it’s only right that Cam and I get dibs on tomorrow night.”

My heart squeezed. “We could have a game night.”

Gun frowned “Okay, I was thinking a night of debauchery in the city, but I guess a game night is more your style.”

My spirits lifted. “Can I invite a few more people? We could have different stations, like a Scrabble table and a Scattergories table.” I started to envision the possibilities. “I’ll need more chairs.”

“I can bring folding chairs.” Gunther jerked to the side as an antique sewing machine floated past him to rest on the table. “Dare I ask?”

“Ray and Nana Pratt are testing it to see if it works.”

“Oh, honey. I don’t think the museum will take it regardless.”

“It isn’t going to a museum. If it works, Nana Pratt is going to make me a dress.”

His gaze darted back to the sewing machine. “On that? Absolutely not. I strenuously object.”

“What’s the issue? I need a dress, and I don’t want to spend a lot of money on it. ”

“Why do you need a dress?”

“For my date with Kane.”

“Why not ask me for a dress? I live for fashion. Your date is with a royal demon. You shouldn’t be wearing handmade clothes.”

“I’m not asking you to buy me a dress.”

“Fine. Camryn has a closet filled with dresses.”

“That would come up to my hip. You remember our height difference, don’t you?”

He eyed me closely. “Hang on a hot potato minute. You want Nana Pratt to make a dress for you.”

“What’s wrong with that? It’s a nice gesture.”

He leaned back against his chair and regarded me. “Let me guess. Your grandmother sewed your clothes when you were a kid.”

“She may have made a few of my dresses for special occasions.” To this day, my favorite was an Easter dress in a multitude of pastel colors. The skirt billowed out when I spun. In that dress, I was Sleeping Beauty instead of Maleficent.

“This is nostalgia talking, not Lorelei.”

“Can’t it be both?”

“No offense to Nana Pratt, but I highly doubt she’s going to make you a style of dress that’s appropriate in these modern times. We have motorized cars now and everything.”

Nana Pratt blinked. “Is he insulting me? I can’t tell.”

I didn’t answer her. “What if I gave her a few concepts to work with? That way I don’t end up with a petticoat and a parasol.”

The elderly ghost clutched the neckline of her robe. “I couldn’t possibly make a parasol.”

“You’ll end up in polka dots or gingham.”

“Aite didn’t own prints and we’re using her fabrics. How about this? Let’s give Nana Pratt a chance and if it doesn’t work out, then I’ll come groveling.”

“No need to grovel. I’ll accept a slow crawl accompanied by a sheepish smile. What time does this momentous occasion take place tonight?”

“Seven thirty.”

Gun tossed his head back and laughed. “Oh, this I’ve got to see. Please send pics. I promise not to post them. They’ll be for my own amusement.”

“Just you wait. I’m going to love it so much I’ll wear it to game night too.”

“Please do.” He checked the clock on his phone. “I’d better get rolling if I intend to throw you the most memorable game night of your life. How about a nice charcuterie board?”

“How about a nice pizza with pepperoni? Ooh, and cheesesteaks with fried onions.”

He clapped my shoulder. “Honey, you don’t want to take indigestion to Helheim with you.”

“If it’s my last meal, I want it to be a good one.”

He sighed. “Okay then. It’s your esophagus.” In an unexpected display of affection, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “See you tomorrow.”

“‘Bye, Gun.”

My chest expanded as he exited the house. Gun was right. A night of fun with loved ones was exactly what I needed before I risked my life in the land of the dead. And if I got trapped there indefinitely, at least I’d have good memories to sustain me.

The sewing machine clicked on, and pieces began to move.

“It works,” Ray said with a note of triumph.

“Fantastic.” I gave Nana Pratt a cheerful thumbs up. I wasn’t giving her a lot of time to work; I didn’t want her to feel too much pressure.

“This is exciting,” she cooed. “A dress and a party. It’s just like old times.”

“While your fairy godmother is working, can I show you something on the computer?” Ray asked.

I walked to the counter where the computer was humming louder than the refrigerator. They seemed to be competing for the title of Most Distracting Sound in the Kitchen.

“I found a map that might help you.”

I glanced at the screen. “That’s an actual map of Helheim?”

“That’s what it claims to be. I can’t be sure, of course, but the identified areas line up with my research.”

I took a picture with the camera on my phone. “Thanks, Ray. This is amazing.” An accurate map could mean the difference between life and death.

He straightened his shoulders. “I do what I can.”

“You do a lot, Ray, and I’m grateful for every bit of it.”

I leaned over to study the map more closely. A cave. A gate. A wall. A river. It was similar to Melinoe’s underworld in terms of the basics, a fact in my favor. Although my memories weren’t fully intact, I’d be more likely to trust my instincts.

“I don’t know where the portal will take me, but this will help me get my bearings once I’m there.”

“How do you get to the portal?”

“Yggdrasil, which I’ll access through the crossroads.”

“You think you can make your way to Yggdrasil right from Wild Acres?” He sounded dubious.

“I do. Multirealm crossroads, remember?”

“Why haven’t we seen any creatures from Helheim in Fairhaven? ”

“Because once you’re there, it isn’t the type of place you can leave.”

“I don’t like the idea of you going there on your own. If you don’t come back, how will we ever know what happened to you?”

I smiled. “You know, Ray? Your sunny optimism is your best quality.”

“I’m serious. I always hated those unsolved mysteries, where you know something bad happened to the people, but their loved ones never find out the truth. The uncertainty is almost worse than the tragedy itself.”

“Or you could have that certainty and believe your parents died in a tragic accident, only to find out years later that you’d been deceived your whole life.” Certainty was only preferable if the information was true.

Ray glanced away. “What would happen to Ingrid and me if you never returned?”

“You know what happens, Ray. Nothing.”

“We’d remain here for eternity,” he said. “That’s not nothing.”

“It’s the choice you made when you decided to stay.” I couldn’t promise to stay here forever; nobody could.

“It isn’t just us I’m worried about,” he said. “Obviously, I care what happens to you. I don’t like the idea of you pushing a boulder uphill for eternity. I know how much you hate manual labor.”

I laughed. “Helheim isn’t a place of punishment. If I get trapped there, I’ll be miserable but not tortured.”

“Somehow that doesn’t make me feel any better.”

I observed the map again. “I’ll go over this with Kane. He might have ideas.”

“That doesn’t strike me as ideal date night material,” Ray said .

“Without a good escape plan, this could be our last date. It’s in his best interest to have the discussion.”

“You know, Lorelei? Your sunny optimism is your best quality,” he teased.

I narrowed my eyes at the ghost. “It’s only funny when I say it.”

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Nana Pratt didn’t need witchcraft. The elderly woman was capable of magic without it.

The sapphire blue dress hugged my body without emphasizing any lumps or bumps. The material was cut just above the knee, which I preferred in case I needed to sprint. A liminal deity should always be prepared. There was a bit more cleavage than I expected from Nana Pratt. I suspected that she simply ran out of time to add a floral lace high-neck collar.

“Gun is going to regret his attitude.” I snapped a photo of the reflection and sent it to him. He replied immediately with two fire emojis followed by a melting face emoji.

Which shoes? he asked, then added. No boots .

I wasn’t planning to ruin the look with boots , I wrote.

No sneakers either .

I stared at the phone, unwilling to admit that I had, in fact, intended to wear sneakers. In my defense, they were pale blue and matched the dress.

I yanked open the door of the bedroom closet and scanned the limited options. I was woefully devoid of footwear.

“What about Aite’s shoes?” Nana Pratt asked.

My eyes bulged. “We kept her shoes too?”

“There may be a couple pairs of strappy sandals in the guest room closet that escaped the bonfire. ”

“I’m already wearing her fabric. It seems wrong to wear her shoes too.”

“Addison would’ve been thrilled,” Nana Pratt insisted. “It’s like she’s on the date with you.”

“Okay, let’s not venture too far down that mental road.”

I darted into the bedroom down the hall and investigated the contents of the closet. Sure enough, there were two sets of heels. I grabbed the black pair and tried them on.

“I feel like Cinderella,” I declared. “It’s a perfect fit.”

“I’m not surprised. Her feet were too big for her body.”

I glanced at her. “No need to disparage the dead.” I took a few steps across the room. They weren’t as comfy as my sneakers or my boots, but they wouldn’t cause blisters by the end of the night.

Sold.

My heels clicked on the wooden floors as I ventured downstairs. Ray awaited me in the foyer. “You look really pretty. How do you feel?”

“Really pretty,” I said, smiling. “Nana Pratt did a great job, don’t you think?”

He nodded. “You’ve got talent, Ingrid.”

“Years of practice,” she replied.

“I guess I’ll drive the truck. The motorcycle will be too tricky in a dress.” Plus, I didn’t want to show up for my date with a head full of knots and tangles. Kane might mistake me for Medusa and bust out his flaming sword.

Ray stood up straight. “Why isn’t Kane driving over here to pick you up like a gentleman?”

“Because I told him not to, and like a gentleman, he listens to my requests.”

Ray made a quiet noise of disapproval. “Have fun tonight but be careful.”

“Careful is my middle name.” In truth, my middle name was Bertha, but that was one secret I was taking to my grave .

The air outside was cool and crisp with the promise of spring as I drove to the Devil’s Playground. The parking lot wasn’t yet at full capacity, but it was getting close.

I stood in line, poking my head out on occasion to get Larry’s attention, hopeful the bouncer would wave me through. I swore I caught his eye, but he pretended not to see me.

When it was finally my turn, I held up my driver’s license for inspection. “Hey, Larry.”

“That’ll be twenty dollars.”

“For what?”

“It’s karaoke night. There’s a cover charge.”

I laughed. “I’m not here for karaoke night. I’m here for a date with the owner of this fine establishment.”

“I have no information about a date.”

“Hey!” a voice behind me yelled. “You’re holding up the line.”

“I only brought ten bucks with me,” I whispered to Larry. I hadn’t been planning to spend any money tonight.

Larry seemed to rethink his plan to make my life difficult. He jerked his head toward the door. “Go ahead.”

“That’s not fair!” someone yelled. “She didn’t pay.”

“She’s dating Mr. Sullivan,” I heard Larry say. “If you have a problem, take it up with him.”

It seemed Larry was the only one allowed to give me a hard time out here. I could probably thank Josephine for that.

The volume of the music increased tenfold as I entered the lounge. A vampire stood on the small stage by the piano, warbling the lyrics to These Boots Were Made for Walking . In a cowboy hat and snakeskin boots, he seemed to have selected his wardrobe to reflect his musical choices.

I strode to the counter. Alessandro was mixing drinks while Josie and Dantalion watched the warbler in silent fascination.

I planted my forearms on the counter. “I’m here for my first date with Kane. How do I look?”

Josie made a gagging sound.

“Wonderful,” Dantalion said.

“And here I thought the phlegm I tasted was from the performance,” Josie cracked.

“Didn’t he tell anyone we had plans tonight?”

“He may have mentioned it,” Josie mumbled.

“He told me as well,” Dan said. “I never thought I’d see him this content.”

Josie snorted. “That’s only because you’ve never seen him polish off a twenty-five-year-old bottle of Yamasaki.”

“That isn’t contentment,” Dan pointed out. “That’s avoidance.” He returned his attention to me. “Does he have a special meal planned for this evening?”

“No idea. I was told to show up at seven thirty, and here I am.”

“I like your dress. It’s very pretty. Surprisingly feminine.”

“Surprisingly?”

He seemed to realize his mistake. “Not because you aren’t feminine, of course. It’s only that your typical attire involves…”

I held up a finger. “If you say synthetic fabrics, I may have to punch you.”

“I was going to say work boots. I don’t really know what synthetic fabrics are.”

“Ask Cam and Gun. They’ll explain in great detail.” And then shame you for them.

Alessandro slid a martini glass across the counter and turned to acknowledge me. “You look hot.”

“Careful,” Josie said.

Alessandro gestured to his Yankees cap. “Lorelei isn’t interested in a guy with a runway across his head or missing teeth.”

“You forgot to mention the ankle brace,” Josie remarked.

Alessandro glanced down. “Because it isn’t worth mentioning. Darcy said it’ll heal quickly.”

“Not if it’s part of the curse,” Josie pointed out.

“What happened to your ankle?” I asked.

“I slipped earlier. It’s fine.”

“Can’t say the same for the tray of espresso martinis you were carrying.” She sniffed him. “You still reek of coffee beans.”

“There are worse smells,” I said.

Alessandro offered a grateful smile. “Will you and Kane be performing a duet tonight?”

I twisted to observe the next singer—a minotaur crooning I’ll Be Seeing You .

Josie smirked. “I can think of a couple songs for you.”

“Like what?” Dantalion asked.

“ Toxic . Bad Blood . I Hate Everything About You .”

“Those sound like songs you ought to be singing,” Alessandro said with a cheerful grin.

“Careful,” Josie said again.

“Is Kane downstairs?” I asked.

“The boss knows you’re here,” she replied. “He’s on his way up.”

My nerves came online as the door at the far end of the room opened and Kane stepped into view. He’d forgone his usual custom suit tonight in favor of three layers of loose-fitting cream clothes. He looked like he’d just stepped off a private jet in Italy and was ready for romance.

Good, because so was I.

He stopped a foot away to gaze at me. “A dress to mark the occasion? I’m honored.”

“I wore a dress to the gala. ”

“Oh, I remember … what little there was of it.” He closed his eyes. “I’m conjuring the memory right now. Exceptional.”

“It should be. It was designed by the Fates.”

“And who designed this one?”

“Nana Pratt.”

He nodded. “Tell her she did an excellent job.”

“Oh, she knows. I still heard her preening about it after I closed the front door behind me.” I cut a glance at the stage. “Is karaoke part of the date?”

He chuckled. “Definitely not. This event was planned long before our date.” His gaze returned to me. “I’d like to talk.”

“Uh-oh. That sounds ominous.”

“Nothing bad, I promise.”

I contemplated the bustling nightclub. “I don’t think this is the environment for it.”

“No. I thought we might sit on the rooftop and stargaze.”

“Are you going to carry me up there by the beak?”

“I suggest a more civilized approach.” He offered his arm, and I accepted it. Together we strolled outside, past Larry and the line of karaoke enthusiasts, to the side of the building.

“Are we supposed to scale the wall?”

“There’s a staircase.” He motioned for me to follow. Hidden behind an archway at the back of the building was a spiral staircase that led to the rooftop.

Hands on my hips, I regarded the staircase. “How am I just now discovering this hidden gem?”

I didn’t find laziness sexy, but somehow Kane’s smile managed to be both.

“Because I’m only now revealing it.” He offered his hand and led me upstairs to the roof where a smattering of soft cushions awaited us, along with a bottle and two glasses. “Drink? ”

“I think I’d better. I feel like I’m going to need it for this conversation you’ve clearly been planning to have.”

He held up a bottle of Puck’s Pleasure and my jaw unhinged. “Another one? Where did you get it?” I’d once told him that I missed my favorite drink, an incredibly rare vintage I’d discovered in London, and he managed to obtain a bottle for me.

“It took a bit of time, but I was able to track down a shipment intended for someone else. Remember the delivery that Dantalion went to pick up in the city the other day?”

“You had him steal it?” That didn’t seem very Kane-like.

“No, I had him negotiate a better deal.”

“Does that mean you were able to get twelve bottles of it?”

His mouth tugged apart at the corners. “Does that please you?”

“Everything you do pleases me. It’s becoming a problem.”

“Oh?” He produced a single sharp claw and used it to extract the cork.

“I guess your flaming sword would’ve been overkill.”

He retracted the claw. “Being a monster has its uses.”

“You’re not a monster, Kane. Far from it.”

He passed a full glass to me. “I’m glad to hear it.”

I made myself comfortable on the cushions, and he settled beside me. “This is cozy,” I said.

“There’s a lot happening. It’s healthy to step away from the chaos on occasion and simply be present.”

I was far too conscious of Kane’s hip touching mine to be anywhere else.

“Now that we’re settled with drinks in hand, tell me why pleasing you is a problem. Don’t you think you deserve to feel pleasure?”

“It isn’t about what I deserve. It’s just … I’m not used to it, therefore, it’s uncomfortable. ”

“I’ll happily do whatever I can to make you more comfortable.”

“I know you would, which somehow adds to my discomfort.” I laughed. “I’m not trying to say I make sense.”

“But you do make sense.”

“I’m glad one of us thinks so.” I sipped the drink. Heaven in liquid form.

“I’m not trying to placate you; I’m serious. You’re not uncomfortable because it’s wrong. You’re uncomfortable because, as you said, you’re unaccustomed to it. Instinctively, you want to reject the overture.”

I drew the glass back to my lips. “I don’t want to reject this, I promise you. It’s the second-best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”

His grin made my heart thunder, sending a waterfall of warmth from my chest to pool between my thighs. If he intended to have a conversation, he needed to start talking—and fast.

“So, what’s on your mind?” I asked.

His whisky-colored eyes turned to flames. “Now? Something far more salacious than my original plan.”

I winced. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I enjoyed the memory.” As he cleared his throat, I could sense his struggle to get the conversation back on track. “Now that we’ve agreed to move forward with our relationship, I thought this might be a good time to discuss dealbreakers.”

“Dealbreakers?”

“In the relationship. I’m a demon from hell. You’re a goddess of the underworld.”

“We both have extramundane baggage. Got it.”

“Not only that, but our nonnegotiables will have a slightly different bent, as well as our preferences.”

I recoiled slightly. “What kind of preferences are we talking about?” If he was about to spring some ancient demon sexual position on me… Well, it was Kane. I’d consider it.

“For instance, I only want to live in this realm. I have no interest in relocating again.”

I smiled. “Glad to hear you won’t be packing up and moving back to your circle of hell, despite Canto’s pleas.”

“To be honest, his visit to me is what prompted this discussion.”

I tipped back my head to look at him. “About that, there’s something I haven’t told you yet.” I spilled the pomegranate seeds about my visit to Hestia and the underworld.

His brow creased. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Because I wasn’t sure it would even matter. If I don’t make it back from Helheim, none of this does.”

He wrapped an arm around me and squeezed. “It matters, Lorelei. All of it.” He brushed his lips against my cheek. “How would you feel about claiming the throne?”

“Are you worried I would? Because you shouldn’t be.”

“You’re one of the most honorable people I’ve ever met, Lorelei. If you’re truly needed in the underworld, I’m not sure you could resist their pleas.”

My smile faded. “You manage to make honor sound like a weakness.”

“It’s only my fear of losing you that’s a weakness, as we’ve already established.”

“Your sense of honor poses the same threat. What happens if you decide that Canto’s right and you should lead another revolution?”

“I agree it wouldn’t be fair to commit to you and then make such a life-altering decision.”

I squinted at him. “You’re not actually considering it, though, right? You told him hell no.”

His mouth twitched with amusement. “Indeed, I did. ”

“But not because of me,” I pressed. “Because if your heart’s desire is to overthrow Lucifer, then I think you should do it. If we’re meant to be, then we’ll find a way to make it work.”

He took my hand in his. “My heart’s desire is seated right beside me.”

My own heart thundered in my chest. I struggled to ignore it. This conversation was important to him, and I needed to see it through before I jumped his demonic bones.

“What’s the difference between a preference and a dealbreaker?” I asked.

“I’m willing to negotiate a preference. For example, I would prefer that my partner be supernatural, but if I fell in love with a human, I might be willing to reconsider that one.”

I cast him a sidelong glance. “Have you ever fallen in love with a human?”

“No, which is why it seemed like a safe example.” He took a sip from his glass. “Your turn.”

I struggled to form thoughts. “I don’t know. If you stay at my house, don’t leave the doors and drawers open. If you open it, then you close it again when you’re finished.”

Kane watched me closely.

I rubbed my nose. “What? Is there something on my face?”

“No, I’m waiting for the rest.”

“I think that’s it.”

“That can’t be it. That’s not even a standard. That’s more of a bare minimum expectation.”

I turned my attention to the stars overhead. They seemed brighter here, with less light pollution than the view from the balcony of the Castle.

“I guess I haven’t given the subject much consideration.” Or any at all. “Never use a witch’s magic to learn about me. If you want to know, ask. If I refuse to answer, accept it. ”

He nodded. “Fair. What about children?”

“Kids ask whatever pops into their heads. No filters.”

“No, I mean are you interested in raising a family?”

The question floored me, not because Kane had asked, but because I was thirty-five-years-old, and I hadn’t once considered whether or not I wanted children of my own. I was too embarrassed to admit that out loud though.

“Can I get back to you on that one or do you need answers now?”

He chuckled. “I don’t need definitive answers. If you don’t know yet, that’s perfectly acceptable.”

“Can you even have children?” And could he have them with me or did he need to find some hot demon lady with whom to procreate?

“I am capable of bearing fruit, yes.”

“Have you already?” Were there little Kanes running around the circles of hell wreaking havoc, or dare I say it, raising Kane?

“No.”

“No, or not to your knowledge?”

“No.”

“Because you don’t want them?”

“I didn’t want them in my old life. Lately I’ve found myself reconsidering. I wouldn’t categorize it as a dealbreaker.”

I sat up straighter. “Because of me?”

“In a sense. It’s more to do with seeing myself through your eyes. Before we met, I wouldn’t have considered myself father material.” He gazed at me. “You’ve made me realize that I deserve to give and receive love in all its forms.”

A lump formed in my throat. “I think that’s the most amazing thing anybody’s ever said to me.” The lump expanded. “Is it a dealbreaker if I decide I don’t want children? ”

“Not for me. I only wanted to share the impact you’ve had on me, and to let you know that if children are nonnegotiable for you, I’m happy to oblige. If not, I’m equally happy.”

“This doesn’t seem too early in the relationship to be having this conversation?” Or too late, considering what was on the horizon?

“I already feel like I’ve left it too late. My feelings, such as they are…”

I snuggled against his chest. “I know. Maybe that’s a reason to stop talking.”

“Absolutely not.” He rubbed my arm. “We’ve already established that we’re not entertaining other romantic partners.”

Thinking of Alessandro’s long list of mystery partners, I peered up at him. “That includes one-night stands, right?”

“It does for me.”

Relief rippled through me. “Me too.”

“If we have a conflict, I don’t want us to avoid it. I want to hash it out in real time, so the problem doesn’t fester.”

“In other words, I should stop hanging up on you.”

He wore a wry smile. “That would be a start.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Do you think you won’t be able to talk to me?”

“It isn’t about you. I was raised to hide myself, remember? I can’t undo a lifetime of conditioning just because the right demon comes along.”

He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Noted.”

“Are you interested in marriage?” I asked.

“Not a dealbreaker, but I like the idea of it.”

“Do demons have marriage ceremonies?”

“Depends on the type of demon.”

“Just to be clear, neither one of us is proposing, right?”

He chuckled. “Not at the moment, no.”

My body relaxed as I sank against him .

“Maybe we should take this downstairs to a more comfortable location,” he said in husky voice.

“And miss out on the stars?”

His whisky-colored eyes smoldered. “Who’s paying attention to the sky when I’ve got the whole universe right here?”