Page 35 of Her Demon Mate
The deep red wine goes down smoothly without a burning sensation lingering in my throat thanks to the lighter alcohol content. Its fruity tones make for a perfect complement to the food.
“Everything is delicious,” I tell Azron. “Thank you for cooking.”
“Not a problem, but none of this can compare to your pastry-making skills.”
“I do bake a mean pastry.”
The conversation between us flows so well that for a while, I forget about the main reason why I’m here. After dinner, we both curl up on the couch, twirling our glasses of paquir and clinking them against one another’s.
“You know, Elia, I’m never one to lie or hold anything back.”
“Oh? Is there something mysterious about you that I don’t know?” I laugh.
“I suppose so, but Vylco already mentioned it on the first night we met. I’ve never really gotten along with anyone I met in this city, except him. I don’t know what it is about me, but I just… don’t get along well with others.”
“I don’t think you’re so bad.”
“Oh, I’m not complaining. I couldn’t give two shits about anyone in this cesspit of a place. I’d much rather be alone than associate myself with anyone here. But there’s been a radical change, and that change is you.”
“Me?” I ask, smiling widely.
“Yeah,” he answers, tilting his head at me. At that moment, there’s a look of wonder in the glint of his beautiful green eyes, flashing like jewelry. “That’s the point I’m getting at. I suppose, in better words, you’re something special that this city doesn’t deserve.”
His language draws me closer to him as if pulled by magic, closing the distance between us.
“I meant what I said about you, too,” I tell him, my hand wandering up to caress the side of his jaw lightly. “You’re not half as bad as you paint yourself to be.”
“I can be,” he groans in a low tone.
“Then show me,” I whisper with desperation.
Our lips meet, a wave of pleasure rocking my body. He lays a hand on my waist, pulling me even closer before sliding it up into my sweater.So much for not enticing him.
He pulls back just when I think things are about to escalate. I remember my mission at that moment, but somehow feel more drawn to him. He certainly knows how to leave a woman wanting more.
“I’ll go get us more paquir. There’s some vintage bottles I have stowed away in my room, even better than the ones in the cabinet.”
He makes a swift exit, leaving me alone in the living room. Sighing, I look around the place unenthusiastically. Unexpectedly, my eyes land on the file I’d been searching for, hidden on a small table that I didn’t see earlier.
I glance towards his bedroom before making a move. Opening the file, I begin a sick and twisted stroll down memory lane, greeted by gruesome pictures of my past murders. They’re supplemented by grisly descriptions of how they were killed, which are almost accurate.
I flick through the pages, eager to see if there’s anything on me. Surprisingly, I find nothing. Just then, Azron re-emerges from his bedroom. I quickly shut the file and step away from it, but I know for a fact he saw me peeping through it.
However, he only smiles.
“Curious about my work, are you?” he asks.
I’m unsure of what to say as he joins me, feigning a light-hearted smile.
“Hmm,” he mutters before shrugging his shoulders. “Screw it. I really shouldn’t be showing you this, considering it’s highly confidential information, but it’s not like a baker can start a war between the xaphan and demons, eh?”
“Yeah!” I laugh, trying not to cringe at the forced sound.
He opens the file up, allowing me to get a more detailed look at what he has. “All of this is part of an ongoing investigation.”
“An investigation?” I ask, realizing this is the perfect chance to pull more information. “On what?”
“You see, the xaphan have been after a serial killer targeting their officials for years. Recently, they’ve been able to trace their movements to Sarziroch. As part of the peace treaty between them and us, we’re unfortunately obliged to help them locate the culprit.”