Demon Blind, page 11
We let them sit in the water for a minute before trying. They had a little give but not a lot. We cracked five sets of frames before I called it quits.
“I don’t think this is going to work,” I said. “The frames just aren’t the right shape.”
He turned over the frames and looked at the lenses for several beats.
“I think I have another idea, but we’ll need Dad’s help.” He glanced at the windows. “It’s too late to ask him now. But we can go see him in the morning.”
“Dad? Who’s he?”
“Mya’s father. He knows many ways of making things. I think with his tools, we can carve this piece from wood and attach any of these plastic arms.”
I grinned at the flutter of hope blooming in my chest. “That could work.”
Scath grunted and started putting away the undamaged frames. I glanced at the clock on the stove. Brooke had set it for me, using the time from her watch, which she thought was fairly accurate. It was only eight.
“Do you want to watch a movie?” I asked.
“It would be better if we slept. Making your frames will take time, and I would like to start at first light.”
“Oh, yeah. Sure.” I took his plate to the sink and started washing it. When I turned around to see if he was ready to go to bed, he was already putting a pillow and a folded blanket on the couch.
“Do you need anything before you go to bed?” he asked, not looking my way.
“No. I guess not.”
Trying not to overthink the situation, I went to the bedroom. However, my confusion ate at me as I brushed my teeth and got ready for bed. Why keep me if he had zero use for me? Why talk about a long-term relationship if he was going to sleep on the couch? Sure, he said we’d take it slow, but what exactly were we taking slow? Getting to know one another? Because that was what it felt like.
Maybe sleeping in the same bed was a bigger deal to him than it was to me.
What did it matter if he slept out there, though? Hadn’t I already decided that I was going to go out there and find someone new once I had my glasses fixed? Tomorrow would be a perfect opportunity to start meeting people.
But the idea of trying to meet someone else while Scath worked on custom frames for me made me uncomfortable. Like I was using him just to get the frames so I could see again and then bail.
I slid under the covers but only stayed there for a few seconds.
The light was off in the living room as I made my way down the dark hallway, but I heard him sit up.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“Yeah. A lot, actually.”
I heard him get up and hurry toward me.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
His hand skimmed over my arm like he was checking for injuries. That level of caring made my heart skip a beat.
“No. I’m confused, Scath. You said you want a long-term relationship, and I get that you want to take things slow, but I don’t understand why you’d want to sleep on the couch instead of in the bed with me. Isn’t the point of going slow to get to know each other? We’re not talking much. We’re spending some time together, but it feels—” I sighed. “—I don’t know. Stilted, I guess. I’m just trying to figure out why you want me here when you’re so obviously not attracted to me.”
His hand left my arm. Silence echoed around me. Frowning, I lifted my free hand to feel in front of me. Fingers caught mine.
“I am here,” Scath said softly.
“Are you? Because it doesn’t feel like it sometimes. What do you want from me, Scath? Why did you offer to let me live with you and mention a long-term relationship? Is this really the kind of relationship you want? Distant? Separate?”
CHAPTER TWENTY
SCATH
I looked at her beautiful, upturned face and fought the urge to fit my lips to hers and take what I knew she would willingly give. But I couldn’t. A kiss wasn’t all I wanted. I wanted Apryl. I wanted her so badly I could think of little else but the scent of her skin and the soft pillow of her lips.
Yet, if I told her how badly I wanted her, would she understand it wasn’t only for sex? Would she know that I wanted her, the woman who fascinated me with every little smile and graceful stretch of her fingers? With every cautious step and inquisitive question?
My fingers played with hers as I considered my next words.
“Did you know that my brothers and I lived in caves deep beneath the surface before we came here?” I asked.
“Yeah. I know that.”
“There was no sky. Only the blackness of the caves or the dim glow of the crystals.
“The first time I saw the sunlit sky, it hurt my eyes. I could barely keep them open, but even as they watered, I couldn’t stop looking at the sky. It was strange, yes, but so beautiful. So unlike anything I could have imagined. And now that I’ve seen it and felt the sun’s warmth on my face, I never want to return to the caves, no matter how much I might miss the home I knew.
“And it was like that when my brothers and I first saw females. They were strange but so beautiful.
“When I look at you, Apryl, it is like looking at the bright sky for the first time. But it is not my eyes that hurt.”
I pressed her palm to my bare chest, right over my heart.
“The thought that you might not want me as I want you pains me here, and I struggle to find the words that will win your heart. I don’t know how else to prove my attraction to you.”
She slowly shook her head at me. “Show some interest in me—especially when I’m naked. Sleep next to me at night. Touch me. Kiss me. Any form of physical contact, really.”
My cock ached at the thought of touching and kissing her.
With a sigh, I set my forehead to hers. The way her pupils remained unfocused told me that she couldn’t see me. But I could see everything about her. Including the way her thin shirt clearly displayed her enticingly dark nipples.
“I wish to know your mind before I know your body,” I said hoarsely.
“Can’t you get to know both at the same time?”
“Until I know your mind, how will I know if you are offering your body because you fear losing your home rather than because you desire me more than any other male in existence?”
She frowned slightly as a small smile tugged at her lips. It was an odd combination I’d never witnessed before.
“In existence?” she said. “That’s a pretty tall order. But I guess that makes sense. Why settle for someone who isn’t fully committed to being with you, right? Okay. Then we’ll work on getting to know each other. But can you please commit to sleeping in the same bed as me? We don’t have to do anything physical. I just like knowing that you’re there. And we can talk as we’re winding down from the day.”
Unable to help myself, I pulled back to smooth my fingers over the soft curve of her cheek.
“Yes. I will sleep beside you.”
“Every night,” she said, wearing a determined look on her face.
“Every night,” I echoed.
She flashed another smile and, holding my hand, led me down the hall to the bedroom. I watched her slide under the covers and tilt her head as she listened for me to join her. If the sun had blinded me that first day on the surface, seeing Apryl bathed in the light from the sliver of moon struck me dumb.
I wanted to tell her how much I ached for her. How much I wanted her touches and kisses. Instead, I got into bed with her and lay beside her, not daring to touch her.
“Has Dad made frames for glasses before?” she asked.
“I don’t know.”
“Why do you think he can help, then?”
“He will know what tools to use to do what I wish.”
She rolled toward me, tucking her arm under her head.
“I’ve gotten used to fumbling my way through one day to the next,” she said. “But I really want to be able to see you.”
Her words filled me with hope and desire.
“Why?”
“So I can see your eyes when you’re looking at me.”
That worried me. Most humans didn’t find our eyes attractive. What if she saw them and changed her mind about living with me?
She closed her eyes and moved a little closer so I could feel each of her exhales on my bare chest. I leaned in until my nose almost touched her hair and inhaled her scent.
“I can’t remember the last time I felt this safe and warm,” she said softly. “Being here with you is addicting. I know you think I might only like you because of the food and the house, but neither of those things would mean anything without you. You’re the safety, Scath. Not the house.”
Her arm slipped around my waist and settled there as she sighed softly.
“I wasn’t kidding when I said I missed contact. I really hope you’re the snuggly sort of guy who likes hugs because I’m that kind of girl.”
“I like hugs,” I said, trying to ignore my reaction to having her in my arms.
“Good.”
I waited for more, but she didn’t say anything else as her breathing evened out. She didn’t roll away from me once she was asleep but melted even closer.
Thoughts clouded by the need throbbing through my shaft, I ran my hand over the length of her arm. Down and up again. My wrist brushed against her breast, and I stilled. Her breathing remained even as my gaze darted to the tempting mound of flesh that had tormented me since she emerged from the bedroom after her shower. Her nipple called to me, begging for a touch, for attention.
Transfixed, I lifted my hand from her arm and brushed a fingertip over the dark circle. She didn’t stir as I gently explored the feel of her through the almost non-existent shirt. However, when my palm covered the entirety of her breast and I gave a gentle squeeze, something did happen. Her nipple pebbled under my palm.
Biting back a groan, I released her and rolled onto my back. Her arm slipped lower, settling on my lower stomach. My cock pulsed with need only inches from her fingers. I imagined her hand sliding down and gripping my shaft firmly. Stroking it. Teasing the head. Then her mouth closing over it.
My hips bucked without permission, and I began to release. Each pulse hit me with unexpected force until I finished with a weak grunt. Stunned, I lay there for a moment and tried to catch my breath.
Apryl sighed softly and moved closer to me, resting her head on my chest and pinning me in place. I couldn’t decide if I should settle in or get up to shower and change.
The idea of leaving her had me wrapping an arm around her waist and holding her close. Rather than focusing on how she felt pressed against me, I focused on what I would need to do the next day. Dad would know how to cut a thin slice of wood. He may even have an easier way to cut away the excess until we had the general shape of the frame face. The rest I would be able to do with a knife.
I visualized Apryl’s reaction when I handed her frames that would hold her lenses and felt my cock stir. Easing out from underneath her, I grabbed a clean pair of shorts and headed to the bathroom.
Two releases later, I felt sufficiently relaxed and joined her in bed. She immediately reclaimed a portion of my chest for her pillow, making dissatisfied sounds until she was curled around me once more.
Smiling to myself and thinking I was the luckiest fey in the world to have found a woman who loved touching, I closed my eyes.
I only managed a few hours of sleep before I woke to an explosion of pain radiating from my groin. Before I could process what was happening, the weight of Apryl’s leg shifted off my waist. Already firing more danger signals than my brain could process, my testicles seized a second time despite the less aggressive brush with her knee as she straightened her leg.
The first breath I managed was barely more than a moan. The second came a little easier, and with it, I managed to protectively cover myself and roll away from Apryl, who remained peacefully asleep.
Each step toward the bathroom sent a new shard of pain through my groin. I wasn’t entirely sure I would be able to father children or even achieve an erection ever again. But gradually, the throbbing eased, and I could manage a deep inhale with minimal wincing.
Not wanting to go back on my word and sleep on the couch, I decided to start breakfast while I held a snow compress between my legs.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
APRYL
I woke with a stretch and a huge sense of contentment, immediately thinking of Scath’s words the night before. The guy was crazy if he thought he had no word game because he’d absolutely won me over by comparing me to the sunlit sky.
When he’d followed me to the room, I’d expected some more awkwardness. Especially when I rolled toward him to test the sincerity of his claim to like me. Instead, I’d been surprised by his willingness to let me snuggle up to him and how he’d admitted to liking hugs. It was a good sign. So was how amazing it felt falling asleep in his arms. Granted, he hadn’t exactly returned the snuggle, but it was only our second night together, and he had said he wanted to take it slow.
It finally felt like we were off to a decent start, though.
A hint of something delicious teased my nose, and I turned my head to look at the empty spot beside me. I wasn’t mad that he hadn’t stayed in bed, not when he was out there cooking me breakfast. After everything I’d been through in recent months, it felt damn good to be spoiled. I just wished he’d let me return the favor.
Shaking my head due to my bad luck, which had started all his doubt in the first place, I got out of bed and went to the closet to pick out something new to wear. I skipped the paper-thin options and selected a top with a bit more material since we’d be meeting other people.
Even though I no longer planned to find a fey more interested in me than Scath, I wanted to look presentable. I did not want to make a poor first impression when it came to meeting the parents of the leader of Tolerance.
Dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, sans bra, I grabbed my lenses from the nightstand and went out to the kitchen. Scath stood at the counter stirring something in a bowl.
“Morning,” I said, watching him. “It smells amazing in here. Thanks for starting breakfast.”
“You’re welcome.”
I sat on the stool. “I can’t remember the last time I slept so comfortably.”
Was it my imagination, or had he just winced?
“How did you sleep?” I asked.
He didn’t glance back at me when he answered that he’d slept fine.
Tapping my finger on the counter, I watched him through the lens and tried to decide if he was being standoffish again or if he was really focused on cooking.
“Can I help with anything?” I asked.
“No. Stay where you are. I’m almost done.”
He poured some of the batter onto a hot griddle, and while the pancakes cooked, he pulled out several dishes from the oven. He lined the counter with scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, sausages, biscuits and gravy, and a pitcher of orange juice.
“How long, exactly, have you been awake?” I asked, looking at it all.
He reached up and scratched the edge of one of his ears. “I’m not sure.”
“Don’t fey sleep as long as humans?”
The tips of his ears darkened, and he turned away to flip the pancakes. “Sometimes. Eat. We can leave as soon as we are finished.”
His arm brushed my side as he set a plate in front of me and took the stool beside mine. Reassured that he wasn’t withdrawing, I helped myself to some of everything.
The first bite of biscuits and gravy drew a long “mmm” from me.
“These biscuits are amazing,” I said, already moving on to try some egg with the gravy. “This is so good.”
If I offended him by talking around a mouthful of food, he didn’t let on. He just kept eating his own breakfast as I wolfed down mine. I didn’t manage to finish everything before I leaned back with a groan.
“You’re not going to throw this away, right? We can have it again for lunch.”
He chuckled. “I won’t throw it away, but Mom will probably want to feed us while we’re there.”
I got up and started helping him clear away the dishes with one hand while watching him through a lens with the other.
“How did you learn to cook like this?” I asked. “I imagine it’s not the same food you were used to.”
“No, it’s very different. Mary and Emily have been teaching some of us how to make human meals so we can help with the food kitchen at Tenacity.”
The food kitchen was still relatively new. Less than a week old.
“How long were they teaching you before they started the food kitchen?”
“Two days.”
“Wow.” I put away the dried plates and turned toward him. “Were you just messing with me about needing help with the brownies, then?”
He shook his head and put the last wrapped dish into the refrigerator.
“No. The boxes can have unique ingredients and measurements for what’s needed, which I can’t read. The biscuit recipe I know from memory. The same with the pancakes and how to make the eggs.”
“Ah. What else do you know how to make?” I asked as we moved toward the door.
“Grandma’s fighting meatballs.”
The way he grinned a little as he said it sent a thrill through me.
“Thank you for teaching me,” he added.
“You’re welcome.”
He helped me into my jacket and zipped me up before stepping back and studying me.
“Would you like me to carry you there, or would you like to walk?”
I tucked my other lens into my jacket pocket and glanced at the window. It was still really early. Just after dawn.
“I’d like to walk,” I said, thinking that Mya’s parents might appreciate a little more time before we showed up unannounced.
“So tell me more about Tolerance. I didn’t get to know much when I was here last time.”
“The homes all have solar, thanks to Dad and Ryan, and wood heat. The wall is being refortified in some places, making it higher for better vantage points to watch for infected and hounds. With the arrival of the rest of my brothers, some of the homes are occupied by more than one fey. However, Mya, Matt, and June are working with Ryan to establish a new settlement. Mya and Drav make the decisions for this settlement. Matt and June are making decisions for Tenacity. But it’s still undecided who will help make decisions for Unity.”
