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Khloé nodded. “I made a similar point to him. He dances around the edge of my life, but he’s not part of it. He’s never crossed that line.”
“Other than when he slept with you.”
“That was just sex. He fucks women all the time without stepping a foot into their lives.”
“True. Why are you only telling me this now? Why didn’t you mention any of this in front of Harper and Devon?”
“Because they’ll most likely tell me I should accept whatever help and protection I can get. You know what it’s like to have someone messing in your life, trying to have the best of both worlds.” Maddox wouldn’t leave Raini alone but nor would he claim her as his anchor.
The succubus sighed again. “Yes, I do.”
“Devon had a similar struggle with Tanner before they got together when he was intent on helping track whoever put the bounty on her head, but he was clear to her that he’d give her a relationship if he could. He wasn’t just being a meddler. Keenan would never offer me anything. Like you said, he can’t pick and choose how he’s there for me.”
“He clearly thinks he can, though. God, male demons can be so annoying. Especially ones in positions of power, like Primes and sentinels. They tend to forget that their authority only extends so far.”
They both looked up as two cute male demons approached their table.
“Ladies,” greeted the taller of the two. “We were hoping we might be able to join you.”
“Sure,” Raini replied, gesturing at the empty seats.
Khloé wasn’t really in the mood, but as they began to talk, she quickly discovered that they were … nice. Funny. Confident of their own allure, but not cocky or sleazy.
The one on her left, Deke, was quite the charmer, and he turned those charms on her. Her prickly demon wasn’t interested in being wooed, so it aimed a sullen glare his way. But he managed to wrench a few smiles out of Khloé as he talked.
He teased her, didn’t take himself too seriously, made her laugh. He was also flirty without touching her, which she liked. Far too many male demons tried shoving their way into a woman’s personal space.
But, truly, he wasn’t the guy she wished was flirting with her. Wasn’t the guy she wished was wanting her as much as she did him. There was nothing she could do about that, though. And there was no sense in pushing another man away because of it.
Listening intently to his story of how he tied his drunken brother-in-law to a tree the night before the guy’s mating celebration, she felt herself begin to relax. Making it better, Raini was having fun with Deke’s friend Court.
Having finished his tale, Deke shrugged. “He swears he’ll get me back for that, and I can’t say I’d blame him for it.”
“Yeah, it would be fair to say you have it coming,” agreed Khloé. He brushed his hand over her hair, his smile a little on the impish side. “Love how thick and sleek your hair is.” He shifted his body ever so slightly, and she knew he intended to lean in and kiss her.
She was distantly aware of Raini laughing at something Court said. That laugh abruptly cut off, and she muttered, “Oh, shit.”
Khloé looked at her. “What?”
Just then, a tall shadow fell over them.
Khloé looked up and felt her stomach drop. What the fuck was he doing here? Her demon’s sullen mood vanished in an instant.
Staring at her, his face cold, his eyes blazing, Keenan held out his hand. “Come.”
Oh, he had some balls. Like mega balls.
A hush fell over the table. Khloé felt Deke stiffen beside her. She also noticed his friend sit up a little straighter.
“Khloé,” drawled Keenan.
“You don’t have to go anywhere,” Deke said to her. To his credit, he didn’t flinch at the dark look Keenan shot him. But if she didn’t do something to defuse the situation before Deke tried being a hero, the guy would get his ass kicked for sure. He wouldn’t stand a chance against Keenan. And she’d really rather that they didn’t all get kicked out of the bar.
She was more worried by the fact that her demon was intent on going with the sentinel. Khloé didn’t trust that the entity wouldn’t surface, take over, and do something stupid like kiss him right there—it was certainly considering it, since its ego was no longer smarting after he’d admitted she was “important” to him.
With an inward sigh, Khloé slowly pushed out of her chair. “Five minutes,” she said to the incubus. Her demon practically clapped its hands in glee. Ugh.
“Khloé,” said Raini.
“I’ll be fine,” Khloé told her, although her friend didn’t look so worried. In fact, there was a devilish glint in her eyes. Knowing Raini, she found the whole thing swoon-worthy.
