AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The lack of effort alone is enough to make me smile, looking at the side as I do so. Returning my gaze to Azron, he beams at me with a look of anticipation.
I decide to forgive him, realizing that he ultimately had good intentions. Apart from that, I find it endearing that a demon would apologize to me. It’s a first.
“Just for future reference, I would advise that you work on admitting guilt and taking accountability before saying the word ‘sorry.’ It makes for a better apology.”
“Duly noted,” replies Azron, flashing a smile at me. “So this is where you work then.”
“Yep,” I say, gesturing to the interior. “Not a bad place, is it? So, did you actually want something to eat, by the way?”
“Oh, no,” he says before his eyes dart to the illustrious display of enticing pastries. “Well…” He smiles again, this time shaking his head. “I also came just to check and see how you were doing.”
“You did?”
“Yeah, I know you said you’re fully capable of handling yourself. I saw plenty of that last night. Regardless, I know that can scar you like nothing else. I just needed to see if you’re alright.”
“I’m quite alright,” I answer. “Thanks for asking.”
Azron casts a glance around the shop. “What about your boss? Any sign of him?”
“Tonnolun? He’s usually here around this time so I don’t know what could be taking him so long to arrive.”
“Maybe some of those punches you were giving him last night are having a late effect. He could be knocked out cold in his bed right now.”
I burst out laughing. As I calm down, I notice Azron gazing at me as if he’s checking me out. It’s a good thing that I’m behind the counter, otherwise, he’d see my legs shaking with excitement.
“Elia, I –”
Just then, the door behind me opens. We turn to see Tonnolun stumbling in, his face and body covered with bandages and dried blood stains. Groaning, he holds a rag against his bruised cheek while holding a cup of kaffo in the other. The bakery goes quiet.
The silence catches the attention of Tonnolun, who turns around to face us with a disgruntled look. At the sight of Azron, he freezes, his eyes going wide. He opens his mouth to speak but only stutters.
“It’s – It’s you!”
“I came to pick up one of your finest baked goods,” says Azron in the most monotone voice I’ve ever heard.
Tonnolun turns back the way he entered, high-tailing it out of the bakery.
“Well,” I say, turning back to Azron. “Something tells me that I won’t have to worry about my boss, at least not while you’re here.”
“I suppose I’ll just have to stick around then, won’t I?” he says, his voice returning to that silky smooth delivery.
Suddenly, it’s very hot inside the bakery. Azron and I stay smiling at each other, and I find myself completely rid of the anger inside of me, at least for now.
“Excuse me?” says the customer who had ordered before Azron made his presence known. “May I get that unholy sweet roll now?”
12
AZRON
The words felt strange coming from my mouth.
You’re a demon! You shouldn’t be apologizing for anything! Especially not to a human! You did nothing wrong!
I am unable to say anything as I look at Elia, who has gone back to helping a customer.
Even though apologizing to Elia felt strange, it was worth it.
Because every few minutes, while she helps the bakery’s customers, she glances up at me and flashes a smile.
