“What about the other two?”
“Shelter and firefighting. You’re not going to be involved in the firefighting,” Duke said dryly. “And I won’t ask you to join us on the shelter visits. You need time off for yourself.”
Nat nodded slowly. “Okay.”
“In case I haven’t said it yet—I’m impressed.”
“With me?”
Duke smiled warmly. “Do you see me talking to anyone else?”
“The person behind me?”
At that, Duke laughed. “You know that’s just going to give you spooky dreams, right?”
Nat made a face. “Damn it. I don’t want spooky dreams!”
Duke hesitated. “Would you like to sleep in a bed, instead of the couch? I have guest rooms. I just didn’t want to move you into a place you hadn’t been before, while you were asleep.”
“Oh.” That was really nice of him. “I—I guess I don’t mind moving. I like soft pillows.” Nat wasn’t even sure why he was saying all thatto his boss,but Duke merely set aside his banana, and scooped both Nat and Wanda into his arms. Warmth soaked through Nat’s clothes.
I’m pressed up against his bare chest!
Nat squeaked and flailed. Duke didn’t seem to mind. He made sure Wanda was safely in Nat’s arms, then carried them up the stairs and into a bedroom. There, he deposited Nat and Wanda on the bed.
Nat tried not to whimper at the loss of Duke’s body heat. Instead, he turned his attention to his surroundings.
The guest room was simple, with a closet and a desk, large windows, and…
The bed washuge.Nat stretched his arms above his head and pointed his toes—only then did he manage to touch both ends of the mattress. “Why’s the bed so huge?”
“Not all my guests are small like you,” Duke said dryly. “I found it easier to have oversized beds, than undersized.”
“Is your bed also oversized?” Nat slapped his hands over his mouth. “Aw, crap! I keep doing this.”
Duke laughed quietly. “My bed is just the right size.”
“I’mnotthinking about your bed right now.”
The demon raised an eyebrow, his mouth curving into a sinful smirk. “Iwouldoffer you half my bed, to help chase away those spooky dreams... Except you don’t want to think about it.”
Nat’s mouth fell open. “Wait. You—You were going to offer me your bed?”
Duke grinned. “What if I was?”
Nat tried not to feel disappointed. “Um, my answer would be different, maybe?”
“Whatwouldyour answer be, if I were to offer it now?”
Natblushed.Especially when Duke continued to watch him intently. “I would accept,” he mumbled. “To, uh, chase away the bad dreams. You’re strong enough to make them cower.”
“Things I learn: Flexing my muscles scares away bad dreams.”
“Well, there are some muscles you can flex more than others.” Nat couldn’t help peeking at Duke’s boxers. Duke caught him staring before he could look away. “Damn it,” Nat whined. “You’re supposed to catch me when I’m all cool and on top of things, not when I’m ogling you with a foot in my mouth.”
“I like that you’re looking.” Duke stepped forward with a grin. He wriggled his fingers. “C’mon.”
“Really?” Nat scrunched up his forehead. “You’ve only known me for a day. Well, two, if you count the sample collection.”
