He watched her, arms crossed. He thought she was being difficult. He couldn't know that she was about to become the only thing standing between his soul and Darkyn.
"I have to figure this out," she murmured. "Can I have a little time?"
"Whatever you need."
"Don't worry. I'll figure it out way before our deal is up," she said, rolling her eyes.
"What deal?"
"The one between me and your Deidre."
"You made a deal." He crossed his arms, wary once more. "Do I want to know what it was?"
She hesitated. "No. Because it doesn't matter."
"Your deal is sealed by the Dark One. Why do I have the feeling he's waiting to collect?"
"I can't talk about it with you, Gabriel. She shouldn't either," she said quietly. "Please just know I bear neither of you ill will, despite the outcome."
"Fuck," he muttered. "That scares the shit out of me."
"It shouldn't. I'm the only one in this mess who isn't out to hurt anyone else," she retorted. "It's strange, but I've learned from Darkyn not to be ashamed of my nature. He laughs at me for being unwilling to hurt anyone else, but he says no one should feel shame about who they are."
"He's a living example of that," Gabriel remarked wryly. "Life lessons from a sociopathic demon lord. I never expected him to be capable of treating you well."
"He does, in his own way," she replied. "Can I get your soul from the underworld?"
"A demon of human origin?" he shook his head. "Neither humans nor demons are permitted entry to the underworld."
She gave a sound of frustration.
"It would take all of five seconds," he said. "I'll accept all risk and if Darkyn is angry, I'll take you with me."
"Let me figure it out," she repeated. "Thank you for checking up on me and for the offer to protect me."
"It's the least I can do."
Troubled, Deidre nodded. She nibbled on her lower lip, thinking furiously.
"Romantic setting for two former lovers." The Dark One's low growl made Deidre blink.
"We're just talking. No need to be jealous," Gabriel said, bristling.
"One might ask why you're distressing my mate," Darkyn said.
Deidre sighed. "I'm not distressed. He didn't do or say anything bad." But she did want to feel him close to her. She had no idea if Darkyn sought her out when she was upset because he thought she might be in danger or because he was concerned about her being with her ex.
She crossed the short distance to her mate and paused in front of him, breathing in his dark scent. Darkyn's frame was rigid and his growl loud. She leaned forward until she was resting against the demon, who didn't move away. His warmth was comforting, his hard body her home. She nudged his chin with her cheek to try to soften his mood. He lifted his head, refusing her.