Page 10 of Cuddly Demon

I shrug. "I don't know yet. Maybe start a popular Book Tok account or travel the world. Or a book blog. There's so much out there to see and do. The sad thing is that travel requires money. It's hard to live a fulfilling life without a great job."

"Well, maybe we can travel together someday," Onyx suggests, a mischievous grin forming. "I am a demon, after all. We can go places without paying for camel rides."

I snort. "A camel ride?"

"That's how you go from place to place. Correct?"

I crack up with laughter. "Camels aren't really… en vogue these days. We have cars and planes now."

"Planes?" Onyx scratches his forehead.

"A plane is a big metal bird that takes you from one place to another."

"That sounds incredible. I'd love to see a plane someday."

"They're not as great as you think. And they're pricey to go on."

"I tell you what. I'll figure out how to access the demon transportation portal, and we can tour the world together, visiting all the places you've only read about in books. Egypt. Rome. Luton, England. All the wonders of the world."

"How have you heard about England? That wasn't formed yet when you were alive."

"The book we're reading has a character from England."

We return to the book, and sure enough, one of the main characters is from Luton. The author describes him as having a "stunning English accent."

I howl with laughter, sliding my Kindle down. "This author has never stepped foot in England in her damned life."

"Why do you say that?"

"Luton... isn't Oxford. Or Cambridge. It's the worst city in England. There is no 'stunning' Luton accent."

"Ahhhh. I assumed it was the home of English royalty."

"Not exactly."

"Well, it's not very nice to say it's the worst city in England. I'm sure there are good people in Luton."

"You're right, Onyx." I smile, resting my head on his shoulder. "Thank you for correcting me. There are good people everywhere, and it's important to remember that. We shouldn't judge a place or its people based on stereotypes."

Onyx wraps his arm around me, holding me close. "You're so wise, beautiful boy. I love how you see the world."

I blush, feeling his warmth and his affection. "I love how you see the world too, Onyx. You're unlike anyone I've ever met before."

Onyx leans in and kisses me again, his lips gentle and tender. He swirls his tongue around my mouth, making my heart flutter.

The weight of my insecurities and fears lifts off my shoulders. I've found a missing piece of myself, a piece I never knew was missing until now.

With Onyx, I can be myself. I can finally breathe.

"I'm a little sleepy." I blink my eyelids. "I could go for a nap."

"Me, too." Onyx yawns, then wraps me in his arms. "I have a hard time sleeping unless I'm holding someone like a big cuddly brown bear. Is that okay with you?"

It's more than okay.

It's everything I've ever wanted.

I burrow into Onyx's chest, relishing the way his firm, toned arms hold me tight.