Page 17 of Cuddly Demon

I nod, winking at him. "You're welcome to cuddle with me some more. Maybe we can keep watching the drag queen show."

Saint grins. "I thought you'd never ask."

SIX

SAINT

As the semester wears on, I must admit, having a demon who helps me with my assignments, organizes my class notes, and even makes exciting gifts appear when I least expect it is exactly what I needed.

Last week, Onyx left a hand-drawn map of the campus in my backpack, complete with hidden spots for quiet study and secret shortcuts to avoid the crowds. It's become my go-to guide for navigating the hectic halls and crowded lecture rooms.

He also deposited a beautifully crafted crystal vase on my desk filled with my favorite flowers. It was unexpected, but it made me feel appreciated. Onyx has a way of surprising me with little things like that, and I love it.

I can't forget the book on my desk about the history of queer culture that I devoured in one sitting. It's amazing to think how far we've come, and how much further we still have to go.

I draw parallels between the treatment of gay people and demons over the years. The LGBTQ+ movement has helped queer people, but there hasn't been a similar movement for demons. That's why they experience so much prejudice when people believe in them at all.

But despite all the academic help and gifts Onyx gives me, I can't help but feel a growing attraction towards him.

It's not just his stunning looks and ripped physique that turn me on—although those certainly don't hurt. No, it's the way he listens to me, challenges me, and makes me laugh.

Onyx is... everything I've wanted in a partner. He looks out for me, ensures I eat my vegetables, and always, always surprises me in the best and most thoughtful ways he can.

Also, he's a fantastic cuddler. That's the most important thing.

Onyx exits the shower and spots me on the sofa watching the romance movie channel. "Hey, beautiful boy."

My cheeks flush, because every time he uses that nickname, I get flustered. "Hey."

Onyx dries his thick, luscious black locks with his towel, shaking his hair out. I can't help but admire the way the water droplets cling to his muscular chest. My eyes trail down to his abs and then back up to his pecs. It's tough not to admire his beauty as he moves with fluid grace, his muscles rippling under his skin.

"Can I watch this movie with you?" he asks, sitting down next to me and pulling me into his arms.

I snuggle into his chest, my heart racing at his touch. "Sure."

"Want me to make popcorn or anything?"

I snort and grin. "Yeah, that sounds great."

Onyx gets up to make the popcorn, and I can't help but admire his tight, round butt as he walks away. Damn, this demon is fine.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. This can't be happening. I've never had a boyfriend in my life. I'm a total virgin, and yet the hottest demon to ever live wants me. How?

Onyx comes back with the popcorn and settles back onto the couch with me, and I can't help but feel a sense of rightness about it all. Okay, I'm starting to develop real feelings for Onyx. Ones that make me turn to mush inside, as warm and gooey as the brownies we ate in the campus café.

And?

No matter the circumstances, I have to trust that love will prevail.

Nibbling buttery popcorn, we both turn toward the movie. It's a new one about two people from different worlds who fall in love, despite the odds against them.

As we watch, I can feel Onyx's breath on my neck and it sends shivers down my spine. I turn to him and see him looking at me with a soft expression, his eyes reflecting the flickering light of the TV screen.

Without thinking, I lean in and kiss him. It's a soft, tentative kiss at first, but it quickly deepens as Onyx responds eagerly.

We break apart, and I look into his eyes. "I... I'm so confused about this, Onyx. Some days, I'm confident I should quit being a pansy and give myself to you. Other days, my heart tells me to wait. I'm letting fear win, and I hate that, but I can't make up my mind. You're beautiful inside and out, but I've never been with anyone in an intimate way before. I didn't even have a friend I jerked off with during sleepovers growing up. All I did was read... dirty books."

Onyx leans in, his nose rubbing mine. "That's perfectly okay. You can take as long or short as you need. The way you open up to me and express your true feelings tells me all I need to know. You're a good, sweet boy, one I'm honored and eager to spend time with. If you're not ready, I'll work every day to prove to you that I'm a great choice to give your virginity to. Hell—we don't even need to have sex, not right away. Maybe I'll just suck your dick and give you the best orgasm of your life. That'd be fun, wouldn't it?"