Page 7 of Cuddly Demon

"It's a deal." I extend my hand for a shake, sealing our agreement.

Saint's eyes soften. "Do you miss your brothers?"

My expression turns somber. "Every day. It was tough when my last master locked me in the tomb. To be honest, I didn't see it coming—if I had, I would've escaped his clutches."

"I'm so sorry."

"A master is never supposed to treat the demon who helps them in that way. I assisted him as best as I could, and he backstabbed me. All because he didn't like what I demanded in return. He knew the terms of the arrangement because I made them clear beforehand. I'm not the type of demon who blindsides his masters with demands after performing services. It's wrong and a violation of consent. But I'm grateful to be here with you. You're teaching me so much about the modern world. And I know you'd never hurt me like my last master."

"Never." Saint says this with as much determination as he can. "I can tell you have a good soul. You've experienced hardship and you didn't deserve it. I promise to pay what you require."

"It's not all bad." I grin. "Maybe someday, I'll be able to go back home and see my brothers again."

Saint groans, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "Hell."

I nod. "Hell."

Saint slides a sticky treat toward me. "Try this."

I lift it up, my brow furrowing in confusion. "This doesn't look natural."

"You're going to love it. It's called a Zebra cake."

Opening my mouth, I take a bite of the treat... and groan with delight. An explosion of sugary goodness floods my senses, and I can feel my taste buds dancing with joy.

"This is incredible," I say, swallowing the last bite.

"I knew you'd like it. It's one of my guilty pleasures."

I chuckle. "I can see why. It's like a party in my mouth."

"It's a classic American treat."

I take another bite, savoring the chewy texture and the sweetness that lingers in my mouth. "I can feel my energy levels rising already. Maybe I should indulge in American treats more often."

Saint chuckles. "Don't go overboard now."

A few students swing by our table. "Hey, Saint."

Saint smiles. "Hey."

One plops down in the seat next to Saint. "What's up?"

Saint opens his mouth to respond, but then he looks at me.

I smile. "It's up to you to decide whether you want to tell them about me or not."

Saint turns back to his friends. "Just hanging out with my new boyfriend, Onyx. He's getting his PhD in Classics. We're trying some American treats."

I watch as Saint's friends look at me, hearts in their eyes. One of them raises an eyebrow. "Hiiiiii, Daddy."

"You are cute," another one drawls.

Saint's face turns red. "Ignore them, Onyx. They're only teasing."

The group of students leaves, and Saint lets out a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry. I hope my friends don't scare you away from me."

"I'm flattered, beautiful boy." I let out a laugh as I pat his hand. "It's been a long time since someone complimented me like that. Now, they're lucky they didn't see me in my true form. They would've screamed."