It wasn’t until the odometer ticked over and confirmed that they’d put a mile behind them that Kate finally glanced over at Adam. Ever upbeat, he met her gaze with a smile. “Thanks for the ride, hun.”
“Of course. I mean, I dropped you off while I was out with the girls, and I wasn’t going to make you walk home, so ….”
“Thanks for that. And how was dinner?”
“It was very good.” There was gossip, of course, but they had all night to chat about Lizzy and her now ex-boyfriend. There was something else on her mind, and she’d been waiting so long to ask. But she needed to be absolutely sure there was enough distance between them. A mile seemed safe enough.
“How was Kyle? He seemed pretty drunk. Again.” She wasn’t trying to sound judgmental, but realized it came out that way. “I mean, it’s just …. He was the last few times, too.” Most things - possession aside, usually - Kyle wasn’t good at hiding. He was an obvious drunk, displaying what Kate considered the Three S’s: squinting, staggering, and slurring. Having only waved to him from the car, she couldn’t confirm the latter, but given that he’d been leaning on the doorframe for support when he’d greeted Adam, it was clear he hadn’t been sober.
Her eyes darted quickly to Adam, but he just shrugged. “I don’t think he meant to be. At least not this time. He stopped drinking when I got there. He accidentally bought Imperials – I was feeling it after one.” A pause. “Are you worried about him?”
There was no need to look over and see Adam’s smirk – she knew exactly the expression he’d be wearing. She really had liked Kyle an awful lot way back when, and sometimes Adam couldn’t help but tease.
“It’s you I worry about.”
“Me? Why me? I’m fine.”
“Seriously, Adam? Why do you think?”
“Do you think I have a drinking problem?” Adam asked, sounding honestly perplexed. Thinking back, there were several occasions he’d come back from Kyle’s more than a little tipsy. One could even say it was almost every time. Definitely a pattern.
“No, dummy. I’m worried you’re going to get hurt. By him.” Throughout their conversation, Kate had been tightening her grip on the steering wheel, and finally released it with those last words; her hands had been starting to cramp in their white-knuckle grip.
“Ah. Well, I try not to worry, so you shouldn’t, either. And you can say his name you know. It’s not going to make him suddenly appear.”
Kate shuddered at the mere thought of the demon’s name passing her lips. She tried not to use it when he wasn’t around, and refused to entirely when he was. Just in case. “Anyhow. How was he tonight?”
“Ryka?” There was that smirk in his voice again, but Kate didn’t find it so charming this time.
“Yes.”
“Asleep. But I’m sure he’d be flattered you were asking about him.” Kate sighed; now Adam was just being difficult. And he quickly figured out she wasn’t pleased when she didn’t respond. “But really - he was dead to the world. I’m sure he knew I was there, but I wasn’t worth waking up for. Which is probably why Kyle’d been drinking. He was bored and lonely.”
“He sleeps that deeply?” Based on how quickly and extremely the demon reacted to things, it was hard to believe that was possible.
“It’s happened a few times where he’s passed out for a few days, maybe even a week or more. Kyle doesn’t know – or maybe just hasn’t said – why, but yeah, when he’s out like that, he’s really out. I mean, sloth is one of the seven, right?”
They were at a stop sign, so Kate took the time to look over at her fiancé. Eyebrows knitted together in confusion, she asked, “What are you talking about?”
With a chuckle, Adam explained, “Ryka’s personality. He told Kyle that’s how demons are made or something. Different proportions of what we call the seven deadly sins. Kyle was telling me about it. Not that long ago, actually.”
She pulled away slowly from the stop, shaking her head. “I can’t believe you’d talk about him like that. You need to be careful, Adam.”
“I am. Always,” he assured her, briefly resting his left hand on her right thigh. It was meant to reassure him as much as it was her. Because careful hadn’t always cut it. Ryka did what he wanted, when he wanted. And not all of those things had been reported back to Kate. For her sanity and Adam’s.
Trying not to let even the slightest hint of fear creep into his voice, he continued, “It was another of those times he was sleeping. Kyle was venting about it. But it really does fit, doesn’t it?”
***
Adam’s visit had been a pleasant surprise. Ryka had been asleep for the better part of a week, waking only for the occasional check-in. It had been worth it – really – but it sometimes felt less so as the days dragged on. The only silver lining was that Ryka’s recovery seemed to be at least slightly faster each time.
And it was nice to have company and not have to worry about the demon’s behavior. But too soon, Kate had been back to pick Adam up. Forcing a smile, Kyle had escorted his friend to the door, then watched as he greeted his wife with a kiss. Kyle may have overdone it with the beer earlier, but it was far more than an impending hangover that made him feel queasy as he watched them drive off.
The knife twisting in his gut was jealousy, and he hated himself for feeling it. Ryka was whole-heartedly devoted, and they never had to be apart. But neither could they be together to do simple things like share a quick kiss. Not helping was Kate’s growing belly, and the knowledge that it was only a few more months before the baby’s imminent arrival meant his friends’ departure.
Nausea and anger growing in turns, Kyle had slammed the door closed and started for bed. What else was there to do?
***
Talking, or even thinking, about the demon wasn’t one of Kate’s favorite pastimes, but sometimes Adam was too interested, and she got dragged into these conversations. She was loathe to admit it, but – at least at a very safe distance and with no way for him to find out – the demon was an intriguing subject. “I suppose. But I don’t know him that well. Nor do I want to,” she finished quickly.
“Fair enough. But he does love to sleep.”
“So that’s sloth, as you said. That leaves six more.”
“Mm. I don’t think wrath needs any expounding on.”
“Agreed.” She’d only needed to see one example to know she never wanted to see another. It had haunted her dreams for too long. “Pride?”
“I barely feel comfortable saying it, but he’s … boastful?” Adam ventured. Even he didn’t want to say that Ryka was full of himself. Though he had every right to be. If Adam had been an immortal with an appropriately god-like physique and the power to turn humans into puppets, he would have felt pretty damn good about himself, too. “Confident? You know what I’m getting at, right?”
“I do. So that’s three down. Gluttony I see. He does have a sweet tooth, doesn’t he?”
“Understatement of the century,” Adam agreed with a laugh. “He’s apparently a chocoholic. Kyle said he never even got one of those dark chocolate cookies you made a month ago – Ryka ate every last one. That night.” No point in worrying Kate more with the reminder that there were other things Ryka hungered for as well.
“Poor Kyle. Next time I’ll send a couple to school with you for him.” Now they were in the driveway, and there was no avoiding the smirk. “Oh, shut up. It’s not like I hate his guts or anything. The poor man deserves an occasional cookie.”
“You will have to send some for home, though, or Ryka will be upset.”
“There’s envy, then, right?”
“I think envy goes far beyond food. Now don’t freak out, but what makes him the most jealous is anyone else taking up any of Kyle’s time or attention.”
***
Is he gone now?
That was a stupid question, and they both knew it. Awake or asleep, Ryka always knew who was around.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“He is,” Kyle mumbled, face buried in his pillow. It wasn’t Adam’s leaving that had woken the demon. With a loud sniffle, he propped himself up long enough to flip the pillow over to the dry side. Even more than he hated himself for being so jealous, he despised himself for being weak enough to cry about it. He wanted to blame his moodiness on the alcohol, but it was a poor scapegoat.
Sorry I was out for so long. You were lonely.
It wasn’t a question, and even if it had been, there was no way to deny it. “It’s hard seeing people be able to touch each other sometimes.” Ryka’s only answer was a quiet whine. “It’s not your fault, dear. It is what it is. I’m glad you’re awake though.”
Not just because you drank too much, I hope.
“No, but ….”
Relax. I’ve got you.
A warm feeling settled over Kyle as Ryka went to work soothing his stomach and relaxing his tense muscles. Very quickly, he began feeling better, but was surprised how suddenly tired he became. Trying to shake it off, he rolled over and attempted to sit up, but exhaustion won and he fell back on his pillow, already out cold.
***
Not entirely meaning to, Kate slammed the car door closed. “And this is why I worry. You tell me anyone else spending time with Kyle makes him jealous, and what do you do? I shouldn’t have dropped you off.”
“It’s fine, really. Like I said, Ryka was asleep.”
“This time,” Kate retorted, her worry showing as anger. She couldn’t help it. How could Adam be so careless with his own life?
“And like I promised, I’m always careful. He lets me know when I’ve overstayed my welcome. But, for whatever reason, me hanging out with Kyle – in moderation - is not a problem.”
“I only pray it stays that way.” And pray she did, every time Adam was visiting his friend. She had never been really religious, although she had been made it all the way through Confirmation in high school. But now she had a very good reason to reach out to higher powers, and did so often. A church wedding hadn’t been her first choice, and she really hadn’t wanted to exclude Kyle. But neither had she wanted her wedding day to turn out like that prom ….
“I promise I can take a hint. Besides, once he’s focused on Kyle, I’m basically invisible.” This had proven true on a number of occasions, in fact.
They were back in the house now, and Kate tossed her bag on the counter and collapsed onto the sofa, kicking her shoes off. Adam followed suit, picking up her feet and setting them on his lap.
“You’re talking about lust?”
Adam scoffed. “And greed. And maybe that’s part of gluttony, too. I’m pretty sure when he’s not asleep, he’s horny. He wants Kyle. All the time.”
***
It was shocking waking up in different clothes than what he’d fallen asleep in. It being Saturday, Kyle’d been lounging around in sweatpants and a hoodie. But sitting up, he found himself in work clothes – khakis and a button-down shirt. He was barefoot, however. Even in dreams, Ryka couldn’t stand shoes. He didn’t like them, and seemed to think Kyle was somehow suffering, too, if he had to wear them.
“Ryka?” Kyle called.
“In here,” came the reply from the kitchen.
Shaking his head, Kyle headed in that direction. “You know, you just woke up. Is this really okay? I mean-” But the words stopped when he found the demon waiting for him, wearing nothing but a hungry stare.
“You want to be touched, and I want to touch you. So come here.”
Heart pounding, Kyle stepped into Ryka’s embrace. The warmth he had felt earlier was nothing – Ryka was fire personified. And Kyle quickly melted into the heat, pressing his body against the demon’s. Eyes closed, his lips sought Ryka’s, and eager to please as always, Ryka gave him just what he needed.
When they parted minutes later, panting, Kyle managed a quiet, “Thank you.”
Chuckling, Ryka moved his hands to Kyle’s shoulders. “Don’t thank me yet.” Never breaking eye contact, he shoved Kyle against the nearest wall. There was an unmistakable growl under his breath as he leaned in close and kissed Kyle’s neck. A kiss that quickly turned into a bite. Kyle gasped, not only at the sudden delightful sting of Ryka’s teeth breaking skin, but also because he was being roughly grabbed through the front of his pants.
“Is this how you want it?” Ryka asked, tilting up Kyle’s chin to admire his work - crimson dots welling up in two semi-circles. Kyle nodded, and felt a claw prick skin on his throat. “Good.” With his free hand, Ryka ripped Kyle’s shirt open, sending buttons flying. A quick glance down showed four bright red scratches – just barely beading blood – across Kyle’s chest. Wide-eyed, he looked back up at Ryka.
The lust burning in those flame-red eyes set his heart to racing. Careless how desperate he seemed, he threw his arms around Ryka’s neck and kissed him. He felt like a junkie finally getting his fix.
At least Ryka was just as needy, unable to pull his mouth away when he admitted, “Don’t worry – you’re not the only one with a bad habit.”
***
“No wonder he always looks so worn out,” Kate remarked.
Eyebrows raised, Adam told her, “I don’t think he minds as much as you might think he does.”
“What do you mean?”
“Hmm, well, what did you like about Kyle? Back when you asked him out.”
Cheeks coloring a little, Kate thought back. To before she had known about Ryka. And before she found out that Kyle wouldn’t have been interested regardless. When she had been smitten with one of her favorite library patrons - the handsome, dark-haired history teacher with nerdy glasses and a shy smile. “Aside from looks?” she offered, laughing as Adam rolled his eyes. “He was quiet. He seemed so … I don’t know … sweet? Innocent, maybe?”
“There it is. He is a nice guy. I’m not going to use the s-word - that sounds too weird.” Adam feigned a shudder, and Kate giggled. “But he’s definitely not innocent.”
Now looking skeptical, Kate replied, “I wasn’t expecting a virgin, if that’s what you’re getting at.” Adam’s only response was an amused grimace. “Are you telling me he’s just as bad as … well, you know who?”
“I seriously think he might be.” Adam had doubted it, too. But Ryka did understand the word “no,” at least when it was Kyle saying it. Which meant, those times they had been caught, Kyle hadn’t said it.
“I find that difficult to believe.”
“Oh? Well, since this is much cheaper than therapy, and you seem to demand proof, let me give you some examples ….”
***
What remained of Kyle’s clothes were in a pile at Ryka’s feet. With great haste, Kyle had torn off the rest of his shirt and stripped off his pants. Ryka had eagerly assisted, of course. Just as eagerly had he agreed to support Kyle in his current position: getting railed against the wall, legs wrapped around Ryka’s waist and arms slung around his neck.
Moaning, Kyle dug his heels harder into Ryka’s lower back, trying to bring him somehow closer. Already buried to the root, Ryka knew this wasn’t possible, but made the effort just to hear Kyle cry out his name again. It came out as a trembling sigh, and Ryka shuddered. He’d hold Kyle up like this forever if he asked.
His arms were hooked under Kyle’s knees, hands bracing against the wall not far from where it offered Kyle’s shoulders some support. Kyle’s fingers were tangled in his hair, and with his head tipped back against the wall, it was easy for Ryka to admire every expression of ecstasy that crossed his host’s face.
And there were many. Now seemed like a more appropriate time to be thanking Ryka – especially since he was doing the majority of the work - one part of his anatomy in particular. But impaled as he was, Kyle felt like he was choking and couldn’t manage much more than pleasured gasps. That seemed to be enough for Ryka, though, as he rewarded each little sigh with another enthusiastic thrust.
Ryka had warned Kyle that as tired as he was, this wouldn’t be another all-night escapade. A quickie, as it were. That had sounded wonderful to Kyle. And felt even better, it turned out.
***
Unblinking, Kate stared at Adam. No, she really hadn’t thought of Kyle like that. And now she couldn’t un-think it. “That was … enlightening.”
“I feel better,” Adam said, only half joking.
“Good for you. But even at-home therapy has a price.”
“Name it,” Adam quickly replied.
“If you’re going to be holding my feet, you could at least rub them.”
“More than fair.” Happy to oblige, Adam did just that. “Did I just completely ruin your image of Kyle?”
“No. Like I said, I wasn’t expecting him to be pure or chaste. Though I’m still a bit shocked. At school, even?”
“You? What about me? Unfortunately, whatever Ryka did to make everyone else ignore the room didn’t work on me.” He was starting to wonder if it was a coincidence.
“Poor thing. You’ll be okay. It’s Kyle I feel bad for.”
Adam paused and looked over at Kate. “Why?”
“Why do you think? He’s stuck with that monster. A violent, conceited monster.” Even safe now in her own home, Kate shivered saying it out loud. What if he found out?
“A monster that loves him endlessly. Crazy as it sounds, they’re both happy. Sins and all.”
***
Chest still heaving as he fought to regain his breath, Kyle leaned forward and moved to rest his forehead against Ryka’s. With a throaty purr, Ryka met him halfway. They were kneeling on the kitchen floor, both completely spent. “We probably should get some sleep now. I’m beat, and you weren’t in much better shape,” Ryka suggested, not sounding convinced at his own words.
“That’s a good idea.”
“It’s a reasonable idea, not a good one.” At that, Kyle laughed. He agreed, but best not to say anything. Instead, he closed his eyes and sank against his partner, who quickly wrapped them both in his wings. “And, uh, sorry about the end there. That one snuck up on me.”
“It’s fine.” When it sounded like Ryka might argue, Kyle continued, “Really.”
“Okay.” There was a pause while Ryka tried to pull Kyle closer. There was no resistance from Kyle, who happily leaned into the embrace. “Ready for bed?” Kyle nodded. “Don’t think you can’t wake me up if you need me. For anything.” His flirty tone made Kyle laugh – neither of them would be in a state for anything but sleeping for quite a while.
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
“Thank you. For that. And everything else.”
Ryka replied, but Kyle couldn’t focus on what exactly was being said. All he knew was that he fell asleep with Ryka whispering love in his ear.
***
“I know you’re right. It’s still hard to wrap my head around sometimes.”
“There’s someone for everyone, I guess. And Kyle ended with one Hell of a someone. No pun intended.”
“Unlikely,” Kate said with a grin. “But I guess you’re right.”
Adam shrugged. “They’re doing better than some people. Which reminds me, did Lizzy dump that asshole yet?”
Grateful for an easy way to change the subject, Kate sat up, crossing her legs and leaning close to Adam. “Oh my God, yes! You aren’t going to believe what happened ….”