Chapter Seventeen: Sin.net:

Negotiations began today. Jiao and Roka lay in bed together.

“We have to talk,” she said.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Jiao looked down at her hands. “I…” She paced herself to start again. “I love you.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t get it at first. “So… why is that a problem?”

“It’s not in my nature.”

“Everyone can change. I mean, look at me.”

“Yeah, but you were a good boy. I am a whore.”

“I don’t think you are.”

“Come on, don’t play around here.”

“I’m not!”

She sighed and tapped him on the nose. “This part of the problem: you are too good to me.”

“That’s because I love you.”

“Can you stop saying that for one moment?”

“But…”

“Just stop talking and listen to me for a change!” She glared at him as he drew his mouth closed. Jiao took in a deep breath. “Thank you. Now listen, I love you, but I’m not ready to leap into a relationship just yet.” She held up her hand when he opened his mouth to speak.

“Let me finish,” Jiao spoke up. Roka drew his mouth closed again.

“Thank you,” the demon said. “I don’t want a label on whatever we have here. Yes, we do sleep together and you live with me. I do love you, but I’m not ready to put label on it yet. We can stay together, though.” Roka blinked at her.

“Okay…” he said. “But…”

“What is it now?”

“We are we now?” he asked. “If we aren’t lovers or a couple, then what exactly are we?” Jiao couldn’t answer his question.