Asmodyr sat on the coffee table across from Mina who sat cross-legged on the couch. A moment of silence stretched between them as one studied the other.

  “So, walk me through this ‘contract’ I'm new to this.” Mina asked, hesitant to find her voice initially.

  “To put everything simply in terms you can understand. I am bound to you and you are bound to me respectively. But we can get into the specifics if you wish.”

  “Please do, I'm not about to accidentally step on a demon’s toes.”

  He clapped his hands together and grinned,

  “Contracts are made from intentions and wishes. Some want revenge, wealth or power. However you, most interestingly want companionship, a boyfriend. You are certainly a first,”

  He paused, pointing to the back of his hand. Mina in response looked at hers and noticed an insignia of a black rose surrounded by a circle of thorns. Her breath hitched and her eyes went wide, “What is this? Is this bad?”

  Asmodyr chuckled and quickly regained composure, “It is nothing that will harm you I assure you. It's just a mark that let's you know the contract is in service,”

  “The terms of this basically hinge on you. You wanted a boyfriend and I will provide to the best of my ability, and I'm no slouch with performances especially when they're binding. I can however, dance along the line and have my own fun.”

  Mina leaned back raising an eyebrow in confusion, “What do you mean your own fun?”

  “Oh you know. A little teasing here and there, maybe some flirting, anything that will get you riled up. Nothing harmful, unless you ask for it.”

  Her eyes narrowed, “Riight, I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Do not forget that first and foremost I am a demon of lust. And boyfriend by contract. It falls under clause that I cannot just bind you for personal gain and humor beyond anything that you intend,”

  “I am not just a bachelor, darling. I have very specific talents. And I know everything you desire.”

  “Okay then say it.” Mina said proudly, trying to assume control of the situation.

  Asmodyr smiled wide practically ear to ear. “I could, but I want to hear you say it.”

  “What why me?! That's not fair!” She stood up in protest and pointed a finger in his face.

  Asmodyr responded in kind, standing up and getting in her face. “Because while I'll take care of you and have your best interests at heart contractually. Watching you squirm is going to be the highlight of this agreement.”

  The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, Asmodyr stood still with his head cocked studying Mina. There was an unmistakable hunger in his eyes like he could pounce any minute, “If we’re going to be together for a long time, I might as well know your name.”

  “It's… Mina.” She muttered, breaking his line of sight looking into the ground.

  If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  Asmodyr grabbed her chin with his fingers and looked even closer, their noses almost touching. “I didn't quite hear you, speak up.”

  “It’s Mina.” She said, her voice breaking in the middle as her face flushed fully.

  Asmodyr giggled low and proud, “You're so fucking cute. I could just swallow you whole.”

  Her heart raced like it was ready to jump out of her chest, she pushed him back just enough to break distance, “You're impossible..you know that.”

  “And yet here I stand because of you,” His voice flush with mock innocence, “Funny how that works.”

  “Now how will my everyday life be, am I stuck inside now for eternity?” She asked, her voice now low and serious.

  “Of course not,” He said waving away her worry, “You still have autonomy in this world, you just have a plus one like a normal boyfriend and girlfriend. Your life will now just be more..interesting.”

  Mina pulled her knees up to her chest clearly troubled, “I’m having doubts about this, how am I supposed to, I don’t know…love you? I just met you.”

  Asmodyr leaned back, “You’re having this existential crisis after summoning me? This seems like something you should’ve figured out before calling me here.”

  Mina sighed, “I know, I know.”

  “Do you not believe in love at first sight?”

  “I believe it’s a silly romcom trope, as much as I like them.”

  Asmodyr nodded and waved his hand, “Then you just have to warm up to me, and I’ll warm up to you. I only just spawned, hun.”

  Mina looked at him, her eyes twinkling with hope, “Are you sure? Now I feel bad for summoning you and now I’m just holding us back.”

  Asmodyr gently moved her back down to the couch and sat down beside her. He took her hand and held it tightly, “Anything’s better than hell, and we’re bound now anyways. Why waste the shot? And, I don’t think I’ll get the chance to see somebody as pretty as you again.” He reassured her smiling warmly, the first real emotion he displayed since his arrival.

  Mina didn't fight his comment, instead she actually smiled. “Thank you,” She chuckled to herself, “I never thought I'd catch myself thanking a demon to be honest.”

  “Well I plan on helping you out and making you feel loved so get used to saying that.” He smiled, his sharp teeth glistening in the dim light brimming with mockery.

  Mina just glared at him, “Don't push your luck buddy.”

  Her phone began ringing breaking them both out of their banter. Mina picked it up and answered it, slowly putting the phone to her ear.

  “Hey Mina!” Alyssa's voice came from the phone, as bubbly and full of life as usual, “I just wanted to know if you were coming to the party, I know you've been a little quiet in the group chat. Hoping you'll bring someone along—I'm sure you're hiding someone.”

  “I'll…think about it.” Mina sideyed Asmodyr who gave her a long wink. A smal smile crept onto her face, “Scratch that count me in. I'll be there for 3.”

  Mina pulled the phone from her ear as Alyssa shouted in excitement, she hung up as she was chanting ‘Mina's alive!’.

  She let out a small giggle, something she hadn’t done in a while. “That’s Alyssa for you, her energy is so infectious.”

  Mina let out a yawn and sat up from the couch stretching her arms high above her head. “I think it’s time for bed, this whole day drained me beyond repair.”

  She made her way to the bedroom door, stopping just before the frame, feeling a presence behind her. Asmodyr stood close behind, a sly smile spreading onto his face as Mina turned to him.

  “No, you’re not sleeping with me, you’re on the couch man.”

  Asmodyr’s smile dropped, quickly changing to a mock frown. “But shouldn’t lovers sleep together in the same bed, its a normal tradition.”

  Mina’s eyes were wide with disbelief at his audacity.

  “You just came out of my floor half an hour ago, so no you can’t sleep with me, I barely know you.”

  “I think you’re just worried.” He spoke, low and mischievious, “That you’ll like having a man pressed up against you at night, feeling warm breath on the back of your neck.”

  Mina’s face flared an undiscovered shade of red, she attempted to come up with a retort but failed, opting to slap her hands over her face to avoid his gaze.

  “That’s fine,” Asmodyr said throwing his hands up in defeat making his way to the couch. “I’ll just be here all on my lonesome.”

  Mina scoffed, “You’ll be fine, drama queen. Just go to bed.” She turned into the bedroom and slammed the door before he could begin his next rant. She made her way to the bed, her body fighting the weight of the night’s events. Mina collapsed into the bed unceremoniously letting out a long groan.

  This was her life now whether she accepted it or not. A contract with a smug prince.