Pride (Living In Sin #1)

Chapter 19

Pry

A week was long enough. When I thought about it, I realised a week was the longest I'd ever gone without taking something that I wanted. And I wanted Alec. So much and in whatever way he would let me.

I would take what I could get, but I would get something. I would put a push on this. My feelings were different when Alec was involved. Jealousy, greed, lust. They weren't what the demon of pride should be feeling.

"You're dressed up nice."

Of course, after being missing for a month, Des would now be sitting in the apartment foyer. They looked good, but that was to be expected. They'd chosen that a dark pink was their colour for the moment. Semi-sheer pink tights encased their legs and simple black boots reached their ankles. A black skirt that would flit around when they spun, but the top was tight, sleeveless and covered in glitter. They wore a simple velvet collar around their neck and their dark brown hair fell in waves around their sweet, heart-shaped face.

All in all, Des lived up to their name. Desire was the demon that embodied lust. Everything about them was physically perfect. I only just stopped myself from grinding my teeth. Somehow, I knew this was going to be just another roadblock for getting through whatever I wanted to have with Alec.

So far, the three of us had intense reactions to the human in our midst. It only made sense that Des would have a reaction as well. But also, I might be able to get that to work in my favour.

"Good evening to you, too, Des. It is good to have you back." I drawled the words as they stood. Des glided across the foyer, always perfect with their movements, and paused in front of me. They were incredibly tactical and their hands ran over my linen shirt. Like they were smoothing out creases I knew weren't there. "Will you be dancing for us this evening?"

The question got me a grin, and their eyes twinkled. They were pink to match their attire. While mortals may assume they were contacts, Des was entirely in control of every physical aspect of their body. They appeared as a lithe, neon twink because they wanted to. I knew it would change in a moment. Thankfully, the month away had left them in a playful, cheerful mood.

"It's been a long time since you've asked about my dancing. Probably even longer since you've attempted to dress so nicely. What in hell changed while I was away?"

A question I would not answer tonight. It was bad enough Chef and Envy were seeing the changes Alec brought about. I was not going to deal with Des's nosy nature as well. Especially when Des liked everyone. Now I was being greedy. But I wanted Alec for myself. Even if it was only for a little while.

Hopefully, Crave stayed away. I didn't want to have to explain my mental state to him in particular.

"Just glad to have you home." The look Des gave me said they didn't believe me. But thankfully, unlike most of our siblings, Des's nosiness never held their attention long, and they were already moving on. I knew I looked good in the flowing white linen shirt and supple leather breeches. Apparently, that was enough to distract Des. They seemed to agree with my assessment.

"Well, you certainly look good enough to watch me dance, so I'll allow it. Yes, tonight's energy feels perfect for putting on a show. I would be sad if you got all dressed up and missed it.” They cocked their head to the side, peeking up at me. I could see the cogs turning beneath their pretty curls. “Are you dressed up for someone?”

I didn’t answer, moving out of their hold and heading toward the front door. This was not a conversation I was going to engage in right now. Possibly never. I hated my siblings saw more than they should. At least Ace hadn’t piled on yet. I really didn’t need all four of them being nosy shits. At least, not until I got Alec out of my system.

“You are!” Des laughed from behind me. I could feel their teasing without turning around. “Well, bring them as well. I will enjoy dancing for someone who’s turned the mighty Pry’s head. It’s been decades.”

I wanted to say it hadn’t been that long, but I wasn’t engaging. And I had a bad feeling they might be right. It had been a long time since I’d tried to impress anyone. They had never been a human. Still, I wasn’t an angel. New experiences were not a problem. Especially when I was in control.

So I didn’t let Des’s words get to me, even leaving the building with the spring back to my step. With the demon embodiment of lust dancing for us, Alec was as good as mine.

I would be the first to kiss him. Envy and Chef could get fucked. Tonight, our little human was mine.