Free Persephone (The Lily Harper Series Book 4) by H.P. Mallory

it was a demon?” I inquired, now genuinely concerned.
    I watched Tallis cleaning the creature’s goo off the blade of his sword. He wiped it onto the animal pelt, which was lying on top of the platform. Once the sword shone brightly again, he re-sheathed it in the scabbard across his chest. Frowning at me, he replied, “Ah dinnae know, lass.” He sounded annoyed.
    “Hey, Donnie and Marie, here’s a great idea,” Bill suddenly exclaimed, waving his hands in the air to make sure he had our attention. “Why don’t we postpone all the chitchat an’, like, get the fuck outta Dodge?” He nodded emphatically, while adding, “’Cause I dunno ’bout youse bitches, but I don’t wanna hang around waitin’ for another one o’ those spiky, dickless trolls to take another stab at us again! Nope! I wanna get the fuck home, yoze!”
    Tallis didn’t say anything, but nodded and approached me. He squatted down so his back was facing me. “Joomp oan, lass,” he ordered.
    So he was going to carry me piggyback? Probably easier than carrying me bride-style; and I was definitely not okay with being slung over his shoulder. I could only imagine all the blood rushing to my head; it would surely lead to a major headache … So, with a shrug, I hopped on top of his amply broad back and looped my arms around his neck. When I wrapped my legs around his waist, I felt like I was all of twelve years old again.
    “Hold oan tight,” he advised me before gripping me around my legs as he stood up.
    “Wow, check out the view from up here!” I said with a little laugh. Even though I meant it as a joke, I actually did have a better view from atop the seven-foot giant.
    “Ugh! Why can’t freakin’ Tido piggyback my sorry ass?” Bill grumbled as he glanced over at Tallis. “I mean that in like a totally ungay way, dude, so don’t get no swishy ideas.”
    “Aye, Tido has nae plans tae piggyback ye, or yer fat arse,” Tallis responded with a crooked smile. “An’ yer bum’s out the windae if ye think Ah will ever git ideas aboot ye, ye bludy dobber,” he finished, shaking his head.
    “What about my bum an’ the window?” Bill asked, shaking his head.
    “I think he’s saying you’re out of your mind if you think he’d ever have … amorous feelings toward you,” I translated.
    Bill nodded. “Ah, okay.”
    I laughed and leaned into Tallis’s warm body. I rested my head against his broad back and loved the way he felt underneath me. As he walked, I could feel his muscles shifting, barely straining despite his increased load. I wasn’t sure why, but that thought really turned me on.
    You’re turned on because he’s carrying you like a pack mule? I asked myself but immediately knew the answer.
    No, I’m turned on because Tallis always turns me on.
    “I’m so happy you’re with us, Tallis,” I whispered into his right ear. I dropped my head back down onto his back and pressed my cheek against it.
    He didn’t say anything, although he tightened his hold around my legs. I couldn’t tell if the purpose of his gesture was to let me know he heard and understood me, or if he were just trying to get a better grip on my legs. It didn’t matter; the gesture was whatever it was, and that much was enough for me. At least, for now.
    It’s going to have to be enough for you forever , I chastised myself. The sooner you get it into your thick skull and accept that this is all you and Tallis will ever be, so much the better!
    Despite the validity of my words, I couldn’t help wishing things were different. If only someday, we could have more than this uncomfortable relationship we now shared.
    Don’t hold your breath, that harsh, inner voice of mine finished.
    And as much as I wanted to argue with this cynical side of myself, I couldn’t deny how right I was. Blindly wishing that things were different was not only impractical, but also frustrating.
    Don’t wish for things to be different with Tallis, Lily, I consoled myself.