The café was just several blocks away, tucked onto a side street that Aurelie had never noticed. She entered to find Daisy already sitting at a small table at the back, where she waved to Aurelie.
“It’s so nice to see you again,” Daisy said as Aurelie removed her coat and hung it on a nearby hook. “How are things at the university? Nearly finished with your studies?”
“It’s always busy this time of year,” Aurelie said, perusing the menu. “I have a few papers to write before the term ends. And you? It seems that things have calmed down, demon-wise.”
A man approached their table, asking to use the third, empty chair. Aurelie was about to give him permission when Daisy replied, “Sorry, we’re waiting for a friend.”
Aurelie’s stomach did an odd maneuver that felt similar to a cartwheel, though she hadn’t moved. “We are?”
Daisy grinned in what Aurelie suspected was meant to be a sheepish way, but she looked more mischievous than sorry. “I invited Des.”
“What? Why?” Aurelie glanced over her shoulder just in time to see the giant in question enter the café, looking as miserable and uncomfortable as ever.
“Over here,” Daisy called, though he was already walking toward them.
“Why would you invite him?” Aurelie hissed. “He probably hates hot chocolate as much as he hates people.”
Daisy didn’t respond. Instead, she rose to greet Des, and Aurelie felt obligated to do the same.
“Hello, Aurelie,” he said, and all at once she was back in Uncle Leo’s office, with Des’s hand on her forehead and her heart in her throat.
“Hello, Des,” she squeaked, then immediately regretted it. They shouldn’t be on a first-name basis. Not after what he’d done to her.
“I read your letter to him, and heinsistedon joining us,” Daisy explained.
“That’s not...” Des trailed off, apparently accepting that there was no use arguing with Daisy. “Hello, Aurelie,” he said again.
Aurelie found herself at a loss for words. How was she going to ask Daisy about the drawing now? Was that why he’d come? So that Daisy couldn’t reveal his plans? He had a lot of nerve showing up here as though he hadn’t attempted to seduce and then rob her, the lousy thief. She especially hated that he looked so nice with longer hair, which was dark and curling from the melted snow.
He removed his coat and hung it next to Aurelie’s. She almost laughed at the difference in size.
Des took the seat between the two of them, his legs so long they nearly brushed Aurelie’s. He murmured an apology, and Aurelie wasn’t sure if his cheeks were rosy from cold or embarrassment. She selfishly hoped it was the latter. Heshouldbe embarrassed, for using his masculine wiles against her.
“Let’s order,” Daisy said, waving a waiter over. “Three hot chocolates, extra whipped cream and chocolate buttons, please.” She winked at Aurelie. “Trust me. Can we also get some of those lovely cream biscuits? Ooh, and lemon curd, if you have it. That should do for now. Thank you!”
“Daisy’s sweet tooth rears its ugly head,” Des muttered, attempting to sink lower in his chair. Aurelie glanced around and noticed that he’d caught the attention of several patrons, who whispered behind their hands and giggled.
“What?” Daisy asked, all innocence and cheer. Aurelie wanted to smack her on the back of the head. “It’s not like we get sweets at the barracks. I have to make up for it whenever I get the opportunity.”
Aurelie rolled her eyes and turned so she couldn’t see the people fawning over Des. Yes, he was handsome, but there were plenty of handsome men in the world. Why must people make such a fuss?
She shook off her annoyance and focused on Daisy. “Do you come here often?” she asked. She knew the Iron Guard had Mondays off, for the most part, but she had expected them to spend the time resting or visiting friends, not eating chocolate buttons.
“Oh, once a month or so. Des prefers to spend his days off moping around the fort, but I like to remind myself there’s a world outside the walls.” Daisy drummed her fingers on the table, seemingly unable to sit still. “So, Aurelie. Tell us what you’ve been studying lately.”
“Chemistry,” she said, her eyes sliding to Des, only to find him staring at her. She immediately looked away. “I’ve been working with a new mentor. Professor Sheldrake. He’s a bit unusual. We nearly blew up his lab the other night,” she added with a laugh. “But I’m enjoying it.”
She turned even farther toward Daisy, deliberately knocking Des’s knees with her own. “And you, Daisy?”
“I’m training a new recruit. She’s not particularly good at demonhunting, I’m afraid. But that’s what happens when all orphans have to become demon hunters.”
“Not all orphans,” Des said, his eyes once again skating to Aurelie.
Now he’d gone too far. “Yes. How fortunate that my parents died in an accident,” she said through gritted teeth. “They were so badly mangled I wasn’t allowed to view their bodies, but I suppose that’s a blessing, too.”
There was a long, awkward silence, and then Daisy slapped her hand on the table, startling Aurelie and Des. “There has been one bit of good news! Des is getting a promotion next week,” she said, nudging him with her elbow. “You’re looking at Lieutenant Commander Whitlow. Or you will be, soon.”
“Congratulations,” Aurelie said stiffly. What was hedoinghere? She was certain he hadn’t come for the hot chocolate or the company. Was this his excuse to check up on her, or was he intending to arrest her here, tonight? If so, she wouldn’t go down without a fight. Or at least a very long-winded speech.