Unexpected Demon Encounters

Chapter 3

As soon as the door closes, a hand lands on my shoulder. I look up beside me...and my heart almost stops beating. This man is gorgeous.

"C-Can I help you, sir?" I ask, taking in his features. He has pale skin and plum red colored eyes that really stand out. His hair is black and ends near his shoulders.

His eyes travel down my body. His eyes linger on the bracelet and a smirk appears on his face. "You must be Lyla." He says, his voice deep and soothing. I blush.

"Yes, sir. Are you the one who gifted me the bracelet?" I ask softly. Curious if this really is the man. He sounds familiar.

"Yes, young Lyla. It was me." It's him. The man who threatened my father last night. The one that came into my room while I pretended to be asleep. My eyes widen slightly. Should I tell him I know? I gulp.

"Are you...Muzan?" I ask quietly. Barely a whisper. He smiles slowly, looking down upon my face. He takes his hand off my shoulder and cups my cheek. His thumb rubs along my bottom lip. I look up into his eyes, captivated. I feel a blush on my cheeks. His hand is soft. I don't feel like I'm in any danger.

"You were listening?" He says, still smiling. "I thought so." I look down, feeling embarrassed that he found out. Why is my body reacting this way towards him? We just met and I'm almost certain he's a demon. He grabs my chin lightly.

"Look at me, Lyla." He says soothingly. I don't feel threatened or scared. I feel warm. His voice was coaxing me to listen. I blink slowly and look up at him. My eyes meet his.

"Yes, Muzan?" I whisper, biting my lip. I can't take my eyes off him. Is he a suitor? I should feel nervous. I should feel afraid. He was going to take me from my parents if my father disobeyed him. Am I...smitten? There's no way...is there?

"You look confused. Did your father not tell you?" He asks as he lowers his hand. I miss the feeling of his hand on me.

I tilt my head up at him. "I haven't seen my father since yesterday before sunset. He hasn't told me anything." I say, feeling even more confused by this situation.

The next thing he says takes me by surprise.

"We're getting married a couple of days after your birthday." My eyes widen, my jaw drops to the floor, and I look at his face to see if there's any indication of him lying. I don't know him well enough to tell whether or not he's lying. He has a straight face, watching my reaction closely. I recover from my surprise.

"You're serious." I watch as Muzan nods.

"Your father and I have known each other for years. We have an arrangement of sorts." He says vaguely.

"That's vague. Can you explain?" I ask. Trying not to bite my lip.

"I can. But it's something you should ask your father." He states bluntly. "If he doesn't tell you, then come to me and I will." He looks away from me as if thinking.

"But Doma said-." I start to say but Muzan cuts me off by raising his voice suddenly. He has veins appear on his face. He's definitely a demon. His eyes are glowing dangerously.

"Doma? "He asks in a scary calm voice. "How have you had contact with Doma?" He says angrily.

"Last night, he caught me eavesdropping. This morning I went to my father's study. He told me my father would be back once it got dark. I was so afraid, he'd left before I had time to recover and ask."

Muzan's face goes back to normal. Clearly, he's calmed down. Did he think...Doma...had harmed me or taken advantage of me? I shouldn't trust Doma easily. Not if Muzan didn't trust him alone with him.

"I'm glad he didn't hurt you. I'll be having a word once I see him again. They are not to touch you." He whispers to himself angrily.

They? I reach up and cup his cheek, smiling warmly. Not sure when I'd gotten so bold. I should be afraid. But again, I don't. I feel...safe. I feel protected and worried about. He cares about me. That makes me happy.

"I'm fine. Promise." I say to him and he cups his hand on mine, smiling down at me.

"You're an odd girl. It makes me want to have you even more. I want you." I blush at his sudden admission. He wants me. I can't help but let out a giggle. He chuckles softly and pats my head.

"May I ask why you came to the fabric shop?" He asks politely, lowering his hand and I lower mine.

"I was going to get a new kimono made for my birthday next week. I came to look at fabrics and I was planning to look at jewelry, too." I say confidently.

"May I look around with you, Lyla?" He asks, a hint of a smile still lingering on his soft lips. Lips that I want to kiss. I blush, quickly looking away.

"Yes, you may. You'll be attending my birthday party that night, correct?" I ask curious.

"I'll be there. It'll be a night no one will forget."

The way he says that makes my body tremble. But if it's from fear or excitement. I don't know.

Author's Note

What do you think will happen?

Read to find out more.