The Incubus System Chapter 1157. Rabbit Food

The Incubus System Chapter 1157. Rabbit Food

She kicked off her shoes, motioning for me to do the same. “Make yourself comfortable. I'll grab some drinks.”

“Thanks.” I settled on the sofa, glancing around the room curiously. A small picture frame caught my attention—a younger Tiffany smiling awkwardly with a woman who looked remarkably like her. Her mother, I assumed.

She returned a moment later, two bottles of soda in hand, then noticed my gaze. Her eyes softened. “My mom,” she explained gently, handing me one of the drinks. “I found this photo after moving out.”

“I’m sorry, Tiff,” I murmured quietly.

She shook her head softly. “It’s okay. Honestly, it’s nice having her picture around. Makes me feel a bit less alone.”

“You’re not alone,” I said quickly, surprising even myself. Her eyes flicked sharply to mine, startled, hopeful.

“You mean that?” Her voice was soft, vulnerable in a way I’d never heard before.

“I do.” My voice steadied, conviction solidifying. “You're stuck with me now.”

Her laugh came out shaky, but her smile brightened, eyes glittering suspiciously wet. “Good. I’d hate to be rid of you.”

She sat beside me, close enough for our knees to touch lightly. My pulse quickened again at the contact, awareness spiking. I cleared my throat awkwardly, changing the subject. “So, any hidden snacks or should we attack Celia’s cupcakes?”

She giggled softly, nudging my shoulder playfully. “Stealing from your little sister already?”

I snorted. “She’ll live.” ‘Or I can buy more later.’

She sighed dramatically, rising gracefully. “Fine, I’ll check the fridge.”

As she stood, I found myself watching her closely, the ease in her movements, the slight sway of her hips. And how utterly dangerous it was. It was a kind of subtle seduction. Well, inviting me to her apartment was already a green light, right?

“Tiff?” My voice was quiet, hesitant. She paused, turning slightly.

“Hm?”

“Thanks for today,” I admitted softly. “I needed this.”

Her expression softened, eyes warm. “Me too, Ethan. It felt good being normal for a change.”

I leaned back against the couch, staring at the ceiling. Normal. It was a dangerous, fragile illusion. But damn, it felt good while it lasted.

Because deep down, I knew our little bubble wouldn’t last. Eventually, I’d have to tell her the truth—that the demon she hunted, the incubus lord, was the same idiot currently stealing cupcakes on her couch.

And believe me, that was a conversation I was absolutely dreading.

I stretched my legs out lazily across Tiffany’s sofa. The cushions were softer than they looked. It was strange—this place felt oddly familiar, even though it was my first time here.

Tiffany returned a moment later, dropping onto the couch beside me, balancing a small platter loaded with sliced carrots, string beans, and a generous scoop of hummus in the center.

I blinked at the plate, eyebrow arching skeptically. “Uh, Tiff? What’s this?”

“Veggies,” she replied matter-of-factly, nudging me with her elbow. “Healthy stuff. You know, the green stuff you never touch?”

I picked up a carrot stick, eyeing it suspiciously. “Yeah, I know what veggies are. I just didn’t expect to get served rabbit food as a guest.”

She snorted softly, grabbing a green bean and dipping it enthusiastically into the hummus. “Shut up. Vegetables are good for you. You eat way too much junk food anyway.”

I lifted my soda can dramatically. “You literally handed me a soda like two minutes ago. Isn’t this kind of a weird combo?”

She waved her hand dismissively. “It’s called balance, genius. See?” Tiffany held up the vegetable stick proudly. “Healthy.” Then she shook her soda can. “Unhealthy. It cancels out.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “That’s not exactly how it works.”

“Hey, it works enough for me,” she shrugged, crunching loudly into a carrot. “Besides, you’ve got to take care of yourself better. You’re always busy with…whatever mysterious things you do.”

I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat. If only she knew the truth, how ironically accurate her words were. But instead, I just smirked playfully and dipped the carrot into the hummus, hesitating before popping it into my mouth.

Huh. Actually…not bad. I took another one, this time confidently.

Tiffany laughed, shaking her head slightly. “See? Told you so.”

“Fine, you win this round,” I conceded with exaggerated reluctance, taking another carrot stick and waving it around dramatically. “I hereby declare myself a temporary veggie fan.”

She leaned back, smirking in triumph. “Victory tastes sweet.”

“Sweet?” I teased. “Pretty sure it tastes like carrots.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, hush.”

We fell quiet for a moment, the casual munching of veggies filling the silence. I stole a glance at Tiffany, studying her face in the soft glow of the lamplight. She’d relaxed considerably since we arrived. It made my heart squeeze painfully in my chest, wishing that I could just freeze this moment forever.

“You know,” she said softly, drawing me from my thoughts. “It’s really nice having you here.”

I glanced at her, slightly surprised by the sincerity in her voice. “Yeah?”

She nodded slowly, offering a gentle smile. “Yeah. I don’t let many people come here. My place is kind of…my sanctuary. You’re actually the first guest I’ve had in months.”

My pulse quickened again, warmth spreading through my chest. “I’m honored,” I replied, meaning every word. “But why me? I mean, you could have anyone over.”

Her eyes softened even more, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Because with you…I don’t have to pretend. It’s easy. Like, I can just be me.”

My throat went tight. There it was again—that subtle reminder that she trusted me completely. And here I was, keeping secrets that would probably break that trust forever.

“I feel the same,” I whispered back honestly. “With you, everything feels easier.”

She chuckled softly, eyes twinkling mischievously. “Even eating veggies?”

I laughed softly. “Especially eating veggies.”

Her eyes lingered on mine for a heartbeat too long, her smile slowly fading into something more serious. My heart started thudding heavily, my fingers twitching nervously against my thigh. I knew I should look away, break the intensity building between us, but I couldn’t bring myself to move.

“Ethan…” Her voice was hesitant, breathy. “About earlier, back at the bakery…”

“Yeah?” My voice cracked embarrassingly.