Page 9 of My Silent Demon

N, pass the hot sauce,I signaled.

Without pausing the conversation, she handed me the hot sauce bottle and kept talking.

I stared at her blankly. Did she... Did she understand what I said? No one interpreted for her, and I hadn’t gestured to the hot sauce.

I looked at Onyx. He looked just as confused and shrugged.

Coincidence. It had to be coincidence. I shook my head and put sauce on my food.

After everyone ate, and the dishes were in the sink, Wynn suggested poker. N turned her down, saying she wanted to be in before dark.

“Are you sure? You can’t be safer with another escort.” Wynn pointed to Onyx and myself. “These two are the best bodyguards out there. I trust them with my life.”

Aww. I nudged Wynn and held my fist out for a fist bump, which she immediately returned.

“Maybe we can hang out this weekend or something, but security said not to be out after dark and I’m not taking any chances,” N said.

“Okay. Thanks for coming over. You’re welcome here anytime. You have to give me your number before you leave.”

N smiled. “Okay.” She pulled her phone out of her pocket. “What’s your number?”

As Wynn recited it, N entered it into her phone. “I texted you, so you have mine.”

Wynn’s phone chimed. She grinned. “Great, thanks!”

I popped a new peppermint candy into my mouth and jammed the wrapper in my pocket.

N stood from her stool. “Thanks, guys. I appreciate the food. I’ll order a ride-share and get out of your way.”

I frowned and growled. I didn’t like her suggestion.

Everyone turned to look at me.

No, I am taking you home,I signed.

“You don’t need to take me back to the dorm. I’ll order a ride-share. It’ll be okay,” she argued.

I am available. I am taking you. Do not argue.

“I’ll argue about whatever I want. You don’t have to take me. I’ll be fine.”

I almost replied in anger, but I drew a settling breath and responded with gritted teeth as I signed,I would feel better if you allowed me to escort you home. Please.

N rolled her eyes. “Fine. Only because you said please.”

A sense of success filled my chest.

Wynn watched our exchange with wide eyes. “N... I thought you didn’t speak sign language.”

N frowned. “I don’t.”

“But...” Wynn pointed at me. “You had a conversation with Osian, and sign language is all he spoke. You replied as though you knew exactly what he said.”

N’s eyes grew wide. “I don’t... I don’t speak sign language.”

Onyx said, “N, look at me.” When she did, Onyx signed,Can you read this?

N shook her head. “I don’t know what that means.”

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