Page 14 of Demon

His expression is unreadable. With his current lack of social skills, I think the meeting will be an issue for him. “I can go for you if you want,” I say to Jett, knowing he trusts me. “I’ll relay the information to you afterward.” I think I might have more of an idea of what questions to ask as well.

He cocks his head, his eyes searching mine.

“That’s a good idea,” says Milly. “This motorcycle club vest,” she says, pointing to him, “will not look good. Even thoughweknow you aren’t criminals, the nursing home managers don’t, and I’d hate for them to reject Madeline’s application based on what you look like.”

He’s fighting the smile that twitches at the corner of his lip. “Okay,” he says, drawing the word out. Then those intense hazel eyes are directed at me. “You do it then.”

I smile. I’m happy to help. “I work twelve-hour shifts, but I have tomorrow off.”

“I’ll give them a call afterward and organize a meeting for you for tomorrow,” Milly says. “Does any time suit?”

“As late as possible in the afternoon.” I plan to spend the day with Sammy. I pull my phone out to see the time. “I have to get back to my shift. I’ll talk to you later,” I say while peering at Jett. Such a shame to have to leave. Then I peek at Milly, “Just keep me updated on a time.”

She nods. “I’ve got to get back too, so I’ll walk with you.”

We step out of the room and walk down the corridor. “Do you go out of your way like this for all your patients or are Madeline and Jett special?”

I stifle a laugh.

“Oh girl... you’re fucked,” she says, then snorts and cackles.

My nose scrunches. “What do you mean?”

“I’veneverseen Demon trust so easily. Especially when he hardly knows you and it’s his sister we’re talking about.”

A smile paints my face.

She blinks a few times. “I don’t know if I’m in shock, impressed, or concerned.”

I cringe. “Why would you be concerned?”

“Demon... talking... trusting... spending time with a woman. It’s never happened, and I do worry because of his mental illness what that means for you.”

I bop my head. “Thanks for letting me know.” The elevator opens. It’s going up, so I step inside.

I should consider Milly’s warning. I just want to help Jett out. He’s been a loving brother, and I’d hate for Madeline to miss out on a spot at the nursing home just because of the clothes he wears. It would be beneficial for both if she’s close by, in case anything like this happens again, and she’s likely to get more infections because of her current state of health.

My shift is intense, and the time flies by. The ICU ward is at maximum capacity. There were three deaths today. I’ve been good at compartmentalizing my work, but it never gets easier seeing people distraught over the death of a family member.

Milly contacted me earlier, advising that the appointment with the nursing home is at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow. I told her to tell Jett because I knew there was no chance I could get down to Madeline’s room to see him during my busy shift and he was leaving at seven, but I’m leaving later than usual.

I grab my bag from my locker and head out. I roll my shoulders back—they’re so stiff. I walk down the corridor and to the elevator. After I exit the elevator, I yawn. I’ll be happy to get into bed. I stroll through the hospital and out of the main entrance. Heavy footsteps come up from behind me. As I turn, I see it’s Jett. “Hey,” I say to him when he reaches me. “Sorry I didn’t get a chance to come see you and Madeline again. Today was crazy!”

There’s a softness in his eyes. “No need to apologize. I’ll walk you to your car.”

My heart swells. As we walk toward the parking lot, I look up at him but keep quiet until we reach my car. “Why do they call you Demon?”

There’s a brief silence. “Because I’m a monster.” He says it matter-of-factly and watches my reaction closely.

I huff. “Not from what I’ve seen... Monsters don’t dote on their sisters and safely walk women they hardly know to their cars.”

His face flashes with something before it fades away. He steps up close to me in two large strides, standing at his full height, his eyes cold. With a dark smile, he says, “You sure about that?” I haven’t seen this side of him, apart from when he protected me. With the tattoos covering his skin, his broad shoulders, he would intimidate anyone. Is he trying to scare me away? Maybe my exhaustion increases my stupidity because it doesn’t faze me. I take a step toward him.

He gives me an odd look. “Why aren’t you scared of me?” His voice is icy, tinged with confusion.

A voice in the back of my head is warning me that I’m pushing my luck and getting too close, but I’m drawn to him and have this compulsion of wanting to understand him. “Because all I’ve seen is Jett Miller, not this Demon facade, and I trust that you won’t hurt me.” My hand goes to his chest.

He recoils, taking a few steps away from me. I wish I knew why. He would have to have taken some liking to me even as a friend to trust me, but it’s as if my touch physically pains him, and that makes me frown.

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