Page 57 of Demon

After breakfast, I’m out in the backyard at the table, braiding Sammy’s hair in two braids, with Jett beside me. I peek at him to find him watching me with curiosity. “What are you looking at?” I ask.

“Just seeing how you do that.”

“A braid?” I smile. “Would you like to learn how?”

He nods, and it brings tears to my eyes. He wants to learn for Sammy. I gaze at those captivating hazel eyes in awe. I’m so incredibly lucky to have met him. The generosity, caring, and empathy he has shown toward Sammy and me is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. He’s finally let me in, let his mask fall, and let me see his vulnerable side. His past—his heartache.

I lean over and give him a quick kiss on the lips, put a band on the bottom of the first braid, and slowly direct him on how to braid the second.

“Are you finished yet?” Sammy whines.

As I put the other band in, I reply, “Yes,” and she runs off after the dog.

Axle swings his leg over the seat beside me, and I can tell by the glint of mischief in his eye that he’s going to say something. “Sooo... are you an ol’ lady yet?” he asks wickedly.

Viper takes a seat on the other side. I raise a brow at him. He’s wearing the same shit-eating grin as Axle. These two men are trouble, but still quite amusing.

“Why do you care?” Jett asks. His quirky monotone voice is back.

“Why?” Axle asks, sounding confused. “Because all that shit is over now. I was just wondering when we’ll be helping her move in.”

I stiffen. “What shit?”

Axle’s eyes widen, and he suddenly stands and looks at Jett. “Sorry, man. I’ve got umm... shit to do.” He legs out of there with Viper behind him. Viper whacks Axle on the back of the head, as they do.

“What shit?” I ask Jett, who seems unfazed.

“We spoke to the leader of the organization that’s after you. They won’t be after you any longer and will take it up with your ex.”

Relief and frustration clash inside of me. “When were you planning on telling me?” But then a thought comes to mind.God, I don’t want to leave the clubhouse. I don’t want to go home.

He reaches over and sets his hand on my thigh. “I don’t trust them, so I wanted you to stay longer.”

I sigh.Longer. So he doesn’t want me to stay with him long term. Even though I know now why he didn’t tell me, it still hurts a little. “That’s understandable, but please be upfront and honest with me about it.”

He jerks his head in a nod. “Noted.”

I shuffle over, sit on his lap, and lean back, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin and being in Jett’s arms, but the thought of my ex being hurt or killed ruins my happiness.

* * *

By afternoon,Sammy and I are at the dining table. Twitch printed off more learning materials to help her before she starts school. Milly comes around and takes a seat beside me, and it triggers my memory about the unicorn. I need to go get more presents, with Christmas around the corner. I realize I’ve been in my little bubble of happiness here. I probably have bills in the mailbox that need to be paid. I need to snap back to reality, back to my responsibilities.

“What’s wrong?” Milly asks with pinched eyebrows.

“I’ve got a bit carried away living here with Jett... at the clubhouse.” But it has been perfect, and Sammy seems to be having the time of her life and thriving.

Milly smiles. “It’s easy to do that here. They are family.”

“I have to go back home and check the mailbox for mail. Just in case I have any bills, and I need to go”—I mouth “Christmas” and then speak normally again—“shopping.” There’s a queasiness in my stomach that I may not be able to afford it all. “And now all the stuff with my ex is finished with, I want to go back to work.”

“We can go do some shopping today if you want, and the whole work thing will be fine for when you’re able to return. They’re always struggling to get staff, so there’s nothing you need to stress about.”

I release a breath through my mouth. “It would be great to go today. Thanks so much.” I really like Milly. She’s so sweet but has this authoritative aura to her. I don’t know whether it’s being a doctor or, in part, being Reaper’s sister, but she’s headstrong like Sophie.

“Do you want to go now? I could go for a latte,” she offers.

“Sure, let’s go. I’ll go and tell Jett.”

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