Page 21 of Demon

I’m speechless. I just stare.

“They’re for you,” he reiterates, studying me.

“I don’t need all of them.” I admit some of them are a good idea. I pull out the black key with the hidden knife, the pepper spray, and the safety alarm. I grasp the cold silver ring, looking at its design. As I glide it onto my middle finger, sadness swirls through me. It shouldn’t have come to this. I shouldn’t be choosing self-defense weapons. I should feel safe, but Richard took that from me. I’ll never forgive him for what he’s done.

I solemnly place the items on the side table as Jett takes the rest of the objects, returns them to the bag, and puts the bag back into the wardrobe.

“What’s the time?” I ask.

“Eight thirty.”

My shoulders fall. “I can’t believe Richard did this to me. I want to strangle him myself. What if they send more men after me to get the money?”

He briefly shakes his head. “It won’t matter.”

I huff. “What do you mean it won’t matter?”

He sits up straighter. “They won’t be able to touch you or your daughter. I’ll protect you.” His eyes are intense. “The MC has agreed to help protect you too.”

A little bit of relief shines through the darkness. “Oh...” Tears line my eyes. “They don’t know me and they’re willing to protect me. They don’t even know who they’re up against.”

“I was already protecting you, but they offered too.” He looks away as if lost in thought. “Our club protects women and children. We help with Bomber’s wife’s—Zara’s—charity, which is a safe haven for women and children going through domestic violence or who are struggling.”

And just like that, any doubt about the club vanished and all that remained was awe. They aren’t like any other motorcycle club I’ve ever heard of.

“Do you need anything?”

“No... thanks,” I reply. He’s already done so much.

There’s a knock on the door, then Milly pokes her head in. She peers at Jett. “Can I speak to Ivy for a moment?”

He lifts his chin, and I watch him leave. I hope he doesn’t go far away.

Milly walks in and places a casual black dress on the edge of the bed. “Are you sure you want to stay here?” She cringes. “In Demon’s bedroom?”

“Yes,” I reply with no hesitation. “I feel safe when I’m with him.”

She pauses and peers at the ground. “My brother said you’d be okay too, but I just wanted to check.” She sits on the bed next to me. “You know Demon’s not like the other men, right?”

“He tells me himself he’s a monster,” I counter. “All I’ve seen is a selfless, protective man who wears his demons like a patch of honor. He’s unapologetically himself, and it’s a breath of fresh air. He won’t even touch me because he thinks he’s not worthy.”

She stares wide-eyed.

I give her a sad smile. “I appreciate the concern, but there’s no need. Jett won’t let anything happen to me.”

Her face softens. “You really like him.”

“I do.” I didn’t realize how much until now, and the idea of liking someone is a little scary.

“As long as you’re okay. You have my number. The men who live here in the clubhouse are all friendly, and the woman are just amazing. You’ll get along with them really well.”

“From the sound of the charity they help, they sound like great people.”

Her face lights up. “I’m so proud of them. If anyone in the community needed help, they would assist, no questions asked. It’s the type of people they are.”

“Jett said the MC offered to protect me.”

“I’m not surprised at all. If you’re important to Demon, you’re important to all of us. We’re a family. Anyway, I’ll let you be with Demon, and I’ll chat to you soon.” She leaves.

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