Page 34 of Demon

Ivy blinks a few times. “That was beautiful...” she says, her tone sounding fragile. “You’ll be an amazing father.”

I inch back, shocked. That’s the best compliment I’ve ever gotten.

TWELVE

IVY – JETT’S MASK SLIPS

Ivy

That mannn... I blow out a deep breath as I lie awake in bed. My ovaries near burst watching Jett today with Sammy and Ava’s child, Hope.

Oh. My. Heart.

He was the sweetest with them—letting Sammy color in his back tattoo without the slightest complaint. On the outside he’s intimidating, but on the inside he’s the biggest teddy bear—for kids, anyway. He’s so good with children, and it’s made me fall even harder for him. And how could I not? No hesitation, just happy to help out and entertain the kids. It’s such a turn-on. Sammy’s such a strong-willed girl, but it’s evident she craves a father figure. It hurts my soul that she’s missed out on having a real father all her life.

It’s the worst feeling to be attracted to someone who doesn’t like to be touched... well, not by adults. Jett speaks only when spoken to, making flirting or getting close seem like I’m trying to scale a wall with no footholds. He trusts me to a degree. He cares enough to protect me. But am I just projecting, hoping he feels something—anything—in return?

All I want to do is go into his bedroom... and touch him, kiss him... show him what he’s missing out on and how good it can be between us. I’ve never wanted anyone so badly. I can’t say I’ve ever pursued a man before, so this whole experience is new for me.

Fueled by false bravado, I get off the bed, open the bedroom door, and tiptoe the few steps to Jett’s bedroom, but I freeze in the doorway. I poke my head inside. It’s dark, but the moonlight provides enough illumination to show him asleep in bed. I want to inspect every tattoo that curls around his body. I’m not sure there’s any uninked skin on his body apart from his face.

“Are you all right?” a deep, sleepy, voice asks, making my heart thump and my lungs tight.

What am I doing?I stand there like an idiot, unable to find my words. He waits.

I clear my throat. “Everything is okay...” I reply, then hesitantly step into his bedroom and sit on his bed.Baby steps. I don’t want to spook him.

He inches up. I can see his face now. With pinched brows he studies me. I bite my lip, feeling insecure. I look down at his bare torso. “I finally get to see your chest tattoo. Is it a type of bird?”

“A phoenix.”

The phoenix is large and black, covering most of his torso, its wings stretching wide to his shoulders. The tail feathers go down as far as I can see. I remember the V-shaped muscles I saw before he put his shirt on. Just like on his neck, small splashes of black and red ink surround the phoenix. I know the bird symbolizes resurrection and wonder if it holds any personal significance.

“Maybe you should go back to bed.” His tongue holds a warning.

I swallow down the embarrassment, but I take a moment. “Why do you keep everyone at arm’s length? Never allowing anyone to get close.”

“I like solitude.”

“Hmmm... Then how are you in a motorcycle club?” My voice is full of sass.

“I lived on the streets... Got into the MC’s illegal fighting ring they host to make money. I won.” He chuckles darkly, with not a hint of humor. “Then Reaper offered me a role as prospect.”

“So you weren’t in the military like the rest of them?”

“No... neither was Rage. The MC were the first people I was able to hang out with.”

Jett’s mask just slipped, and I wonder if I fit into the category of people he can spend time with. He’s slowly opening up. He’s like an onion with fifty million layers, but I appreciate his honesty. “Thank you for telling me.” I shuffle over and reach out to put my hand on his, but he grabs my wrist.

With eyes sharp, his stare cutting me, he says, “You shouldn’t get too close to me. You won’t like what you see.”

I find that hard to believe. “You’ve shown me what type of man you are already.” He releases my wrist. I’m trying not to overstay my welcome, so I stand. But I pause because there’s something on my mind. “I’m eager to go back to work...” It’s been clawing at me. I love my job, and I need independence. I’ve never relied on a man, and I have no intention of starting now. I still need to pay rent. “I spoke to Sophie and Milly about it. They wanted to check if it’s okay with you... and with the club. If I’ll be safe going there.”

“I’m not going to clip your wings, Little Bird.” His voice softens. “If you want to go to work, you can go.”

My heart’s in my throat. “You don’t think it’s selfish?” I have felt like crap for even considering the idea.

“If you want to work, I’ll check on you during your breaks and be there to pick you up and drop you off. Sammy will be well looked after by Ava and the other women.”

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