Page 40 of Demon

My stomach churns, but I fake confidence. “I’m not giving up. Just let me in.” I mean every word.

His eyes grow cold as a sardonic grin envelops his face. I suck in a breath, knowing I’m not going to like what he has to say next.

“Are you going to let the same hands that torture and kill men touch you?”

I stumble back, unable to catch my breath.

He chuckles, but it’s dark and flat. “Yeah... that’s what I thought.”

I frown, rub the bottom of my throat, and walk back to my bedroom. I gently get back into bed, trying not to wake Sammy.

I shouldn’t be surprised considering what everyone else said about Jett, but hearing it out loud cements it in my brain. I should be terrified... disgusted... but I find myself wondering... did the men he kill deserve it? Why else would he do it? Zara said he had trouble restraining himself around men who hurt women and children.

He may not say much, but his actions toward me are everything I need to know. I might be deluding myself, but nothing can prove otherwise to me. I can’t escape the pull to him, and I think he’s scared of letting someone get too close. I refuse to give up because I want to be with him. Everyone deserves to be loved.

THIRTEEN

IVY – PUSHING THE LIMIT

Ivy

Today’s a new day,and I’ve got work. I change into my uniform, grab my bag, and sling it over my shoulder. My makeup routine is quick, just enough to hide the faint bruises still lingering on my face. I cringe, hoping Jett won’t act differently because of last night. I sigh, lean over, and kiss the top of Sammy’s head. Leaving her always sends a flutter of anxiety through me.

After gently closing the door to Sammy’s room, I take a few steps and peek into Jett’s. His cologne hits me first, then I see him slipping his arms into his cut and pull it over his shoulders. The motorcycle vest suits him. It’s a look I never expected to be into, but it’s a real turn-on.

He catches me watching. “Are you ready to leave?”

I exhale, relieved he seems like his usual self. “Yes.” I give him a small smile and follow him down the stairs, through the clubhouse. It’s eerily quiet; everyone must still be asleep.

Jett grabs car keys from a hook by the front door before leading me to the shed. He presses the key fob, and the truck unlocks with a beep. We climb in, and he starts the engine.

Biting my lip, I glance at him. “Are you sure it’s okay for Sammy to stay at the clubhouse while I’m at work?”

“Yes. Ava and Elena are happy to care for her.”

“They mentioned that, but they barely know us, and I’m sure they have other priorities. I’ll take some money out and pay them.”

He side-eyes me. “You can try, but they won’t take it. I’ll check on Sammy during your shift and keep you updated.”

I sigh. “You’re too good to me.”

He doesn’t respond, and silence settles between us for the rest of the drive.

When we arrive at the hospital, Jett drives around looking for an available space to park in. I reach for the door handle. “It’s fine. I can just hop out here.”

He ignores me and finds a space. Once parked, his hazel eyes meet mine, intense and unwavering. “I’ll walk you in.”

The gesture tugs at my heart. I get out, and we walk side by side through the parking lot. His shoulders are tense, and his gaze darts around. People give us curious, sometimes wary, looks as we pass. Jett always has that effect on strangers. His intimidating appearance, the club vest, his deliberate stride and facial expression... it all creates an aura of danger. But I know better.

Before we reach the elevator, he stops abruptly and turns to me. “Do you have your self-defense gear?”

I nod, lifting my hand to show him the hidden self-defense ring. “Panic alarm is on my keychain, and there’s pepper spray in my bag.”

“Keep your phone on you at all times. Don’t leave the building without me.” His tone is sharp, his stare unrelenting. His usual calm exterior is gone today.

This situation is serious, but I break out in a smile. “Bossy, much?”

His hard gaze softens slightly, but he doesn’t reply.

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