Page 53 of Demon

We toast and toss back the shots. The sweetness masks the burn that hits my throat on the way down.

I glance at Jett, noticing his empty hands. “You’re not drinking tonight?”

“I’ve already had a beer. I don’t drink much... just one beer every now and again,” he says casually.

“Why not?” I peer around the group. “Your friends seem to be getting pretty wasted.”

His gaze sweeps over everyone, unbothered. “Bomber and I don’t drink much. We have to stay vigilant. It’s our job to protect the club... and it’s my job to protect you.”

My stomach twists. And now they probably have a threat because of me.This man is too good to me.

I yawn and stretch. “I might head to bed. I’m bloated and too full for another drink.”

Jett immediately stands. “I’ll walk you.”

“Night, everyone,” I call to the table, earning a mix of boos and goodnights.

He steadies me as I sway on my feet, his cologne and warmth dizzying in the best way. Once upstairs, I notice Sammy sprawled across our bed, sleeping peacefully. “Sammy doesn’t want me to sleep with her anymore. Unbelievable.”

His lip quirks. “I’d like to take you somewhere tomorrow.” His voice soft... quiet.

“Okay, sure,” I murmur, smiling.

He helps me into bed and pulls the blanket up while I smile stupidly up at him. When he leans down to press a kiss to my forehead, my heart melts. “Good night,” he says, and I’m asleep seconds later.

SIXTEEN

DUEL POV – HAUNTED EYES, BROKEN HEART, BATTERED SOUL

Demon

It’s morning.I’m in my room, waiting for Ivy to finish getting ready. I had to chuckle at her hungover state this morning. I’m sitting on my bed, hands on my knees, wondering whether this is a good idea or not, but she keeps insisting on wanting to get to know me. Fuck knows why, but she’s stubborn and very persistent.

We had a club meeting yesterday about what had happened outside the bar. I was expecting Bomber to say something to me about being reckless out in public, but he didn’t. Apparently, no one snitched to the police about the incident. We have a contact at the police station, so we would have heard about it by now. Since we’ve started helping the women and children in the charity, the town people seem to respect and trust the club. The men in the MC were empathetic because most the men know what it feels like to have their women in harm’s way.

Reaper ended up talking to the leader of the loan sharks, and we’ve come to an understanding that Ivy and Sammy are under the club’s protection. The leader of the group agreed that there will be no more harassment and that they will go after Ivy’s ex for the money. The loan sharks have plenty of people owing them money, so even though I don’t trust them, going to war with a motorcycle club over a bit of money doesn’t make a lot of sense. So Ivy could go home... but I’m not going to tell her that.

I hear Ivy before I see her. That’s what I do—I listen and observe, so I know by people’s footsteps who’s coming. I stand as she reaches my room. When she sees me, she smiles. I feel privileged to see her smile. There’s a strange feeling in my chest. She sees things in me nobody else sees. She looks at me like she loves me.

“Are we going on your bike?” Her eyes are bright, hopeful.

“Yeah, sure.”

She does a happy dance. I find her facial expressions fascinating. Always so emotive. It’s unfortunate that her smile will be wiped from her face today. I lean down and grab the painkiller and glass of water on my side table that I got for her and pass them to her.

A little sigh escapes her. “Thank you. God, I need these.” She takes them.

We walk downstairs. It’s quiet this morning, but I hear people talking in the kitchen.

“Do you know how long we’ll be gone for? I just want to check with the girls that they’re all right to watch Sammy. I feel like a terrible parent asking them to babysit all the time.”

I shrug. “The women here aren’t like that. Elena and Ava are always happy to help out. She’ll be fine.”

“I’d better go check.”

I nod. “I’ll be out the front.”

By the time I start my bike and ride up to the front of the clubhouse, she comes dashing out. I pass her the helmet and she hops on. Even on the ride over, I still find myself checking my mirrors for anyone following us. I don’t trust anyone, regardless of whether they said they aren’t following Ivy anymore or not.

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