Page 59 of Demon

“All right, where to next?” Milly asks, reversing down the driveway.

“The toy store.”

She nods. “Got it.”

On our way there, I glance at her, curiosity bubbling up. “Can I ask you something personal?”

Her pause is brief. “Go for it.”

“Why aren’t you and Twitch together?”

Her laughter comes out in a burst, loud and unapologetic. “What gave you that idea?”

“You two seem, I don’t know... close,” I reply, my grin teasing. “Like, hand-close-to-his-dick-at-the-dinner-table close.”

She smacks the steering wheel, still laughing. “You saw that, huh?”

“Hard to miss,” I say with a knowing smile.

She exhales, her amusement softening. “It’s nothing serious. We flirt and tease each other—that’s as far as it goes. It’s harmless fun, no drama.”

I think of Mercedez. Therewillbe drama if Mercedez catches wind of it.

“A smart man is so sexy,” she purrs. “Add in the alternative vibe like the earrings and piercings and jewelry... But he’s part of the MC, and I swore to my brother I’d never get involved with a club member and he warned all the men as well. So I put my game face on and hide that I find Twitch attractive.”

“So no one knows?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “I haven’t told anyone, and he certainly wouldn’t brag or he’d see the wrath of Reaper. They all see us talking, but no one has said anything that suggests they think it’s more than that.”

Touched by her trust, I smile. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

She pulls into the parking lot outside the store, which is bright yellow and says “Crown Village Toy Store” in big letters above the doors.

We walk inside, grab a shopping cart, and start going through the isles. “Can we go to the baby isle too? I’d like to grab a few things for Hope,” says Milly. We veer that way, and go through the isles, where she adds a few toys. “I’m happy for you and Demon.”

I smile as I think back to all of my recent interactions with Jett. “We’re still finding our way. He’s gone through a lot. I think he surprised himself by how much he cares about me and Sammy.”

“I’ve been checking up on you.”

I pause. I tilt my head as I wait for her to elaborate.

“I’ve been asking Ava and Reaper how it’s been going with Demon. I hardly know him, and you’ve become a friend, so I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

My heart warms. “Aww... thanks for your concern, but Jett has been so good to me.”

“I know that now and I’m so glad. I’ve watched him when I’m at the MC, and instead of being by himself, playing with his knife or throwing that goddamn thing around, he’s content to just be in your presence. It’s truly beautiful to see.”

I sniffle and blink rapidly. “Thank you for letting me know.” It’s nice to know people from outside can see he’s happy with me. I guess I knew, but someone else saying it cements it for me.

“After seeing Demon with Hope. My mind changed about him.” Her voice softens. “But I was always still cautious because of what he does for the club. Honestly, after seeing him with Sammy too, it’s mind-boggling to see how good he is with kids. It’s like the kids are drawn to him. I find it fascinating how adults are scared of him but kids just love him.”

I chuckle. “Sammy is obsessed with him. She bosses him around and he just goes with it.” I glance off as I take a moment. “I think kids that young don’t judge. They see him for who he is inside. He just lights up around kids and makes them feel comfortable and safe.”

I find the educational toy aisle and add a few things to the cart. Sammy seems to be enjoying learning and writing. “I wouldn’t mind grabbing some unicorn stationery since she’s starting school later next year. I’d love for her to be confident when she goes.”

“We’ll go pay for these and then visit the shopping center and have a look.” She sighs. “Plus, I’m in desperate need of that latte.”

After packing the car, it isn’t long until we park outside the shopping center, since Crown Village is a small town. When I take my seat belt off, I look at Milly, who’s frozen in place, looking at her rearview mirror. “What’s wrong?” I ask, suddenly alarmed.

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