Page 58 of Demon

Sammy looks up at me. “Can I come?” she asks with big puppy dog eyes, which makes me feel like crap.

“Next time.” She’s overdue for some time away from the clubhouse. “Maybe we can go relax at the beach tomorrow?”

She jumps up and down on her chair with a gigantic grin. “I can’t wait.”

“Well, I won’t be long.” Then I dash off in search of Jett. It’s not long until I find him playing pool with Reaper, Bomber, and Cash. His eyes find mine as soon as I walk into the room. “Who’s winning?” I ask playfully.

A smile teases the corner of Jett’s lips, so I know it’s him. “We are,” he answers, and tilts his head in Bomber’s direction.

“I’m going out shopping with Milly. We won’t be long.”

He stiffens ever so slightly, but I see it. “I’ll come.” He goes to put the cue down on the edge of the table, but I shake my head.

“They aren’t after me anymore. Everything will be okay now.”

His blank face shows he isn’t convinced, so I walk over and grab his hands in mine. The ink on his hand is such a contrast against my own skin. “I need normalcy. Christmas is coming up, and I’ve got to go and get presents and check my mailbox at my old place for bills.”

He pulls something out of his back pocket. It’s his wallet, and I automatically take a step back as he pulls out a card.

“Take this.”

“No, no. It’s fine. I’ve got it.” I’ve never relied on a man before.

“Just take it,” Milly says from a few steps behind me. I glance over my shoulder, catching her steady gaze. “You’ve hardly worked, you’re raising a child, and there’s no shame in accepting help when you need it.”

Her reasoning makes sense, but my stubbornness insists otherwise.

Jett raises an eyebrow, his tone teasing. “Guess I’m coming with you, then.”

With a groan, I grab the card from his hand. “All right, all right. I’ll take it.” Standing on tiptoes, I plant a quick peck on his cheek. “See you soon.”

Before I can step away, he pulls me into his arms, leaning close to whisper in my ear. “Don’t be long.”

A small smile tugs at my lips at the thought of him missing me.

Milly and I step outside, and my eyes land on her shiny silver convertible. It practically glitters under the sunlight. “Wow, this is gorgeous,” I say, admiring the sleek car.

“It is, isn’t it?” Milly smirks, sliding into the driver’s seat.

I climb in on the passenger side, inhaling deeply. “It still smells new.”

She beams. “I got it recently.”

I glance toward the tiny backseat. “How on earth did you manage to fit the unicorn in here?”

Milly snorts, clearly amused. “With the convertible roof down, of course. I strapped her in with the seatbelt.” She slides on her sunglasses and starts the car. “You should’ve seen the stares I got. It was quite the eventful drive home.”

I laugh at the image. “I bet.”

We cruise through the clubhouse gates and onto the dirt road leading away. “Roof up or down?” she asks, her hand hovering near the control.

“Down,” I reply without hesitation. The breeze whips through our hair as the roof folds back. She turns the volume up on the stereo. The beat is catchy, pulling me in. My head bobs along instinctively. “Who sings this?” I shout over the music.

“Phix. The song’s called ‘Drip.’ It’s my jam!” she replies, grinning.

We make our way into town, the drive peppered with laughter and light conversation. When she finally pulls into my driveway, I hop out to check the mailbox. Relief washes over me as I find only one letter, and it looks like junk mail.

Sliding back into my seat, I toss the envelope into my bag. “No bills, thank goodness.”

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