Page 65 of Demon

He chuckles softly, kissing me tenderly. He takes his club vest and shirt off so Sammy doesn’t see the blood, then hand in hand, we go to see her. And as we climb the stairs, I know everything will be okay—with Jett by my side.

TWENTY

DUEL POV – THEY CHOOSE ME. NO ONE CHOOSES ME

Ivy

Weeks have passed,and with each passing week, I’ve had flashbacks of that day. Nightmares haunt me, but Jett is always there to hold me, quietening the demons in my head. Milly and I have gotten closer too by sharing how we are coping. Her reassurance that the incident wasn’t my fault has eased the guilt I carried for involving her. She’s been having flashbacks as well, which I think is why she’s been staying at the clubhouse, in the other spare room. Being here makes her feel safe.

Not long after that day, Sammy and I moved all our belongings into the clubhouse. There’s plenty of space, and Sammy was thrilled to keep her own room, which is conveniently right across from Jett’s and mine. We even got her a giant rainbow and unicorn stencil for her wall. She and Conan have been inseparable. He follows her everywhere. Jett told me that if anything were to happen to her here at the clubhouse, Conan would be an extra layer of protection. I love seeing the special bond she’s developed with the dog.

We haven’t heard from Richard, and for that I’m grateful. But with Christmas tomorrow, I can’t stop worrying about whether Sammy will ask about him. I know I’ll never forgive him or allow him back into our lives. Sammy loves her home here at the clubhouse, though I still dream of getting a place for just us three, a real family home.

Both Milly and I returned to work, but Jett still checks on me during the day. Even though I’m confident that this chapter is behind us, his need to keep me safe matters to him, so I let him.

It’s late on Christmas Eve, and I got Sammy to bed early. Sophie is grabbing beers from the fridge for the men while I stand looking at the Christmas tree. It’s ridiculously huge, covered in flashing gold lights, baubles, and bows. Sammy and I added the final touch together, with Jett lifting her up to place the star on top of the tree. That moment was so special.

Sophie and I head outside with beers in hand. “Beers are ready if anyone’s thirsty,” I call out. I smile at the kids’ playground that they have built under the guidance of Jett. So far they’ve built a cubby house, and off to the side are two swings, monkey bars, and a slide. The MC has become our family too, and I’ll be forever grateful for their protection and the love that they all share.

Axle rushes over, grabs a beer, and gulps it down. “It’s hard work out here. Thankfully, Demon’s a pro at following instructions. He’s built one of these before.”

“Oh? When was that?” I ask curiously.

He grins. “For the kids at Misty’s Safe Haven.”

I sigh and smile, watching Jett from behind. God, he really does have a good ass, and the best part is, he’s mine. He glances up, catching me staring, and gives me that genuine smile that lights up his eyes, leaving no doubt about his love for me. The eyes never lie.

Later, as they finish the playground, I follow Milly to her car and can’t help but laugh. Her convertible’s top is down, and in the back is the enormous unicorn I’d asked her to store, partially disguised with bin bags. “Thanks for keeping the unicorn for me,” I say.

She pulls it out, and I’m reminded just how massive it is. “Happy to help. Sammy’s going to love it.”

“She sure will,” I respond with a smile. “She’s a little spoiled this year.”

Milly offers to help me place more presents under the tree, and I gladly accept. Then Sophie comes out toward us with a tray of cocktails.

* * *

“Mom! Mom!”Sammy’s enthusiastic voice pulls me from my sleep. My head pounds slightly; maybe I shouldn’t have had those cocktails last night.

The sight of her bright, eager face jolts me awake. “Merry Christmas, Sammy,” I say, pulling her into a tight hug. She immediately tugs on my hand, practically bouncing with excitement.

When Jett joins us, we head downstairs together. Sammy spots the unicorn first. “Is this mine?” she squeals, her wide eyes sparkling with joy.

“It’s all yours,” I reply, smiling as Jett wraps his arms around my waist. I lean into him, putting my hands over his. I love that he can’t keep his hands off me now. Glancing up at him, I say, “Thank you. For everything—for making this day so special for Sammy.”

He kisses the side of my neck, sending shivers through me. “I’d do anything to make her happy.”

Tears threaten to fall as I take in everything he’s done for her. Seeing him treat Sammy as his own fills my heart in ways I didn’t think possible.

Downstairs, the cozy chaos of Christmas begins. Couples exchange gifts. Elena and Axle stand hand in hand watching Hope, who’s giggling and sitting next to a ginormous present that’s awkwardly wrapped in pink wrapping paper. Ava helps Hope open it to uncover a wooden rocking horse.

It’s clear that some people couldn’t help themselves and gave Sammy and Hope presents as well. Sammy is ravenously opening them up. There’s wrapping paper everywhere. “Look, Mom, a Barbie doll. She’s so pretty.”

“She’s beautiful, sweetheart,” I reply, though the sight of all the presents has me wondering where we’ll store them.

“I’ve got something for you,” Jett says.

Butterflies explode in my stomach. “Aww... You didn’t have to get me anything.”

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