Page 29 of Demon's Angel

Laying Theo on the bed, I go sort out the portable crib, then pull it close to me and settle him down. Then, tired, I lean against the pillow, thinking over the terrible day I’ve had, and the emotional wringer I’ve been through.

Lying on my side, I watch Theo sleeping. It’s hard to think when I awoke this morning, I never expected to have him with me tonight. I might have been rescued by Devils, but God must have had a hand in it. Maybe Nathan’s watching over us and had sent his best friend to help. Now at least there’s someone on my side to keep Theo hidden from his sperm donor. It’s a comforting thought that, for tonight at least, we’re safe.

I call out when a knock comes at the door, “Yeah, come in.”

Demon walks in carrying a tray. On it there’s a delicious smelling plate of food. Some kind of stew, but as my stomach growls once again, I couldn’t give a damn what sort. Sitting up, I waggle my fingers in a ‘give me’ gesture.

He laughs. “Fuck, Vi, I remember you doing that when you wanted our candy.”

I roll my eyes as he defines our relationship yet again. To him I’ll never be more than Nathan’s little sister.

I dig in and eat as though I haven’t eaten all day, which is the truth. I’m so hungry, and the food so good, I’m unaware of Demon watching me eat every mouthful until I’m almost finished. Then I notice his eyes transfixed on my spoon as I move it between plate and lips. To test him, I take time over the next morsel, making a show of sucking it into my mouth, then licking the utensil.

His eyes catch mine. Swiftly he turns his back.Hmm. Perhaps not so immune to me as he’d like to think.

“That was great, D. I’m stuffed now.”

There’s a slight groan, then a chuckle. “Christ, Vi, you’ve emptied the plate.”

“So?” I shrug. “I was hungry.”

I’d like nothing more than to go to sleep, but having eaten so much, I need to let the digestion process start to work. Putting the plate to one side, I sit up, propping pillows behind me. They’ll have discussed my situation in their meeting, and I want to know what conclusions they’ve made.

“What’s going to happen? Where do I go from here?”

The last is a metaphorical question, but he answers literally. “You go nowhere, for now,” he says sharply. “You and Theo, you’ll be staying here.”

I don’t bother protesting. He must know we can’t stay forever.

“Can I get our things?”

I’d packed a few things in the suitcase, so Vicky wouldn’t become suspicious. Going to visit my fictional friend without taking anything with me would certainly have aroused some misgivings. Distraught, I’d not put much thought to what I’d thrown in. Most of my stuff I’d left behind. Theo has no toys, and I’d like him to have them.

“I’ll get the suitcase brought up from your car; should have thought of that earlier. But if you’re referring to shit from your home, no, Vi. Can’t rule out someone will be looking for you, and the house is the first place they’d go. Have to tell you now, you’re not going to be leaving the compound, so don’t even ask. The only way to keep you safe is to make sure that no one knows you’re here.”

He’s being so heavy-handed. I’m an independent woman, used to doing stuff for myself. He might be right, but his arrogant attitude is annoying.

“But…” I start to protest for the sake of making a protestation.

“No, Vi. The girls can go buy whatever you need.”

I don’t have enough money to replace everything Theo requires. “I can’t afford—”

I was going to say ‘much’ but he interrupts, “Vi! For fuck’s sake. I told you, I’m stepping into Nathan’s shoes. Anything you need, I’ll pay for it. I’m good for that, I promise you.”

My cheeks flame. “I can’t ask you?”

Again he cuts me off before I’ve finished. “You’re not asking. I’m telling. Nathan would never have let you go wanting…”

Suddenly I’ve pulled myself up on my knees, my finger prodding him in the ribs, my voice as angry as I can make it without risking interrupting Theo sleeping.

“Look here,” I hiss. “I’m a grown woman. I can look after myself. Whether Nathan is here or not, whether you somehow think you’re his proxy, I’ll make my own way in life. I’ve done well enough on my own so far.”

He’s there. His hand captures my fingers, he pushes both our joined fists against my chest, pressing me back against the pillows. His temper has risen as fast as my own.

“And you make some great fuckin’ choices, don’t you? You say you don’t need looking after? You’re a single mom with a kid and without a penny to your name. Not to say, without me, you don’t have a place to stay, either.”

The words ring in the air.

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