Page 13 of Demon
“Can I help you?” an elderly lady asks with a kind smile.
“I was wondering,” I say hesitantly, still gazing at the unicorn, “is there any way to reserve this? I’d like to pay for it in installments and have it fully paid off by Christmas.” My voice softens. “My daughter will love it.”
“Yes, I can do that.” She leans over toward the unicorn and tries to pick it up.
“Here, I’ll help you,” I say as I grab the ass end of the unicorn and follow her into a back room. We then proceed to the cash register.
“Can I have your name and phone number?”
I answer her and pay the first fifty-dollar deposit. It’s going to be a bit tight this week, but even if I have to do without, it will be worth it to see Sammy’s bright smile on Christmas Day.
I check my phone for the time. I have enough time to pay a quick visit to Madeline and Jett. My body sings as I make my way to level two, where Madeline is. I smile at the nurses at the front desk. “Hi, can you let me know where Madeline Miller is?”
“Room 201.”
“Great, thank you.” It’s a short walk to her room, and when I peek inside. Jett isn’t in there. I frown. I must have missed him.
“Looking for someone?” a deep, sinister voice says from behind me.
Oh lord! I slowly turn around, unable to hide the broad smile on my face. Jett’s eyes are a galaxy of brown and green. He’s wearing a long black tee, black jeans, and his leather cut over his shirt. His lip ever so slightly edges up, his eyes dancing with mischief. With his short mohawk and body full of tattoos, he’s a vicious beauty, brooding with darkness and secrets.
I haven’t seen this playful side of him. I wonder what’s changed. It has me wanting to know more. “I was looking for you. But it seems you found me first.” I refuse to lie and say otherwise.
I walk inside to his sister. He follows. “How’s she doing?” I ask as I peer at Madeline. She’s lying peacefully on the bed with her eyes closed.
“She’s recovering well,” he says nodding toward her. “The doctor said she’ll be ready to leave in about two days.”
I reach out and touch his arm gently. “I’m so happy to hear that.”
He stiffens and stares at where my hand is on his arm, so I pull my hand away. He takes a large step back, making me frown. He clearly doesn’t like to be touched.
“Do you know if the nursing home here in Crown Village or the one in Opal Bay are any good?” he asks, his voice soft.
My mouth opens and I gape at him. “I just moved to the area, so I’m not familiar,” I admit. “But I’ll look into it for you and get back to you soon.”He trusts me...“How long will you be in the hospital today?” I may or may not have multiple reasons for asking that question.
He stares at me a little too long. “Until seven.”
That’s when I finish my shift. “Maybe I’ll catch you before you leave.”
“Fancy seeing you here.” A woman’s voice comes from the doorway. I peek over. It’s Milly, who has a gigantic smirk on her face, aimed at me.
I smother a smile but don’t say anything. How am I supposed to answer? I wanted to check on Madeline but also perve on her ridiculously good-looking, mysterious brother who has me in a tailspin.
She chuckles under her breath and walks into the room and looks at Jett. “I’m impressed with Madeline’s improvements.”
He nods. Well, at least he isn’t quiet just with me.
“Jett was wondering what the nursing homes are like around here. He’s interested in looking into them for Madeline.”
She casts me a funny look. “Calling him Jett is just weird.”
I raise my brow. “What’s his other name then?”
“My club name is Demon,” he says in a deep, sexy voice.
I stare at him. Such a strange name. “I like Jett better.” So Jett it is.
“Regarding the nursing home,” Milly says to Jett. “A colleague of mine has had nothing but good things to say about the nursing home located in Crown Village. From the feedback I’ve gotten from other health professionals while working here, the nursing home’s quality of care is unparalleled and they offer a wide range of services. You should organize a meeting and get them to show you around the grounds.”
