Page 26 of Demon
I blink a few times, my heart picking up speed, not wanting to comprehend his words. “There are more of them after me?” I whisper.Is this never going to end?
He briefly nods. “It was low-ranking members that came after you the first time. I’d say the men from last night are looking for them. Twitch at the MC ran their plates. They’re from a loan sharking group running out of Las Vegas. I’d say your ex borrowed money for gambling, and people like that have strict terms of collection.”
I rub my chest.Loan sharks. I sniffle, trying not to cry. I’ve got to be strong for Sammy. “I just still can’t believe he’d risk our safety to get himself out of trouble.” He should know from last time that he cleaned out most of my savings. He got a black eye and my stupid empathy made me feel bad for him, so I bailed him out. Not this time... not ever again. “What’s going to happen to me and Sammy?” My voice is brittle.
With a serious expression, he says, “I’ll keep you two safe.”
I bite my lip, blinking away those damn tears. “What do we do now?”
He finishes swallowing his toast while gazing out of the window, then looks back at me. “You two can stay at the clubhouse. It’s safe there.”
“I don’t want to impose or be a bother.” They’ve already helped out.
“You’re not, but ultimately it’s your choice.” He takes a sip of his coffee. “I’ll stay here and protect you. So, whatever your choice is, you’ll be safe.”
“Sitting and sleeping in your truck day and night?” I ask with raised brows.
He shrugs. “I’ve experienced worse.”
He’d do it too. It’s no longer safe here with dangerous men knowing where I live. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to Sammy. Being under protection from him and the whole club seems the best decision here. “Can I think about it?”
He nods sharply. “Sure.”
I go inside, sit on the couch, and mindlessly watch the morning show. The most important thing is that Sammy is safe. Everything that I’ve heard and seen about the people at the clubhouse shows they are kind, but I’d be silly not to consider my options. Taking my daughter into a clubhouse seems insane, but I have no family here. I have no one to rely on, and I don’t think I’d want to bring them into this even if I did. The men can protect themselves and me and Sammy. I sigh. I feel crappy bringing trouble into their clubhouse. That also means no childcare. Sammy was enjoying herself, but Sandra’s house is too close to my home. I can’t risk it either.
I head to the bathroom and put on makeup before Sammy wakes up. My mind races with thoughts. I have to consider my feelings for Jett. Being close to him every day. I’d like to get to know him more, even if this isn’t the best circumstances, but I’m worried I’ll spook him. He’s been so selfless and has asked for nothing in return. He hasn’t tried to come onto me or anything. His intentions seem pure.
I have this intense curiosity to try to understand him. As a nurse, maybe I gravitate toward people who are in pain and had trauma and I want to help them. He camouflages his demons with a smile, but I see through it. He seems like he’s curated a version of himself for everyone to ensure no one gets too close. I’m curious about the person behind the mask.
Sammy walks out, rubbing her eyes. “Mom, can I have pancakes again?” she asks, her voice sleepy.
I give her a small smile. “Sorry, sweetie. We’re all out.”
She frowns, and the mom guilt is real! I sit up straight and pat my lap. She walks over and plops down. I hug her tightly. “We’re going on a little trip.”
She turns quickly. “Where are we going?” she asks in a bubbly tone.
“You know the man who was here last night... who got us groceries?”
Her head tilts. “The one with all the pretty drawings on him?”
I smother a smile and nod. “Well, he’s got a big house and asked if we would like to spend a little time there.” How much time... I just don’t know.
She beams. “What do they have there?”
My mouth presses together. No clue. “We’ll make it fun, I promise.”
“Yay!” she squeals.
I gaze into her eyes, proud knowing that I raised such a strong, resilient little person. “I’ll get you some breakfast first. What would you like?”
“Hmm...” Her hand goes to her chin. “Cereal—Cocoa Krispies.”
I get her breakfast, and while she’s eating, I pack our suitcases. My stomach churns. I still can’t believe I’m in this position.
After getting ready, we walk outside. Our suitcases roll along the driveway as we head toward the truck. Sammy has her suitcase in one hand, her unicorn toy in the other. Jett jumps out and takes mine from me and effortlessly puts it in the truck bed. I can’t keep my eyes off his biceps as they bulge with the movement.
He crouches down to Sammy’s level. “Can I take your suitcase too?”
