Page 33 of Demon
Giggles wake me, and I know straight away it’s Sammy. I’m lying on my stomach, but I’m shirtless. As my sleepy eyes open, I feel a cool sensation on my back. “What are you doing?”
“I’m coloring in the skull.”
Italmostmakes me laugh. It’s the War Brothers MC logo. “Yeah... with what?” It’s not her fingertips, it’s something cooler.
“Marker.”
All that comes to mind is I hope it’s not permanent, but either way I don’t mind if she’s having fun. “Mmm... What color?”
“Purple.”
“Sammy,” Ivy calls out with concern in her voice.
“She’s in here,” I answer.
I hear her footsteps followed by a gasp. “OMG! Sammy!” She tries to chastise her, but her voice conveys amusement. She chuckles.
“I’m not done yet,” Sammy says. She’s strong-minded for such a young girl, though that’s a good thing.
“It’s okay,” I reassure Ivy. “Let her finish.” Since she’s started, she might as well finish it.
“All done,” Sammy declares cheerily. “Your tattoo looks much better now,” Sammy says a matter-of-factly.
Ivy’s staring at my body, her eyes wandering around my tattoos. Her cheeks are flushed, and there’s no mistaking the heat in her eyes. When I slip a shirt on, she clears her throat. “Yes, Sammy. It’s beautiful work.”
Once I stand, I notice a stuffed bear with a bright red shirt on sitting on my bed. “You’ll look after my teddy won’t you,” Sammy says sternly.
“Sure will,” I reply.
“At least you have some color in your room now,” Sammy adds.
I glance between the two of them.I certainly do.
* * *
We havea late lunch that afternoon, and we’re all outside. Reaper, Bomber, and Viper are talking among themselves by the barbecue, where Reaper is grilling a few racks of ribs, steaks, and sausages. Milly has arrived, and she’s standing off to the side, talking with Ivy and Sophie. Cash and Rage are sitting at the end of the table, deep in conversation, while the other women are bringing out the side dishes. Axle, me, and Sammy are left, as well as Elena, who is holding Hope.
Axle shoots me a smug grin, then peers at Sammy. “Have you been having fun?”
“Oh, yes,” says Sammy. “I got to color in Jett’s big skull tattoo.”
He gives her a puzzled look. “Oh yeah,” he raises a brow at me. “I’m curious now. I want to see it.”
She gets off her seat and wanders around me. She lifts up my shirt, so I turn to show Axle. He bursts out laughing.
Sammy has her arms crossed over her chest and gives him the evil eye. “What’s so funny?”
Axle murmurs, “Oh, shit,” under his breath, then presses his lips into a firm line as if trying to hide his laughter. “I mean wow. You did an awesome job there. Ilovethe color.”
Hope cries. I can tell it’s her tired cry. Elena stands holding her, patting her back. It doesn’t work, so I get up and go over to her. Hope sees me and reaches out her arms to me, making me smirk.
Elena rolls her eyes and passes her to me. “What’s your secret? You’re the baby whisperer.”
“No secret.” I bring Hope close to my chest and slowly sway from side to side. She closes her little blue eyes. I hear a collective sigh. I peer over my shoulder to see Milly and Ivy giving me a soft look.
I take my seat again while still rocking Hope. Ivy sits next to Sammy. “You’re good with kids,” she says softly.
“Children are innocent until they’re tainted with the sins of the world. They show unconditional love.”
