Page 5 of Demon
“I’ll get that for you now. Madeline’s due for her obs soon.”
“It’s okay, I can do them.” Milly directs her attention at me. “Go to the clubhouse and have a shower and get some sleep. I’ll monitor Madeline alongside the nurse, and we’ll call you if anything changes.”
I narrow my eyes slightly. “No can do.”
Milly’s eyes widen, but to her credit she stands up straighter. “You need rest. You’re no good to her like this. Go.”
I’m never one to argue with a woman, especially Reaper’s sister and my club brothers’ ol’ ladies, because I respect them, but this is my sister we’re talking about, and she has no one else but me.
Ivy steps forward. Her voice is soft but steady. “I’ll sit with Madeline as much as I can. I promise, I’ll keep you updated if there’re any changes.”
Every molecule in me wants me to stay, but there’s something about the sincerity in Ivy’s voice that makes me pause. I rub the back of my neck, torn. My eyes are burning from lack of sleep and I’m dying for a shower... Maybe I’ll have a shower and come straight back.
“Okay,” I answer reluctantly.
Ivy flashes a triumphant grin. “Take care. I’ll catch up with you later.” She walks away, once more taking the light with her.
I ride to the clubhouse and park outside the shed, then hang my helmet on one of the ape-hanger handlebars. When I get off the bike, I roll my shoulders back. They’re so tense. I walk to the porch and go inside the clubhouse.
Bomber walks toward me, his face stern. “Are you all right?” he asks gruffly.
Me and him aren’t into our feelings and shit, so this is unfamiliar territory. I inch back, surprised. My lips curve into a grin. I think this is what people do, to offer reassurance. “All good.”
He gives me a sharp nod. As we walk farther into the clubhouse, everyone’s eyes fall on me and the clubhouse goes quiet.Everyone knows.I don’t want the sympathy and the conversations that follow, so I dart up the stairs, grab some fresh clothes, and go and have a shower.
After my shower, my body is relaxed and my muscles feel the full effect of the sleepless nights in uncomfortable chairs. I look at my reflection in the mirror. I smile so that I can see what the world sees. Fake smiles hide how dead I am inside. It’s easier to fake a smile than to explain my trauma, easier to exist rather than live.
Back in my bedroom, I grab my phone from the side table and press the home button. No phone calls. Ivy said she would call if anything changes. I set the alarm to go off in two hours.
There’s a knock on my door. “Come on in,” I say in an exaggerated voice.
Reaper walks inside. “I’m sorry to hear about your sister.”
“All good.”
“How’s she doing?”
“Improving.” Slowly.
He sharply nods. “Great news.”
“Is there anything the club needs from me?” I’m still a bit edgy. Nothing a ripe old bashing won’t fix.
Reaper chuckles. He’s quite aware I’m crazy and twisted. “No. You just worry about your family.”
I frown.
“I’ll let you get some sleep, but know that the club is here for you.”
“I know, Pres.”
The men have my back. Reaper was the one who helped me off the streets and offered me a position in the club. We are a brotherhood. That’s why I joined the MC. I’d never fit in anywhere until I met them. I found a place I belong. I can be myself and live in society rather than a prison cell.
I close my eyes and let the blackness take over.
THREE
DEMON – A PORTRAIT TATTOO
