Page 105 of Demon's Angel

While I was waiting for all the official stuff to go through, now that I was able to take the leash off Violet, I took her to visit to her mom. I think it was harder for me than my wife. At least Vi knew what to expect, but I found it hard to be faced with an all but catatonic woman when the person I remembered had been full of life and fun. We could do little more than check up on her care. Having satisfied myself that this institution was indeed one of the best, I left Violet with her mom, and visited the office where I made sure my bank details were handed across. Of course, the sale from Violet’s old home would pay for care for a while, but I wanted to make sure Delly wouldn’t be moved on if the funds ran out.

When I’d returned to Delly’s room, she was staring, fixated, at the glistening ring on Violet’s hand. I gave her a sharp look, but there was still no sign of recognition there. Was it just the sunlight catching the diamond and making it glint that was catching her attention, or did she realise somewhere in the depths of her poorly functioning brain, the significance? I like to think it’s the latter.

A month after Angel was dispatched to meet Satan, we had church.

“We have the grand opening of the tattoo parlour lined up,” Lizard informs us. “Interior deco was sorted fast. Probably ‘cos we’ve had practice.”Yeah, if you could call repairing the clubhouse that.But the next thing on the agenda had been getting our new venture open for business. “Vi’s handling a lot of that shit, Prez. Doing one heck of a job. She understands business.”

Vi’s thriving. While she loves being a mom, she’s also excited about working. Mo and Jayden have been babysitting to allow her free time, and both are more than happy to look after Theo. I’ve seen Vi come out of her shell more and more and am impressed as fuck how she’s handled the publicity for the new shop, coming up with some great ideas, and being Liz’s right-hand when he’s been purchasing shit he needs. She’ll officially become an apprentice when the shop opens, and has already produced some interesting sketches. One, Pyro’s seriously considering getting inked on his arm.

Everyone’s pleased, we’re all certain the location and fresh, clean, modern-looking premises should bring in more trade.

“Vi’s helped with some ads for the security business as well, Prez,” Paladin states. “Got some more work coming in.”

I try to keep the smile of pride off my face, but it’s fucking difficult.

“Couple of lads have been hanging around,” Thunder takes the opportunity to inform us. “Karl and Beaver.”

“Potential prospects?”

“Could be, Prez.”

That would be good news. Wills and Dan, in my view, are ready to patch in. “Cad, investigate their backgrounds, will you? And what fucking type of name is Beaver?”

Thunder shrugs. “Not sure if it’s a surname or handle. But I’ll get you full details, Cad.”

“Any other business?” I wait, but all seem to be more than ready to hit the beer and get to the girls. “Before you go, want to extend an invitation.” That’s caught their interest. “Sunday. My place.”

“You spoken to Vi?” Hell looks concerned.

“She’ll be up for it.”

“Son.” It’s unusual for him to refer to me as such at the table, so I raise my eyebrow, waiting. “Think you have a lot to learn about women.”

Thunder’s jaw drops. “You haven’t told her?”

I can’t see what the problem is. I think she’s going to be delighted. “Only just got the paperwork.”

“You’ve bought a house, and now are inviting us to a get-together, and she doesn’t know anything about it?”

Well, yeah, that about sums it up.But she’ll love it, won’t she?

Now I’m subjected to the sight of my father cracking up. It’s not long before the rest of them join in, and even my best imitation of Drummer’s stare doesn’t stop them.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Violet

For more than a year and a half I’ve hated surprises. From learning my father had suddenly died to finding my mother deteriorating so fast, to getting pregnant, having Theo, then being scared of every envelope arriving about Angel’s attempts to try to get custody, I haven’t been able to plan or even think for myself. Everything has been a reaction. My marriage, well, I’d had no hand in that. While it had turned out to be the best thing that had ever happened to me, I would have preferred to make my own arrangements. I hadn’t even been able to choose my own dress.

Demon knows this. Knows I hate having no control, especially in what Angel did to me. So why has he announced a surprise for me? And just where is he taking me today?

“I don’t like surprises, D,” I grumble again, as I settle Theo in his carseat.

“Trust me, okay?”

For a response I put my hands on my hips. “I could refuse to go anywhere unless you tell me what we’re doing.”

Demon’s eyes flash. He stalks around to the passenger side of the truck, and puts his hands on my shoulders, then he leans down and kisses the top of my head.

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