Page 39 of Demon's Angel

“More or less.”

“Demon’s grandfather was the president back in those days, wasn’t he?” I’m sure someone told me. Nathan, perhaps.

Thunder glances my way, then quickly averts his eyes. “What you doing out here, anyway?”

It’s a quick change of subject. I don’t understand why Demon’s relationship to the initial president is a touchy subject, but it certainly appears to be. I don’t press; it’s none of my business. As my relationship with the club will only be brief, I have no need to pry. “I just wanted some fresh air,” I explain. “Jayden and Mo are watching Theo for me.” I add the last hastily, not wanting him to think I’ve abandoned my baby again.

Thunder laughs. “Mo will be in her element. She loves kids.”

He’s got that right. It’s a bit awkward. My solitude has been ruined. I barely know this man. Don’t know how to speak to him.

“You should be safe out here, Violet,” he says, suddenly. “But you shouldn’t wander around alone.”

“No one can get into the compound.” I’m viewing the high brick walls that surround the old factory. Where the wall has fallen in, there’s high chain-link fencing to keep people out.

Thunder touches my shoulder and turns me around. He points around my arm. “Sniper could take you out if he wanted to.”

My eyes go wide. “Why would anyone want that?”

“Because if Theo has no other parent, Angel gets what he wants.”

I go cold. I truly hadn’t considered that I could be in danger, that killing me would pave the way for Angelino to get what he wanted. As chills run through me, I wrap my arms around my stomach. “Angelino doesn’t know where I am, does he?”

He hesitates, then shakes his head. “Nevertheless, pet. If I was you…”

“I’ll go back inside,” I say quickly.

“Best you do. Demon wouldn’t want you exposed. And I need to get off to work.”

As Thunder waits, expectantly, I realise he’d only come out to make sure I was safe. All Demon’s men seem to be looking out for me, and now I’m holding him up. I know they have my best interests at heart, but it makes me feel a bit like a prisoner. Thinking I really need to make some plans about moving on, I turn and make my way back inside.

I return through the kitchen; a long soak in the bath is sounding more and more attractive. Noticing Mo and Jay talking, I presume Theo is still asleep and not stirring and go over to check. Cad walks past, giving me a nod.

“Hey, that was no more than five minutes,” Jay grins.

“Go on, shoo. All moms need time to themselves.”

Thanking them both, but still feeling guilty, I slip across the clubroom and up the stairs.

Entering Hell’s room that he’s kindly allowing me to use, I grab a clean towel. Soon I’m watching steaming water fill the tub. Having Theo, quick showers are normally all that I can take, so I’m longing to have a good long soak. There’s no bubble bath, but just being able to lie back and relax is enough. When it’s full, and I might have over-indulged with the amount of water I’ve used, I ease myself down with a sigh, feeling my brain start to unwind.

It’s sheer enjoyment, a luxury I’ve missed. I take my time, ignoring that my skin is wrinkling; it’s just so nice to lie back, knowing Theo is in good hands. I didn’t know how much I needed this moment to myself until I had it.

Mmm. This is so nice.It’s a shame I’ll need to get out soon; I swear, one by one, my muscles are unknotting as I let my arms drift weightless to the surface. In a state of total relaxation, I hear voices coming through the door. There are men in my room.

I come back to myself. My heart beats fast, then my brain kicks in, reassuring me. I’m safe in the compound. The men outside will only be Demon’s men. But what are they doing in the room that’s been assigned to me? Not really afraid, more curious, and slightly indignant, I rise from the bath, water cascading off me, then realise I’ve nothing to cover myself with but a towel. Having thought I was alone, I’d left my clothes outside, so they wouldn’t be dampened by the steam. Luckily, it’s a large bath towel. I wrap it around me. Then pause at the door, listening.

“Where the fuck does she keep it?”

They’re searching my room for something?I’ve no idea what, I’ve very little possessions here at all, nothing worth stealing. My temper rises. If they wanted something of mine, why didn’t they come and just ask?

Right.One, two…On the mental count of ‘three’, I throw open the door, hard enough so it crashes against the wall before bouncing back. Three men jump, three faces carry identical startled expressions.

After a second, each shows a different emotion.

Cad is holding my purse, his hand rummaging inside. He looks guilty. Demon’s standing next to him looking annoyed, and Thunder is smirking. When Demon glances his VP’s way, he hurriedly steps forward, putting his body between me and the other two men.

Peering around him, I glare at the man holding my purse. “What are you doing with that? And you,” I prod Demon in the back. “I want the truth. What’s going on?”

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