Page 49 of Hooked on a Demon
“Well, so we can come watch your show, lil’ foot,” her father says as if it were obvious.
He watches as a series of emotions floods her features. Moving quickly from confusion to shock, back to confusion, and then landing finally on embarrassment.
“You don’t have to come. It’s a silly children’s showcase,” she says unconvincingly.
“But it’syourshowcase. So we will be there to support you and your work, dear. We have always regretted not getting the chance to see you perform on the big stage in Hollybrook. So we will be there to support you for this showcase.”
A flash of grief passes over her eyes. Realization dawns on Declan. Her family never saw her achieve her dream, presumably because of her shithead ex. He not only kept her from friends, but also kept her family from her.
Rage builds rapidly in his chest. His muscles tighten as what feels like a block of anger settles inside. His demon roars angrily in his head, wanting to take over. To protect her. To avenge her. All of it.
Declan sucks in a breath, reluctantly drawing the tendril away from Eliana’s lap as he focuses his energy on keeping the demon at bay. The last thing he needs right now is his angered demon making an appearance. Clearing his throat, he excuses himself and steps out of the room.
He finds his way to the backyard and steps around the corner to give himself some privacy. Shutting his eyes tight, he takes a few deep breaths to calm the rolling river of animosity. It doesn’t take long before he hears soft steps approaching.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
Hearing the concern in her tone squashes any remaining bitterness inside him. His eyes open, and she stands before him, her eyebrows scrunched in, creating the most adorable little wrinkle between them. She crosses her arms over her chest and softly rubs her arms to keep warm. It is a bit chilly out, but the cool air has never really bothered him, despite running hotter thanks to his demon.
He steps toward her, glancing behind to be sure they are out of sight.
“Can I hug you?” he asks.
She smiles at him. “Yes, Declan, you can hug me. You don’t need to ask every time,” she says, letting a soft chuckle loose at his expense.
He takes two steps to close the distance and wraps her in his arms. “You should have a coat on,” he mumbles into the top of her head before breathing her in. Peppermint and grapefruit are quickly becoming his favorite scents.
“Thanks, Dad.”
A rumble sounds from within. “Careful, Oaks.”
Her head turns, and she laughs softly, resting her cheek on his chest. “Or what?”
“You’re so lucky we are at your family home. That’s all I’m gonna say.”
She laughs again, and it’s officially a sound he never wants to stop hearing. Her laugh is melodic and bursting with sunshine. His chest warms each time he hears it, and he’s realizing more and more that he wants to keep hearing it. Thathewants to be the one who makes her laugh. “We should get back inside before Ev comes looking for us.”
“Yeah. You never answered my question, though.”
“What was that?”
“Are you okay?”
“I am now.” He kisses the top of her head. “I had to calm the beast after realizing why your family never saw you dance after you moved away,” Declan responds, managing to keep his demon calm.
“Oh,” she says.
“Yeah. But I’m okay now,” he says, kissing the top of her head again. “Thanks for coming to check on me.”
“Anytime, Grace.”
CHAPTER30
Eliana
“Where did you go?” Everest asks as she enters the kitchen, startling her.
Hand to her chest, she replies quickly, “I wanted to go and see how Mom’s roses were doing.”
