Dual Desires (Dueling Devils 1)

“Yeah, in normal people years, not club life years. We both know there’s a huge difference,” Demon said as they walked toward their bikes, the last two to leave, like always.

“Hate to point it out, but you’re already protective.”

“Because she’s mine to keep safe. I’m giving her back to her parents exactly the way I took her,” Demon said, narrowing his eyes at his friend.

Lefty snickered. “Don’t be so sure there, D.” He mounted his bike, turned it on, and pulled the throttle.

Asshole. Demon laughed as he followed his example, and they pulled out of the parking lot and headed to the bar. I need to squash this now. Dani and Lefty could be meddlesome. If they both got together, the outcome could be less than pleasing.

They pulled up to Bull’s Bar, and he sought the most unlikely woman he could find—a curly-haired redhead who looked like a strong wind could blow her over. She glanced up, and he flashed a smile, motioning for her to come over with his head. Time to put on a show. She walked toward them with an extra sway in her steps. The painted on black jeans and low cut black tank top left nothing to the imagination.

“Hi.” Her breathy voice made his skin crawl. She reeked of desperation and the desire to ride out on the back of someone’s bike.

“How do you feel about keeping me company tonight…” Demon paused, flashing her an inquisitive gaze.

“Jill,” she said.

“Jill.” He let the name slide of his tongue.

“I’d love to,” she said.

He swung an arm around her shoulders and guided her to the bar, winking at Lefty, who smirked and shook his head.

“What do you want to drink?” Demon asked.

“Whatever’s on tap is fine.” Jill smiled up at him, and he grunted. No love connections will be made here.

“My kind of girl.”

Jill was three beer deeps and getting frisky when his phone rang. The ring tone jarred him immediately. “I have to take this.” He pushed her off his lap as he stood, and walked outside with the phone to his ear. “Hey, Ardy, what’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure. Rocket had some sort of nightmare, and I can’t get him to calm down. He keeps asking for you.”

Demon closed his eyes and mentally counted to ten. “Hold tight, I’ll be right there.” I should’ve broken that bitch’s neck the minute I found out what the fuck she was doing. Strung out druggie. He walked back to the bar.

“Hey, that was Ardy. Rocket needs me.”

“All right, man, we’ll catch up with you tomorrow,” Lefty said.

“Wait.” Jill jumped up. “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah.” He turned on his heel and walked toward the door feeling like he’d dodged a bullet.

****

He rapped on the hotel door, shifting his weight. The door opened, and he stepped inside.

“Daddy!”

“Hey, Rocky, I’m right here.” He walked to the bed and sank down on the edge. “Did you have a bad dream?” Rocket nodded, snuggling into his side. “Do you want to talk about it?” Rocket paused, tilted his head back, and met his gaze. Demon held his breath. Please open up so I can help you. Rocket opened his mouth and snapped it shut again, shaking his head. “That’s okay, buddy, whenever you’re ready.” Demon ran his hands through his son’s soft curls an inhaled the clean scent of baby soap. In his arms and in the bed beside him rested the best parts of him. “You think you can go back to sleep now?”

“Will you stay?” Rocket whispered. The tiny voice twisted his guts.

“Of course. I’ll be on the couch. You know Ardy would never hurt you, right?” he said.

“I…” Rocket nodded his head.

“Good boy. You relax and get some sleep.” He continued to sit beside his son until his breathing evened and his body relaxed. Carefully, he eased out of bed and found Ardy pacing the length of the kitchenette.