Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 21

Chapter 721

Tears were still running down Demi's cheeks when the suddenly rented, "Hoses, the starving Grab me risotto,"

"On it," I said quickly, "Want some meat, too?"

She used to be all about meat-then complain about dieting right der

"Meat helps you heal, right? Why not?" she replied with a playful grin, Ne the old Demi was still in there somewhere.

Her smile hit me harder than her tears. How could she act so normal when I knew the wasn't okay? I forced a grin. "Alright. Pork belly sound good?

"Make sure it's marbled, not all lean or fat," she quipped, her usual picky self.

"Got it. Only the best for you," I promised, standing up.

But instead of leaving, I hovered outside her door, leaning against the frame. A moment later, the sound of her quiet sobs slipped through.

I pressed my back to the wall, eyes shut, my chest tightening like I couldn't breathe. After a second to pull myself together, I headed out to grab her food. That's when I ran into Jace.

second I saw him, my mind flashed to the image of him coughing up blood-crimson dripping down his chin. It was so

but neither of

right past me, close enough for our shoulders to brush.

years, four of them as a couple, that's

we were now. Just two people,

pea risotto, slow-roasted pork belly, and a salad," I told the cashier, rattling off Demi's

I knew she couldn't eat much, I got her extra-just in case. A

restaurant. But there he

car.

but now he was clearly waiting. I didn't say anything, just stared. "What are you doing here?

was a hospital

- 75 BONUS

was off-limits, so I lied,

takeout bag. "You're still lying

"Fine. It's for Xander.

him-Jace was bound to find out

last time he'd heard Xander's voice-or

blood. I bet part of him thought he'd have a chance

Xander being back? It