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.

him, my mind flashed to the image of him coughing up blood-crimson dripping down his chin. It was so vivid, I couldn't shake

too, but neither of us said

me, close enough for our shoulders to brush. No glance, no acknowledgment.

ten years, four of them as a couple, that's all we'd

maybe that's what we were now. Just two

pork belly, and a salad," I told the

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

restaurant. But there he was again-Jace,

car.

waiting. I didn't say anything, just stared. "What are you doing

a hospital cafeteria, so

- 75 BONUS

bring up Demi, and Hayden was off-limits, so I lied, "I'm here for

the takeout bag. "You're still lying to

shrugged. "Fine. It's for Xander.

Cole had seen him-Jace was bound

shifted, but barely. The last time he'd heard Xander's voice-or

part of him thought he'd have

It messed with that