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.

of him coughing up blood-crimson dripping

spotted me too, but neither of

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

as

yet, maybe that's what we were now. Just

a salad," I told the cashier, rattling off Demi's

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

in hand, I left the restaurant. But there he was again-Jace, leaning against

car.

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

was a hospital cafeteria, so fair

- 75 BONUS

was off-limits, so I

at the takeout bag. "You're still

shrugged. "Fine. It's for Xander. He's

was bound to

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

of him thought he'd have a

Xander being back? It messed with that