The hallway’s decorated for the holidays—garland strung along the walls, a small Christmas tree in the corner with handmade ornaments that look like they were made by children, a menorah sitting on an alcove surrounded by silver and blue accents.
All of it should evoke warmth. Festivity. Comfort. Even if I’ve never been one to enjoy the holidays before Blake came into my life.
Instead, my mood’s shifted in the matter of an hour. Now looking at these decorations just reminds me that all this holiday shit is just a mask. A thick blanket that hides the darkness of the world, if only for a short period.
Fuck, I’m jaded. Maybe I see darkness everywhere now because I’ve spent so long living in it. I glance at my camera feed, watching Blake work her magic on Jessica, and feel a small burst of light pass through my limbs. We’ll do this job tonight and then have the Christmas Blake deserves. I’ll force my cynical ass to make it happen for her.
I move closer to the breakroom door, needing to see and hear what’s going on in person… The small window is great, so is my security feed, but they can only show so much.
A nurse walks past me, humming along to “Jingle Bells” as she stares at her phone. She doesn’t even glance in my direction. I’m a shadow. A ghost. Invisible, just like I need to be.
With the side of my body plastered against the wall, I crack the door. Blake’s pulled out a chair to sit next to Jessica at one of the tables. I can’t hear what they’re saying from out here, but I can read body language.
Blake curls her foot under her leg, and tucks a strand of escaped hair behind her ear. Totally casual and friendly-looking. She’s saying something—probably asking how Jessica’s doing, easing into the conversation with small talk.
Jessica looks up from her phone and offers a polite smile. Nods at whatever Blake’s saying.
So far so good.You got this, love.
Blake leans forward, resting on her elbows. I can’t see fully but it seems her features have changed… More concerned, less casual. I bet she’s bringing up the job now. Asking questions. Showing interest but also concern.
And just like that, Jessica’s body language changes.
Her shoulders tense. Her smile fades. She’s shaking her head, crossing her arms.
Defensive stance.
Shit.
My Angel’s trying so hard. She’s gesturing, explaining something. But Jessica’s not having it. She stands abruptly, and even through the crack in the door I can see her face is flushed.
She says something while pointing at Blake, then grabs her bag and storms toward the door. My fists curl and chest tightens. I hate anyone being rude to Blake, even if I had a feeling the encounter would go this way.
I sidestep away and press myself into the wall as Jessica bursts out of the breakroom. She doesn’t even glance in my direction as she strides straight for the stairwell and disappears.
Plan A is a no-go. Fuck.
Seconds later, Blake pushes through the door. And Christ, the look on her face makes my chest ache. Her head is low, and her lips are pressed into a straight line. That little crease is sharp between her brows.
I wait until she’s a few steps past my hiding spot before I show myself. “Angel.”
She turns to face me. “Damon? What are you—How long have you been?—”
“Long enough.” I close the distance between us and wrap my hands around her waist. “You okay?”
She rests her head on my chest, sounding close to tears. “No… not really. I tried but she was so pissed. Basically told me to mind my own business and that I had no right. Like I was just trying to take the money for myself. I told her it wasn’t safe. I?—”
Rubbing circles on her back, I hum a reassuring sound. “You were trying to help. You did your best.”
“She didn’t see it that way. Now she’s pissed at me and she’s still taking that job and I just made everything worse.”
She lifts her head and adjusts a piece of hair from her messy bun. With two fingers, I tip her chin so we’re eye to eye. “You didn’t make anything worse, baby. Don’t worry, this isn’t over.”
Her smoky eyes search my face. “But how? What else can I do? She made it abundantly clear she wants me to stay out of it.”
“We find another way.” I drag my thumb across her cheekbone, loving the shuddering breath that escapes her. “We always do.”
She rolls her bottom lip between her teeth and nods. “I need to get back to my patients and do my end of shift charting.” Squeezing me around the middle, she murmurs, “Why do you have to be so impossible to walk away from?”
