Taming the Demon - Book 1 (Completed)

Chapter 12 - Jane

“Are you sure you are doing okay?”

“I think so, at least right now.”

Pushing the food around on my plate, I try to make the pretense that I am eating. I called Michael explaining what had happened and he insisted on seeing me. He has been super attentive and sympathetic. He also insisted on taking me out for breakfast, but as hungry as I was earlier, I just couldn’t eat. I took a few bites here and there, but my appetite was nonexistent again. Michael, as sweet as he was, didn’t realize that I didn’t want to talk about Bea and what had happened. I know he is trying to help and be supportive, but my emotions are too raw right now. I just want to forget about everything for even a few minutes.

“I really should get going, Michael. I have to be at the hospital for my tests soon. Thank you for listening to me and for the food. This is the second time you’ve treated me, next time is on me.”

“Nonsense Jane. You just had someone you cared for die. You need someone to take the burden of everyday things for a bit.”

Blinking my eyes a few times to hold back the tears that are starting to form again, I take his arm as we walk out. It is nice to be able to lean on someone. Michael guides me through the city back towards my place. I cling to his arm without looking up. I lose myself in thoughts of Bea again and before I know it, we are back at my building. Stopping just outside, Michael turns me towards him. He places a finger under my chin and guides my face up so he can look at me. I can’t hold my tears anymore and they start to spill. He lets go of my chin and wraps his arms around me and holds me as I silently cry into his chest. I’m not sure how long we stood there, but he didn’t let go until my tears stopped.

“I’m sorry. I’m not a very happy person to be around right now.”

My voice is muffled and I try to pull away. Michael tightens his arms for a second giving me a gentle squeeze and then lets me go. I wipe my eyes with the cuff of my sleeve.

“I’m a mess,” looking over at him, I see his shirt is wet!

“Oh, I’m so sorry!”

Looking down, he gives me a small smile. Grabbing my hands in his, he holds them up between us, making me look at him again. His hands almost completely cover mine.

“Jane, you are hurting and I want you to know that you don’t have to apologize for needing a shoulder to cry on.”

Bringing my hands up to his lips, he gives my fingertips a quick kiss.

“I want to be here for you. Please call me whenever you want.”

Blushing, all I can do is nod.

Letting my hands go, he gently guides me to the door. I punch my code in and Michael holds the door open for me.

“See you Jane.”

Leaving Michael outside, I head up the stairs and slowly pass by Bea’s apartment. I’m too exhausted to cry anymore. I need to wash my face and get to the hospital for my tests. After I splash water on my face I take a look in the mirror and I see a stranger looking back. Dark circles under my eyes, scraggly hair, and pale, blotchy skin seems to be my constant look lately. I grab my brush and fix my hair into a messy bun. Nothing I can do about the dark circles as I don’t want to waste time on makeup. I’ll just wreck it by crying again, but the cool water does help a little.

I need to get my mind off of reality for a bit. I start to feel guilty for the thought, but I don’t want to think about my real life for just a little while. It’s not like I want to forget Bea, I just want to forget the circumstances right now. But when I’m alone all I do is think of her. Michael told me to call him, but he is so supportive and caring, it actually makes me think of Bea more. I need a distraction.

What about Kadis? He is definitely a distraction. AND he doesn’t know what happened, so he won’t ask questions.

I grab the piece of paper that Kadis gave me. Sitting at the table I stare at it, trying to determine if I should call him.

But what about Michael?

Guilt washes over me again. He’s been so nice to me. Calling Kadis would probably hurt him. He has been pretty open about wanting to date me.

But you aren’t dating yet….

Sighing, I add Kadis’ number to my contacts. Leaving it for now, I head out to go get my tests done.

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“Well Miss Quinn, your tests have been coming back in the normal range each time, so I think that it is okay to say that you shouldn’t have to come back anymore. Keep track of your eating habits and definitely keep an eye on your stress levels and I think that you will be fine.”

Closing my file, Dr. Hanson folds his hands together and peers at me.

“I’m confident that your episode, as extreme as it was, was a one time thing, but you do need to keep in mind that it can reoccur if you do not take care of yourself. So I’m going to recommend that you get checked every few months for this first year, but other than that, I give you a clean bill of health.”

Smiling he reaches over and shakes my hand.

“Have a great day Miss Quinn.”

I feel like some of the weight has been taken off my chest. That’s one less thing I have to worry about now at least.

Now I just have to pay for it.

Shaking myself mentally, I refuse to let this one little victory be drowned in the craziness of my life. I head out of the hospital and raise my face to the sun, letting it warm me. Maybe it's the fact that something went good for a change, maybe it is because I forgot everything bad that has happened to me for a second, but I get this overwhelming urge to call Kadis. I don’t want to go back home and wallow in grief right now. Pulling my phone out I find his name and hit call before I change my mind.

“Hello?”

“Hello. Is this Kadis?”

“Jane! How have you been? I’ve been waiting for you to call. Are you ready for that coffee?”

His voice comes through the phone silky smooth, making my heart flutter. I can imagine his lips curling into that sexy smirk he had at the library.

I suddenly feel self conscious. 

What am I doing!!!

“Uh, yeah. Umm, I wasn’t sure if you still wanted to go or not.”

“Jane, I gave you my number because I want to see you. So please, do me the honor of meeting me in an hour. Where would you like to go? Your choice, my treat!”

“Umm, how about the Starbucks on 50th and 87th? Do you know where that is? Is it near enough to you? I can go farther if you need?”

I feel like I'm rambling and abruptly stop.

“That’s perfect Jane.” His voice purrs in my ear. “I will see you in an hour.”

“Okay, see you then.”

Hanging up, I wipe my sweaty hands on my pants. Looking at my watch I have just enough time to get home, get changed, and make it to Starbucks.

What am I doing?

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Drumming my fingers on the table top, I try not to be impatient.

Where is he?

Looking at the clock on the wall for the hundredth time since I’ve gotten here, I see that I’ve been only waiting about seven minutes. I take a few deep breaths to calm down.

Okay… relax. He is only a few minutes late.

I close my eyes and count to ten. When I open them I see Kadis walking in the door. Stopping just inside, he looks around the shop. Chatter dies down as people stop to stare at him. How could they not! He looks amazing in a pair of dark jeans that hug his legs and butt. The top button on his black shirt is open and the sleeves are rolled up, showing off his muscular arms. With perfectly chiseled features and black wavy hair, he looks like a god. The people in the shop seem to collectively hold their breath as they wait to see what he is going to do.

His gaze finally falls on me, and his face lights up with a smile. It’s almost painful to look at. People start to notice who he is smiling at and glance back and forth between the two of us. He weaves his way to my table, never taking his eyes off of me. How he navigates the between the chairs is beyond me. I can’t seem to look away, his eyes pin me in my seat. I can’t seem to breath. Reaching the table he slides into the seat across from me.

“Jane, I’m so glad you called. I really have been looking forward to getting to know you.”

My lungs realize that I need air and I try not to gulp loudly. Chatter suddenly starts up again as people go back to their conversations. It seems very loud to me, but Kadis looks like nothing out of the ordinary happened.

“Uh, I’m glad you answered. To be perfectly honest I wasn’t sure you would.”

What! Why did I tell him that!

He seems to be amused with my answer, as his smile turns into that smirk of his. It’s like he knows something I don’t, but not in a mean way. More like he is waiting to show me something really amazing, but won’t tell me as it would ruin the surprise.

“Nonsense, I don’t just give my number out to anyone. When I do, I mean it. Now, would you like to order a coffee or would you like to go grab something to eat. I’m free to do whatever you want.”

“I think a coffee is fine for now.”

Getting up he holds his arm out for me to take. “Shall we then?”

Sliding off of my chair, I place my hand on his arm. Electricity runs up my arm. Guiding me through the tables we order our drinks. The barista is starstruck and stumbles over some of the options that Kadis asks about. He settles on a caramel macchiato and I order a cappuccino with a vanilla shot. He guides me back to the table when our drinks are done. My body is super aware of every contact I make with him.

“So Jane, tell me about yourself.”

I feel a compulsion to tell him everything that happened the last few days. I struggle to push it away. I don't want to think about it right now. Instead I focus on my schooling and work.

“Well, what would you like to know? Work or school?”

Raising an eyebrow, he leans in closer.

“School. Is that why you are always at the library?”

I launch into my online schooling and tell him about my classes for this semester. I tell him about wandering in the older sections to read titles and brainstorm for ideas. I also talk about how this latest assignment has been stumping me for a few weeks. To his credit, Kadis seemed genuinely interested. Asking pertinent questions and giving realistic comments. It is so easy to talk to him!

Picking up my coffee, I realize that my cup is empty.

“Oh my! You must think I’m super narcissistic! All I’ve done is talk about myself and I haven’t even asked you about you.”

“Don’t you worry about that, I am enjoying learning about you. But if it’ll make you feel better, ask me something.” Giving that little smirk again he leans back in his chair.

Not expecting to be put on the spot, I stammer, not sure what I want to ask. I can’t ask him ‘Why me?’, so I go with a safer question.

“Umm. Well… you know what I do at the library. What was it you were doing? It looked like you had quite a few older books out.”

“I was researching a question that has been burning a hole in my head for a few weeks. It was pertaining to human and demon interactions over the centuries. You see, there are many theories on human and demon contact and I needed to find out if a line of thought could be possible.”

A slight frown creases his forehead.

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

“I thought I did, but the more and more I research, the more I think that I may be following the wrong leads.”

“So do you do that for a living?”

“No. It’s more of a hobby.”

“So what do you do for work?”

His lips turn down slightly at the corners. “Can I tell you something? I don’t want to scare you off, but I actually don’t work. I’m well off enough that I don’t have to work. I didn’t want to say anything, because I didn’t want you to be intimidated.”

He’s right. I am intimidated. What is a guy like Kadis doing on a date with someone like me?

“I see by the look on your face you have more questions. But let me try and ease your mind until we get to know each other a little better. I want to get to know you, Jane. Truth be told, you intrigue me. I don’t know why, but I would like to find out. So please, can we just forget about money. I won’t bring it up if you won’t”

The pleading look in his eyes makes me think maybe that he is being genuine. I really want to trust him. 

“Okay, I’ll give it a shot. To be honest myself, I’m a little ‘intrigued’ as well.”

His smile comes back in an instant. Grabbing my hand, he lifts me to my feet and before I know what is happening, he raises my arm and twirls me around, catching me around my waist as I face him again. I never realized how tall he was. Bracing my hands on his biceps, I can feel the firmness of his muscles move beneath his shirt. Looking into my eyes he leans down until his face is close to mine.

“Thank you Jane. I promise to be the perfect gentleman.”

I’m not sure if it was the spin or the closeness of him, but it’s a good thing that Kadis is holding on to me, because I think that I would probably fall right now. Slowly letting me go, he holds his arm out for me again.

“Well my dear, shall I walk you home?”

Taking his arm, I let him lead me out.

“Where to?”

“I live on 54th street.”

“Great, we can walk through that little park on the way and talk some more.” Looking down at me he quickly adds, “If you want to that is.”

“Sure, that sounds great.”

The park was only moderately busy, so we were able to chat some more about school, the library, and people in general. Kadis was very insightful about his observations of people. He also knew a thing or two about business it seems.

“If you ever want someone to bounce ideas off of, please just give me a call. We can go out for coffee again!”

“Really? That would be nice Kadis. Thank you for the offer.”

Unfortunately the walk home seemed to end far too quickly. I slow my steps as I don’t want the date.. is it a date?... to end.

“What’s wrong?” Kadis asked, as he noticed my reluctance to keep going.

I gesture to the building we are at.

“This is it. My place.”

“Already? Well, I guess it’s true. Time does fly when you are having fun.”

I start up the steps and turn when I get to the door and find Kadis right behind me.

“Thank you for coffee. You have no idea how I really needed it.” I stammer.

Taking a step towards me, Kadis reaches over my head and places his hand on the wall. Leaning in, his other hand laces around my waist. Pulling me close, his lips touch mine and fireworks explode in my head. Closing my eyes, I feel his mouth exploring mine and I let out a small moan. His tongue quickly flicks out and teases my lips open. When another moan escapes, he takes it as an invitation and deepens the kiss further. After an eternity, but not nearly long enough for my liking, he pulls back. Looking into my eyes, his mouth curls into a sly grin again.

“I’m sorry, I said I would be a perfect gentleman.”

I try to catch my breath. Did that just really happen? Endorphins are running rampant and I try to sort my thoughts. My cheeks feel hot and I can taste caramel on my lips. Placing my hands on his chest, I try to steady myself. I take a chance and jump into the abyss.

“No apologies Kadis. I really needed that too.”

Good thing my voice sounds way more confident than I feel. But as the seconds tick by slowly, I start to regret my words. Giving a chuckle, he softly taps me on the end of my nose with the tip of his finger.

“Jane, you are full of surprises. Thank you.”

Straightening up, he takes a step back and runs his hand through his hair.

“When can I see you again? Tomorrow? I would like to take you out to dinner somewhere nice.”

My heart does backflips and I make the pretense of thinking about it, even though I have nothing really to do tomorrow.

“Tomorrow will be perfect, Kadis. What time would you like to meet?”

“How about eight? And I can pick you up if you like.”

“Sure.” Punching my code in I open the door and stop on the threshold. “See you tomorrow Kadis.”

“See you tomorrow, Jane.”