Midnight CEO After Dark

32.

Claudia fell asleep next to the fire under three blankets as Henry patted her back like a baby. Mermaids weren't made for the crisp cold ocean air of our world. Leon told us that a Mermaid's top half is warm-blooded, but their tales are cold-blooded, which is why she can't keep warm. She was made to survive in her perfect little sunny world, not our harsh cold reality.

"How long do you guys think she will survive with the Devil?" Callan said, breaking the long silence between us. "I mean, she's ridiculously innocent and has no idea what she's in for. I actually feel bad." He made a face and looked to the ground.

"We can't allow our personal feelings for the girl to get in the way of our mission," Henry said, shaking his head. "We had nothing to do with this agreement between the devil and her father."

"You should have killed her father," Leon grumbled, turning onto his back as he lay down on the ground. "Sounds like a complete asshole if you ask me."

"The big man gets it." I smiled at Henry, who just shook his head. "Her own family doesn't care enough to protect her. I wish I could have protected her more."

"Why do you care so much about that stupid thing?" Bianca pointed to a sleeping Claudia and almost gagged. "She is the most pathetic creature I have ever met, and I know Jake."

"Hey!" I protested, glaring at her.

"Now, now. Let the girl speak." Callan looked adoringly at Bianca.

"I'm sorry, but she is ridiculous. How can you care about something that stupid?" Bianca yelled angrily. "The devil is going to rip her head off the second she speaks." She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "She's as good as dead."

"That's a bit harsh," Henry said, looking back at me like I controlled Bianca and her mouth.

"Not really," Leon mumbled from the ground. "The girl is a bit annoying if I'm completely honest. She asked me if I pee blood." He laughed in the back of his throat. "What kind of an idiot asks if you pee blood?"

I shook my head and laughed quietly to myself. "Ebony..."

"What?" Leon looked at me strangely.

"Well, Ebony once asked Boss man if he pissed blood. It's not a stupid question for those creatures who don't live off blood. Claudia has led a very sheltered life. That's all." I said, fiddling with a stick in my hand. "She's not that bad. I mean, I kind of like her innocence. It's a nice change to be around someone who needs you. You know."

"Beg your pardon?" Bianca snapped at me.

I looked up to see a furious expression on her beautiful face. "What?" I shrugged at her. "It's nice to be wanted for once."

"Excuse me? You kind of like that?" She pointed at Claudia, not taking her eyes off me. "The fish girl? Are you insane?"

"It's just nice to be around someone who isn't negative or tainted." I shrugged again. "Everyone gives me so much shit and sometimes I don't want to hear it."

"Everyone meaning me?" She spat her words at me in disgust. "That's what you mean right?"

"Believe it or not B but I don't actually like being attacked every second of the day! Sometimes I might want to feel something other than contempt."

"Then maybe you should run off with fish and chips and live a pathetic little fantasy together." She growled at me.

"Maybe I will," I yelled a little too loudly. "Better than whatever this is. At least she doesn't make me feel like shit all the time. Your fucking demon side is a real bitch.."

B's eyes suddenly turned as black as the night sky and the fire between us started to spit out little fireballs like a volcano. "Fucking disgusting demons right, Jake? That's what you want to say. Vile disgusting demons." Bianca stood up. "Have your fish you asshole I don't care. Just stay away from me." She turned on her heels and walked away into the darkness of the island.