Family Forever (Book 5 in Nemi Forever series)

Chapter 32

Nick

I didn't admit it to Demi, but I was not thrilled about her seeing the man who raped her as a child. Okay, to be more specific, I was not thrilled about me being there when she saw this man. I didn't want to see her suffer & I was afraid of how I might react. But I knew she needed to do this & I certainly didn't want her seeing this guy alone.

We took the twins to my parents' house & headed to the hotel that the man was staying in. Dallas had found out from their sister & was meeting us in the lobby. None of us said a word as we made our way to the room, but Demi stopped a few feet from the door, staring at it with a worried look on her face.

"You don't have to do this, Love." I said, holding Demi's hand as Dallas stood on the other side of her, holding her arm.

Demi took a deep breath. "Yes. I have to do this." Demi looked at me. "I need to feel you at all times when we go in there. So if you aren't holding my hand, then have your hand on my back or my arm.... I don't care... I just need to know you're there."

"Of course." I smiled, then kissed her, quickly.

"Dallas, will you knock on the door, please?" Demi asked, just above a whisper.

We both watched Dallas step in front of the door & knock three times. I heard Demi's breath hitch & saw her nibbling on her lip as her hand tightened around mine. I caressed her hand with my thumb to comfort her. Her eyes met mine for a brief moment before the door opened with a force. Demi jumped as I instinctively put my arm around her waist.

This savage stood, in shock, as his eyes scanned our faces. They lingered on Demi's a little longer, making my heartbeat quicken, protectively. I wanted to step in front of her to shield her from his sadistic gaze, but something in Demi's expression made me relax. She had an air of confidence, wearing the face of a warrior right now. Her eyes were determined & they showed no fear. Her mouth was a straight, thin line, expressionless, but showing more courage than I have ever seen her have before.

He stammered, now, as he was realizing that Demi wasn't afraid of him right now. Dallas said something to him, I wasn't paying attention, I was too focused on Demi right now. The man stepped inside the room & Dallas followed him. Demi closed her eyes a moment & took a deep breath. I pulled her to me a little & kissed the side of her head. She threw me a thankful smile & we went into the room. Once inside, I closed the door, still holding tight to Demi's hand. I took my place beside Demi, keeping her hand in mine & again, my arm went around her waist. The fiend before us, stood in the center of the room, waiting, looking nervous, as he took turns watching each of us. He looked like he was afraid to speak.

Demi's voice was strong when she finally spoke. "Have you ever listened to my music?"

He started to shake his head, then shrugged his shoulders instead. "Just what's on the radio." His voice was quiet.

"I wrote a song called, 'Warrior,' & I wrote as if I was speaking to you. You should listen to it." Demi's voice was unbelievably steady & I was never so proud of her. She took a tiny step toward the man, still holding my hand. "I wanted to tell you in person that I am not afraid of you anymore. You did not see fear in my eyes yesterday for me. I was afraid for all the children that were around you, who could be victims. I was afraid for my daughter."

The man's expression changed as he looked excited. "Your daughter looks just like you. She's a beautiful little girl. Mercy's her name?" He asked, a smile on his face. His eyes were lit up, triggering my defenses.

"Don't say her name ever again." I spat at him as I took a step in his direction. "I swear to God, if you ever even look in my daughter's direction, I will choke you with my bare hands." I said through gritted teeth. I felt Demi's hand grip my hand, tighter.