Page 28 of Married to the Devil

And why the hell am I supposed to put it on?

A sick terror rings straight down to my toes.

But that man’s words keep fluttering around my head.

You want to see your daughter? Put on the fucking dress.

Rafe’s fingers are all over this disgusting mess.

But what other choice do I have?

There’s no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t have survived the night if the man in the mask had taken me away.

No bizarre wedding, no dress, just dead.

Instead, I’m here.

I lift the hem and rub it between my fingers.

Silk. And good quality, too.

I hold it against my body and another cold shiver rolls down my spine.

It’s definitely my size.

What the fuck is happening right now?

I’m shaking as I take off my clothes. I’ve never been so vulnerable before in all my life but I’d do anything for my daughter. If they hurt her, I’m going to murder them all. But something tells me they didn’t.

It’s the eyes. Those eyes. Her eyes. His eyes.

Rafe and his daughter.

I feel sick standing in front of a full-length mirror.

The dress fits me perfectly. It was clearly tailored to my curves. The neckline is plunging and the back goes down deep. Stones glitter in elegant sweeps down to the lowest edges which graze the floor.

It’s stunning. I look beautiful and I hate it.

There’s a bang at the door. I yelp and turn as it opens but nobody enters. “You decent?”

It’s him again. “I’m wearing the dress. Please, I need to see my daughter.”

He sweeps inside and tosses a pair of flats at me. “Put these on. We’re running late.”

“Please—“

“God damn it, stop being difficult.” He rubs his forehead. “Your daughter is fine. She’s waiting with everyone else and you’ll see her in five minutes if you do as I say.”

That gets my attention. She’s with other people? What are they doing to her? It’s taking a lot of willpower not to melt down but I get the sense this man won’t take it well if I turn into a blubbering mess on the floor.

Besides, Hattie needs me to be strong.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“You’ll see.”

“Who are you? What’s your name?”