Page 38 of Married to the Devil

None of this is legal. The marriage sure as heck wasn’t and Rafe can’t keep me prisoner. Sure, a private chef is nice, but that doesn’t make up for the nightmare he’s putting me through.

It’s a lovely morning. Birds chirp in nearby trees. A massive wall looms in the distance, penning in a gorgeously manicured lawn. Men lurk at the edges of my vision, keeping their respectful distance. When Hattie asks, I say they work here and that’s enough for her.

She doesn’t need to know they’re guards.

Keeping us in as much as everyone else out.

We wander away from the main structure. There’s a pool, a hot tub, a basketball court, tennis courts, and a volleyball pit filled with sand. Hattie runs through it laughing wildly, but I keep her going, away and away, down to the wall.

Fifteen feet tall made of smooth, slick stone, with no gaps to climb, and little decorative spikes at the top that gleam. Sharp, I’m betting.

There has to be some way through. I let Hattie chatter on as we walk, pretending I’m taking her around for a simple stroll.

I believe Rafe when he says the outside world is dangerous.

He left me alone six years ago; something must’ve changed for him to drag us into his life now.

But I’m also positive that if I don’t get away soon, I’ll be trapped with him forever.

“Excuse me, ma’am.”

I jump, so lost in my own thoughts that I hadn’t noticed a man approach from the house. He stands a few feet off, watching intently.

This guard’s different from the others. He’s not in all black fatigues. His hair’s long, pulled into a loose half-bun, and white scars cover his left cheek. He has no gun or any obvious weapons.

“We’re just out for a walk,” I say as calmly as I can.

But I don’t like the way this man’s looking at me.

“My name is Nunzio Flores. I’m the captain of Rafe’s guard. I thought I’d introduce myself.”

“Hello, Nunzio.” I nudge Hattie. “Be polite.”

“I’m Harriet. You can call me Hattie.” She holds onto my leg, peering at him.

Nunzio’s expression is hard, like he’s angry about something. He takes another step closer. “You should know, you aren’t allowed down by the wall. It’s for your own safety.”

“Safety? What does he mean, Mommy?”

I ignore Hattie. “I thought it wouldn’t be an issue.”

“I’m telling you it is. Stay near the house where we can see you. I won’t ask again.” Nunzio’s very still and it’s unnerving. My heart races and my mouth goes dry. This is the first time I’ve truly been afraid that someone might hurt us since coming here.

“Okay, we’ll try.”

“Don’t try. Do as you’re told.” He turns his back to me. “Don’t make me say it again, Mrs. Corvino. Every inch of these grounds has cameras, in case you were wondering.”

Nunzio strolls back to the house.

“He’s weird,” Hattie whispers when he’s gone.

“Yeah, baby, but we should listen. Come on, let’s go back.” I hold her hand and steer her toward the house.

That last comment sticks with me.

Cameras are everywhere.

I hadn’t thought about that, but it makes sense.