Page 44 of Married to the Devil

“Where are you going, June?”

I look over my shoulder. Rafe’s standing in our bedroom door. Where the heck did he come from? For such a massive man, he moves like a whisper.

“To bed with my daughter.”

“Not tonight.”

“Rafe—“

“No.” He steps forward. “There will be whispers and I will not have that. My wife sleeps in my bed.”

“You can’t force me.”

“I think I can.” There’s no threat in the way he’s looking at me, only certainty. Like there’s no doubt in his mind that he’ll get what he wants.

“What’s this game we’re playing? What’s the point? You know I don’t want to be here.”

“You’ll learn.”

“Go to hell.”

“How about I offer you something instead.”

I pause, shoulders tense. “You don’t have anything I want.”

“Actually, I do.” He holds up a phone. “You can call your friend.”

Oh god. My resolve slips. I turn, hope and desperation filling me, but I know this is a trick. He’s using Marnie to get his way, and isn’t that sick? Isn’t that fucked up?

But I don’t care. I want it anyway.

“Right now?”

“In the morning. It’s late. She’s asleep already.”

“How do you know that?”

The phone disappears into his pocket. “Come to bed, wife. I’ll let you talk to your friend tomorrow if you’re good.”

Shit. I glance at Hattie’s door. I don’t want to leave her alone, but I don’t think she’s in danger. For all Rafe’s faults, he hasn’t threatened her. If anything, he seems intent on being some kind of father to her, which I haven’t processed yet.

“We set rules.” I brush past him and head back into the master. I sit on the edge of the bed. It’s massive and softer than a cloud. I mentally curse myself for loving how comfortable it feels. “No touching. You stay on your side.”

“I suspect you’ll break that before I do.”

“No talking either. I’m not interested in chatting.”

“I’m not much of a conversationalist.”

“I’ve noticed.” I drum my fingers against my knee, trying hard not to glance over at the closet. I don’t want him to guess that I’m thinking about the hidden bag. “I don’t only want to call Marnie once. I want to talk to her every day.”

“That can be arranged.”

“And I want to message Beth to let her know I’m fine.”

“I find that acceptable.”

“And—“ I take a deep breath, thinking maybe he’s being reasonable for once. “And this marriage? I’ll play along, but only until Hattie’s old enough to go to college. Then we’re finished and I’m free.”