Page 65 of Married to the Devil

“Well, she’s doing better, but she doesn’t have anywhere to go when she gets out of the hospital. I’m sure Beth will help, but she’s got the business to manage now that I’m here, and I was thinking⁠—“

Rafe puts his hands behind his head. I glance at his biceps and try to concentrate. “You want Marnie to come here.”

“Yes, exactly—“ I stop myself and narrow my eyes. “You knew already, didn’t you?”

“I monitor your phone.”

I grit my teeth. “You asshole.”

“What did you expect?” He’s got a smug smile on his face. “I practically told you already.”

“I didn’t think you’d be reading my message in real time.”

“You should have.”

“Alright, let’s set that aside. It makes sense bringing Marnie here, doesn’t it? There’s plenty of space and she’d be safe, right?”

Rafe lets out a low rumble. “You have no idea what you’re asking.”

“She’s in this position because of us. I owe her so much more than this. Please, let me help her.”

“If she comes, there’s no leaving. Not for a while, at least.”

“She’ll need a while to heal.”

“And if she’s better before I can guarantee her safety? What if she leaves and gets attacked again? Or worse, what if she leaves and has some stupid ideas about trying to get you help? To save you from your big, bad husband?”

“I’ll tell her not to,” I say quickly, heart racing into my throat. “I mean, you saw the texts earlier, didn’t you?”

He turns to look into my face. His expression is hard. “I did see.”

“She offered to do something like that already and I turned her down.”

“Who’s to say she’ll listen? Who’s to say bringing her here won’t cause problems?”

“Rafe—“ I feel desperate and angry. “I’m not going to turn my back on my friend just like you didn’t turn your back on me and Hattie.”

“That’s different. Hattie is my daughter.”

“But I’m not your blood.”

“You’re the mother of my child. You know it’s not the same.”

“We have to do this.” I cling to his arm. “Please, Rafe. I’m begging you. Do this for me. Let Marnie come here. I’ll set up space. I’ll organize nurses⁠—“

He shakes his head. “June⁠—“

“Please.”

He blows out a long breath. It’s obvious he doesn’t want this. He’d rather let her stay where she is and not have to deal with the complication.

At some level I understand. His priority is me and Hattie.

“I will pick the nurses,” he says at last. “I will help with the space. And she can only come if she understands that she cannot leave for an unspecified amount of time, and when she does go back home, she can never speak of this place to anyone. And you will convince her that you’re happy to be my wife.”

“You’re serious?” My heart stutters. “I mean, absolutely to all of that!”

“I mean it, June. You’re going to make her understand. You’re madly in love with me. You’ve always wanted this relationship. Finally, your daughter has her father. Do you understand?”