Page 19 of Married to the Devil

“I’m here, doll. You made a mess.”

“I didn’t—“ She frowns and looks at the floor. “Oh, no. I should—“ She tries to rise but I push her back down.

“I’ll do it. Stay there. Hold this.” I guide her hand to the pack. She takes over with a sigh.

There’s a broom and dustpan in the closet. I make quick work of the shards. June watches, saying nothing.

When was the last time I did sweeping?

Not in years. Not since those early days after the fire, most likely. I’ve encased myself in walls of power. The Don does not scrub floors. The image creates the reality.

Funny how I’m reduced to this for her.

Once the glass is swept, I lower myself into the chair across from her.

“Are you sure you got everything?” June glances away. “Hattie likes to walk barefoot.”

I hold up a hand, my heart racing. My mouth goes dry. What am I doing? What the fuck is wrong with me?

Hearing that name sends my chest into convulsions.

“I don’t want to talk about her.”

“About… my daughter?”

My jaw works. The way she said that. My daughter… “This was a mistake. I should go.”

“Wait.” She reaches out and puts a hand on my arm. “Please.”

Fuck. That word. It breaks me. Please.

Years I kept my distance, but that photograph changed everything. Now I’m here because I’m a weak, pathetic man, unable to keep my own promises.

I swore I’d never approach them.

The night I found out the truth, I took an oath on the graves of my family that I would never, ever let these two go to ruin, no matter what it cost me.

No matter the pain of watching from a distance.

I run my thumb over my knuckles. Ashes. That’s all I ever bring. That’s all I’ve ever known.

And here I am, sitting in their kitchen.

Doing exactly what I never wanted.

Ruining their life.

“I want to ask you some questions.”

“I have a million for you, too. Like, how did you⁠—“

I cut her off. “We aren’t talking about that.”

“But Rafe⁠—“

“I mean it, June. This is important. Please, listen.” I lean closer and lower my voice. “Over the past few days, have you noticed anything strange?”

She chews her left pinky. I read uncertainty and fear in her eyes. Slowly she nods. “I thought I was going crazy.”