Page 21 of Married to the Devil

“I don’t know,” I admit and stalk to the back door. She calls my name again, tries to get up and follow me, but I disappear into the night. I vault her back fence into the alley behind and walk fast, aimless, jaw so tight it feels like I might bite through my own teeth, until I find myself a dozen blocks south.

I pause to catch my breath.

What the fuck was that? Asking about men?

I knew about the boyfriend already. That was stupid and selfish of me.

I find my phone in my hand. The number rings and I start to think he won’t pick up until Cassian’s voice comes through on the other end, distant and staticky. “I told Silas already,” he growls, “I’m not taking jobs right now.”

“Cass, where are you?”

A short pause. “Don’t worry about that.”

“The connection’s bad.”

“Satellite phone. Are we done?”

“I need your help.”

Another longer pause. I wonder if the line went dead, but the static’s still there. My brother finally answers. “What do you need?”

I tell him about June. It spills out in a flow I can’t staunch. “I need you to keep an eye on her until my plans are ready.”

“You’re in a bad situation, brother.”

“I know.”

“It’s not like you.”

“I’m aware.”

“I would’ve expected this from Silas or maybe Devlin, but you⁠—“

“I know, Cassian.” I keep the anger from my tone. I can handle some chiding. Hell, I deserve worse. “Will you help?”

“I can be there in a few hours.”

Relief floods me. I close my eyes and let out a long breath. “Thank you.”

“It’s not for you, asshole. It’s for my baby niece.”

He hangs up.

I stare at my hands. His words like the roar of a waterfall in my skull.

His baby niece.

My daughter.

7

JUNE

Ican’t sleep that night. I keep picturing big men in all black breaking down my door and taking away my girl. I end up bringing her into my bed and finally pass out with the heat of her against my chest.

The morning brings breakfast. Routine. Preschool. Work with Beth. We meet at a gorgeous venue, an old Gilded Age mansion townhouse near Rittenhouse. It’s a massive building filled with warm tones, gold trim, and real wood. The fireplaces are large enough for two people to stand side by side. We’ve used it a few times in the past but it’s one of the higher-end locations in the city.

But apparently now money isn’t a problem.