Page 94 of Married to the Devil

The hotel-like bedroom I’d left just this morning is gone. The more I take in the scene, the more details jump out.

The biggest difference is the bed. The minimalist headboard has been replaced with a massive hand carved creation in a warm-toned wood that rises up the wall. It would look heavy, but the carving has delicate openings like lace showcasing a swirling organic design of what looks to be flowers.

The number of pillows has multiplied, ranging from soft lavender to deep plum and garnet.

The gauzy curtains hanging from a new canopy cements the romantic and moody feeling of the room. I blink, realizing the rest of the furniture has been switched out for plusher appearing chairs in darker colors.

And that’s when I see the piano placed against the wall of the sitting area. It’s an upright rather than the baby grand we desecrated at my aunt’s, but if the expression on Ben’s face is anything to go by, it’s impressive.

“Think of it as a courting gift,” Stoneheart says before looking uncomfortable and lowering his voice. “And perhaps an apology.”

“An apology for what?” Ben asks, taking his attention away from the piano.

Stoneheart ignores him, but I know. It’s for this morning. I can’t track this gargoyle’s motivations. He detailed that our relationship wouldn’t be anything more than what happened between us earlier, but it seems to have settled as well for him as it did for me.

But instead of feeling rejected, it left him guilty.

I turn away and meander toward the bed, not wanting the memories of being left alone to take from this experience. The headboard is a masterpiece. I trace my fingers over the design, analyzing it.

“I love it,” I say. Stoneheart barely acknowledges my awe-soaked words. Why would he? He’s the master of his domain. He knew I would appreciate it, and so he made it happen. Myfingernail catches on the loop that makes up the shape of a familiar cluster of blooms.

The flowers are forget-me-nots.

I glance behind me, meeting my husband’s gaze. This is more than providing a piano to tempt the demon. He put the symbol I’ve used for Ben into our marriage bed.

I don’t think I’ve quite believed that Stoneheart was honest with his acceptance of Ben being a permanent part of our relationship even if he hinted as much. But this is significant.

This speaks of a forever type of commitment.

Except…Ben won’t stay.

My throat tightens, and I drop my gaze, focusing on why we’re in this room to begin with. The concerns of the territory. The fucking Council trying to undo all my hard work. It all leads to the one thing that I’ve let hang around the periphery of my mind.

I just requested to get pregnant.

However much the courting gift distracted me from that, the gargoyle stepping closer behind me is not deterred. His hunger presses on my skin and surprises me. I didn’t assume this would be something he’d want, but he’s always surprising me.

A claw catches the chain on my neck, pulling the charm that keeps me from conceiving from my shirt. The metal tickles as it drags against my clammy skin.

“It’s not too late to change your mind,” he says, offering a respite. Maybe because I’ve started to tremble.

“It’s the right course of action,” I say, thinking out loud. “And you said I’m fertile now. My cycles are erratic. If we wait any longer it will probably be couple months before I am again.”

I sigh out a breath catching Ben’s parted lips as he watches Stoneheart’s careful touch.

“We don’t have time for second guessing,” I say to them as much to myself.

“But do you want it?” Stoneheart rumbles. Probably because my reaction could be taken for either fear or anticipation.

I want kids. I just never planned for it to be like this. Or for a gargoyle’s growled question about putting a baby in me to make my belly clench. It would be a relief not to have to assure everyone that this is the right decision, but Stoneheart never makes things easy.

“I want a lot of things.” I turn and meet Stoneheart’s gaze, breathless at the heat there. The chain and charm connecting us pulls taut.

“I’ll work to make every wish a reality.” Spoken like a gargoyle who would give me the world, but we both know his limits.

I want you to love me in the same way I’m falling for you. I don’t say it aloud, but it reverberates through my soul. I glance at Ben, knowing my wish for him to stay is just as useless. I may not have these men the way I’d want them, but I could have a child and outwit the Council at its own game.

Stoneheart would protect us. He may not be a partner in love, but he’s a protector to the very core of his soul.

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