Page 23 of Married to the Devil

“I assume you have wards around the building to hide from humans,” I say.

Silas snorts as Stoneheart enters through the glass doors. “And long-range spellcasters or anyone with a sniper rifle who wants to try their luck.”

Impossibly, that thought freezes my heart.

“Don’t look so happy to see me, wife. It would take more than a bullet to make me drop from the sky. The building hasmany protections on it. As do I.” He flashes the rings he’s placed back on his fingers at me and the knowledge that his jewelry must be heavily spelled has me relaxing.

“It would do me no good for you to be shot down with the territory the way it is,” I say.

His smile and accompanying low purr put me on edge because it would be so easy to relax in his presence, but I’ve already learned what a mistake that would be.

“Your worry warms my heart,” he says. “Has Silas shown you around?”

“Yes. He was just about to give me the records you have of the territory.”

Stoneheart only nods. “Good.”

The word holds no real approval like Silas and Francesca had. His expectations for me must be low.

“And what have you been up to?” I ask, keeping my wince to myself and hoping that my question doesn’t sound like I’m hounding him.

Stoneheart’s grin isn’t one that makes me want to relax this time. It’s one that says he knows something I don’t.

“I’ve been making arrangements to make your transition here more comfortable among other things.”

Why is that so hard for me to believe? Because he angrily ripped my dress off last night and scent marked me in a way that, while I’d enjoyed, left me feeling hollow and humiliated.

Because I can’t trust him.

Stoneheart picks up a cellphone from the table and checks his messages. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Oh?”

There’s a knock on the open door of the library, and we all turn to see Francesca leading Ben in. It’s jarring to see him after my mental decree to keep my distance, but that doesn’t stop his presence from being…comforting. Like my body has determinedthat he’s my safe place as much as Stoneheart is an adrenaline rush. He looks as he always does. Buttoned up in a good quality suit that doesn’t call attention to the wearer.

His gaze catches mine before he focuses on the gargoyle on the other side of the table.

“He says that you requested his presence,” Francesca announces. “Perhaps you should have cleared him with the doorman if that’s the case.”

She gives Stoneheart a pointed look before taking a seat at the table.

Ben’s jaw is tight, and the comfort of his presence starts to drain away. Why would Stoneheart call him here?

“This should be interesting,” Silas breaths, his eyes narrow at my husband.

Stoneheart frowns. “I figured you’d just use your abilities to teleport here.”

“That would have been rude without an invitation to directly drop in,” Ben says stiffly. “Many people would kill someone on sight who randomly appears in their living quarters.

“True,” Stoneheart allows.

“Why is he here?” I ask.

Stoneheart is back to smiling like a cat playing with a mouse. “You pointed out that you don’t have anyone you trust here. Barnes has agreed to act as your bodyguard until the territory is more stable.”

I try and keep the shock from my face. I’m not the only one surprised. Francesca and Silas stiffen.

“That’s unusual,” Silas says. “And generous of Kalos to entertain such a request.”

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