Page 44 of Married to the Devil

“Let’s go.” Ben’s voice is gruffer than usual, but his touch is soft as he directs me out of the booth and restaurant. It was probably rude to use a table without ordering anything, but Stoneheartdoesown the building.

Fuck fuck fuck. My skin is cold as I’m stuck between reactions. Anger at the expectations being thrust on me, frustration that the people in the territory want so much when I’ve already given up everything that makes me who I am, andfear of what the Council will try if Stoneheart fails to calm the territory.

We’ve only just stepped into an empty elevator when Ben teleports us directly to the penthouse.

I gasp and nearly fall at the abrupt change. My stomach flips at the abrupt change in scenery and swirl of colors.

“Are you all right?” Ben’s arms come up around me. “Sorry, you usually don’t have this reaction to teleporting.”

I don’t reward his observation with a reaction. Teleporting is never comfortable, but it’s usually better if I have time to close my eyes first. I’m still stuck on some very prominent details of Ariel’s advice.

“No, I’m not all right,” I say. “Strangers want me to get pregnant.”

Ben pulls his hands away from me at the reminder. “It’s not an unheard-of strategy, if old school.”

“And is that what you’d want?” I don’t even know what I’m asking. The panic spreading through my veins attests that I’m having issues with the concept, so why even ask him?

“What I want matters very little,” he replies. “I’m only here temporarily. You and Stoneheart are the ones who will decide the best course of action.”

“I see,” I say.

His words are a slap, and I grit my teeth at the reminder that even though Benfeelslike safety, he isn’t.

15

BEN

Stella leans closerto the charm she’s crafting as if she’s alone in this workshop. Her pursed lips and the sharp movements attest to her frustration.

I bite back my trepidation and send a message to the one person I don’t want to.

Me: The meeting with Ariel didn’t go well. Stella is upset.

Knowing that Stoneheart wants to seduce me for my abilities is a relief, but with Ariel’s words, I’m warier about getting involved. My desire for Stella isn’t only physical. It would be difficult to go along with what they’re offering only to leave the couple to their marriage.

Stoneheart: What happened?

I’m surprised by the quick response.

Me: Apparently, Stella didn’t recognize who interrupted you on your wedding night.

Stoneheart: Shit.

I huff a laugh.

Stoneheart: That’s my fault. I forgot to tell her. I’ve been focused on the missing persons situation.

Stoneheart: Isn’t there anything you can do to sweeten her mood?

I inhale roughly at the tantalizing image of that. Touching Stella, maybe kissing the length of neck exposed with how she’s craning over the piece of jewelry she’s creating. The glow of that skin taunts me. The white scar of Stoneheart’s claiming mark halts my daydreams. The bite that symbolizes his hold on her healed quickly. Gargoyle saliva has healing properties, not that it’s a well-known fact.

Me: And increase my tab? That seems irresponsible, since I don’t exactly know how I’m paying for it.

This is dangerous, but it doesn’t stop me from picking up the phone again when he gives another quick reply.

Stoneheart: And you are nothing if not responsible.

Me: She’s working. If I interrupt her, I’m liable to get dismembered in her current mood.

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