Page 49 of Married to the Devil

Maybe it’s the limitations of this new life, but the option of being able to subvert the expectations of others tastes a lot like the freedom I used to take for granted. Everyone wins.

But the demon who I’ve traded insults with for almost our whole acquaintance doesn’t seem affected. He stands stock still, expressionless now that the option has been clearly laid out on the metaphorical table.

Stoneheart may be confident that Ben would choose this situation because a taste of me is worth the fall, but I’m under no such illusion.

I swallow my disappointment. I glance at Stoneheart. “He doesn’t want this.”

“Don’t speak for him,” Stoneheart says, his eyes on the demon. “Ask him.”

I hesitate long enough that Stoneheart arches his brow. I’m wary of giving him my submission again, but my curiosity pushes me forward, and I follow the directive.

“Will you help us?” I ask. Other questions don’t trespass on my tongue, but their shadows broadcast them.Do you want me? Does my presence make you feel like everything is right in the world, like yours does for me?

Or do I have to sacrifice having you too?

Ben’s soulful eyes have a dark undertone. “What about my scent? Shifters will be able to tell that I’ve?—”

My mouth drops open as he snaps his mouth shut. That very much sounds like he’s considering this. Like he wants this.

“Mine will overpower yours,” Stoneheart says with a shrug like the concept of everyone knowing Ben is in our bed isn’t a worry at all.

“I actually have something for that.” My words are soft in my surprise.

They’re both staring at me now, and my cheeks burn. They’ll be aware of how much I’ve thought about this but…fuck it.

I reach into the pocket of my dress and place Stoneheart’s gift safely there before pulling out the bracelet I started yesterday that sent me straight into a nap to finish today. I’ve been trying to work up the nerve to present it to Ben after he’d stated so plainly that he’s leaving. A truth that I’ve been avoiding. But the liquid heat of my body attests that there’s no time like the present.

The rectangles that make up the band are masculine in nature, disguising the floral pattern set into it. Silver and gold intertwine in the shapes of forget-me-not blossoms. Instead ofthe blue gems I struggled to get to work yesterday, the petals are resin cast with the dried flower I’d used to summon Ben.

I needed to make it more personal for my magic to catch a hold and do what I needed it to.

I’d started to craft the charm with the intention of giving us the ability to be in contact without causing rumors, but my purpose became more direct with Stoneheart’s offer. I stand and round the coffee table, avoiding looking at Stoneheart.

I gesture, and Ben gives me his wrist.

“It will suppress your own scent, as well as block you from carrying anyone else’s,” I say as I clasp the charm in place. The loss of his sweet scent is instant, and my eyes water suddenly at the hole in my senses. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed being able to breathe him in.

“A very clever and intricate working. You’ve made him a ghost,” Stoneheart says, interrupting my emotional upheaval, but there’s something dark in his voice that I don’t catch in my need to take in Ben’s reaction.

Ben frowns at the jewelry and doubts rush to the surface. I move to take the gift back. “You don’t have to use it if you?—”

He stops me from removing the bracelet. “No, this is amazing. Thank you.”

Something whiplike and strong catches my wrist and pulls me back against a seated Stoneheart. The absence of Ben’s scent is now flooded with the gargoyle’s stormy one. His tail releases where it wrapped around my wrist, and he massages the spot.

“Apologies,” Stoneheart says to me before addressing Ben again. “What do you say, Barnes? Will you assist in mixing our scents? Stella has been very open and generous. You have this moment to accept the proposal or to reject it. I won’t allow you to play with her affections more than that.”

I almost snort that Stoneheart is possessive of who is allowed to play with my feelings. That must be his position inmy life. He strokes a hand up my bare arm, and my body relaxes against his harder one on instinct, my back pressing against his chest. His breath stirs my hair. We haven’t been like this since our disastrous wedding night, and in this situation of us working together rather than him scheming against me…it’s nice.

My humor dries up at Ben’s silence. His dark eyes are locked on where Stoneheart’s thumb caresses my wrist. My throat swells in sorrow. This is where the game ends. This is when Ben chooses to let me go.

There’s a tug at my zipper, and I jump when Stoneheart brushes his lips over my ear. “We should let him see what he’d be forfeiting, don’t you agree, wife?”

Breathing becomes difficult as my heart beats even faster. This gargoyle won’t give up what he wants easily. And what about what I want? Will I really let Ben walk away from this without attempting to lure him?

No. If he’s going to reject me, I’m going to make it hard for him.

I nod.

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