Page 77 of Wicked Devotions: Part 2

That’s actually more diabolical than I expected.

“What happened to White?”

“He’s spending eternity at the bottom of the marsh with Weigman.”

“So it’s done? This is all over?”

“I think so. Neither of them had close family, so I doubt anyone will be looking too hard for them.”

I should be relieved, but I’m numb. I still feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop or some asshole to come out of the woodwork with more threats. How am I supposed to let my guard down after having it up for so long?

“So we just go back to normal?” I ask.

“Nothing’s been normal for months. I think we have to find what our new normal will be.” He runs his hand through his hair. “I’m going to call the school and see if they’ll be okay with Harper finishing her coursework remotely. I’d like to get her started with a therapist. Same for Annabelle. The things they’ve been through,” he trails off, shaking his head. “They’re the strongest people I know.”

I nod my head, completely agreeing. “Are you going to have Harper stay here and finish or go home with us?”

“I’ll consult with Annabelle, but I’m assuming we’ll just let her decide what she wants.”

He tells me he’s called Jared, our chef, to come in the late morning and make a brunch spread for everyone. I watch him slip down the hall and disappear into his bedroom. Hopefully, he gets good rest.

When I walk back in the bedroom, Banks isn’t in bed with Harper anymore, and the bathroom door is shut. I’m just aboutto sit back down in the chair when he comes out. He hands me the blanket I used to cover him up and points to the bed.

“You take over. I have to get back to school today, and my mom wants to see me before I leave.”

“You should wake her up to tell her goodbye.”

He looks over at her, conflicted. After a moment of hesitation, he walks over to the other side of the bed and runs his hand over her shoulder.

“Harper,” he says quietly waiting until her eyes flutter open. “I have to get going but wanted to say goodbye first.”

“Oh.” She starts to sit up but he gently keeps her down.

“No, keep resting. Declan’s going to take my place in bed with you if you want. I just didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye and telling you that I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She grabs his hand and holds the back to her cheek. “Thank you for helping me in the shower last night.”

“Of course. Call me tonight.”

“I will.”

He looks over at me with a wave. “Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes.”

I wave him off. It’s not even worth mentioning; of course I would let him do that.

“Do you need anything before I lay down with you?”

“No.” She shakes her head and pats the empty bed beside her.

Harper watches as I tiptoe alongside the bed, making sure not to step on Cy and Emerson. I pull back the covers and slide in beside her. She’s wearing one of my old shirts which hits her mid thigh but still doesn’t cover one of nastiest bruises I’ve ever seen. I push the blanket and sheet down, so I can get a better look.

“It’s from him kicking me after I stabbed him in the eye.”

“I hate that you got hurt.” I ghost my fingers over the purple skin. “But if it makes you feel better, he probably would have ended up losing it.”

“What do you meanwould have?”

I look her in the eye. “He’s dead.”

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