Page 26 of Wicked Devotion

Rafael supported her up the steps of his home. She felt like she’d been run over. She and her sisters had cried for the hour they spent together, so she had a headache and was nauseous.

She sat on the side of the bed and looked down at her lap. She didn’t even have the energy to make a decision. She just wanted to sit there for a long while and rest.

“Come here, Baby. I’ll wash you quickly so you can get into bed.”

He picked her up and took her into the bathroom. He handed her a hair tie as he started the shower. He undressed before he pulled her clothes off and then carried her into the shower. He quickly washed both of them, dried them, and then wrapped the towel around his waist.

“I’m going to turn down the bed. Why don’t you use the toilet and brush your teeth? I’ll be right back.”

She nodded, took care of her nighttime routine, and stood there. He knocked once and then opened the door. She felt tears fill her eyes and noticed his gentle and concerned look at her.

He lifted her and set her in the middle of the bed. “I’ll be right back.”

Faith closed her eyes. She was jostled awake when Rafael climbed into bed and wrapped his arm around her.

“Sleep, Baby. We’ll get through this.”

She sniffed and nodded before she closed her eyes again. When she opened them, sunlight came in through the window, and the bed where Rafael had slept was cold.

She stared out the window, trying to find the energy to get up. She sighed and pulled herself out of bed. She jumped into the shower and washed her hair with the new, different female products there.

He’d told her that the blow-dryer was under the sink, so she wouldn’t have to look around for it. After drying her hair, she wrapped a towel around her torso and walked into the closet. She was surprised to see all the women’s clothes. She remembered he had told her he’d ordered some for her. She just hadn’t realized how many. She pulled out a sundress and sandals and walked downstairs. Unsure of what she should do, she decided to get something to eat.

“There she is,” Maddie said from the stove. “I bet you’re hungry.”

She tried to smile. “A little bit. Do you have any coffee? I feel like I’m walking around in a fog.”

Maddie hugged her. “You’ve had a rough few days. Master Rafael will make it better.”

Faith did smile at that. The belief the cook had in her employer was astonishing and lovely to see.

“Do you know where Rafael is?”

Maddie shook her head but wouldn’t look her in the face.What could he be doing that she wouldn’t want to tell me about?she thought.

Faith ate a bit of the breakfast and drank the coffee before taking both to the sink.

“Thank you for breakfast. It was delicious.”

“I was sorry to hear about your father.”

Faith felt tears start to sting her eyes and blinked them away. “He will be desperately missed. I’m going outside to sit bythe pool. I need the fresh air.”

Maddie nodded but looked worried.

Faith sat back in one of the chairs and let the sweet-smelling air wash over her. So many thoughts raced through her mind. About her stepmom, father, the marriage, and her future.

“What are you doing out here?”

She jerked her head around to see Rafael standing over her, angry.

“I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to.”

“I don’t like you out here without me.”

“But you’ve got security men everywhere, don’t you?”

He put his hands on his hips. “That’s not the point.”

---