Page 113 of Vengeful Union

Instead of being afraid for my life, I’m afraid for my heart.

It’s not just that Niall Murphy is dead. It would usually be something to celebrate, but now, the way things are with Rory, it’s complicated. He’s obviously affected by having to kill his father, and I can’t help but feel guilty.

He did it for me, after all.

I should also be celebrating gaining my freedom, but do I even really want it?

I love being married to Rory. I love how he touches me, how he kisses me, how he holds me. I don’t know how to live without him anymore.

I don’t think I sleep much that night at all.

The next morning, I still feel groggy, and I reach over to touch Rory, but there’s only empty sheets.

Panic rushes through me.

“Rory?” My voice sounds raw.

He doesn’t answer.

I frown, standing up to put on my robe–or rather, one of Rory’s that I've taken over.

I step out into the hallway and look both ways. Still no sign of him.

I start to rush down the stairs and nearly run smack into Raquel, who’s rushing up them.

“I heard what happened."

I step backward, sighing heavily. “I’m so sorry, Raquel,”

She’s become a friend and even if I benefit from Niall being gone, there’s no reason to be cruel.

She lets out a slow breath from her nostrils and looks down at her feet.

I slowly reach out to take her hands in mine. “Are you okay?”

Raquel looks up at me, sniffling, her eyes wet.

“I kn-know what he did to you was wrong. I know that he’s done a lot of bad things. But he took me in when I had no one else.”

I nod, squeezing her hands. “I understand. Rory has been taking it hard, too.”

“Duncan says Rory didn’t have a choice.”

I swallow hard, not responding because I don’t want to tell her that Rorydidhave a choice. He just chose me.

“I haven't seen him this morning. Did you happen to see him as you came in?”

She shakes her head, pulling away from me gently. “I didn’t, but I can probably guess where he is.”

I tilt my head. “Where?”

“The greenhouse.” She jerks her head to gesture down the hall. “Go over to that wing.”

“But it's been closed off since?—”

Raquel shrugs. “Doesn't matter now, does it? Any secrets that Niall had won’t die with him.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask her, genuinely concerned.

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