Page 18 of Forgotten Deeds

We drive in silence, my brain frantically trying to come up with a way out of this mess. Glancing over to the devil on his forearm, I blurt out, “Do you eat your victims’ hearts raw?"

He snorts a laugh.

“The girls at the club hear things,” I tell him defensively.

“Who says there are victims?” he challenges.

“Answer my question,” I say, crossing my arms.

“Lily, I can assure you I’ve never eaten a raw heart.”

“Did you kill Leo?” I whisper.

“No,” he answers emphatically, and for some reason, I believe him.

“I heard multiple shots—”

“You didn’t hear anything. You didn’t see anything. If anyone asks, you weren’t there. Now, no more questions.” He grabs his phone, making a call in Greek as we turn onto a deserted highway.

“Where are we going?” I ask when he ends the call.

“Didn’t I just tell you no more questions?” He raises an eyebrow.

“But—”

“Atlantic City. My cousin will hook us up with the marriage paperwork.”

“There’s got to be another way,” I plead.

“You said it yourself: you know too much. If the feds don’t try to get to you first, the family will,” he warns.

Fuck.

“Unless you’re under my protection. And to be under my protection, you need to be my wife. There’s no other way.” He locks eyes with me, and I can see the sincerity written all over his face. He truly believes the words he just spoke.

Fuck again.

Glancing at the clock, I realize how late it is. “I need to call the babysitter,” I say in a rush.

Reaching behind us, he tosses me my backpack. “Not a word about this to anyone, or back in the trunk you go,” he warns.

My hand shaking, I fish out my phone, seeing I’ve missed several calls and texts from the babysitter. Calling her back, she answers on the first ring. “Hey, I am so sorry to leave you hanging,” I tell her. “Something came up.” A hysterical laugh escapes my lips, and I slap my hand over my mouth.

“Are you alright?” she asks.

Feeling Darius’ gaze on me, I drop my hand. “Yes, I’m fine.” I try to keep my voice steady as I ask, “Is there any way you could spend the night with Iris? Of course I’ll pay you double-time for the entire night.”

“Awesome! I’ll hang right here.”

“Thanks,” I say, ending the call.

“Everything alright with Iris?” Darius asks.

Narrowing my eyes at him, I say, “We need to set a few ground rules about this marriage.”

“Do we now?” he says in an amused tone.

“Yes, we do. I’ll marry you in name, but our lives need to remain separate,” I tell him. “Your world is obviously dangerous, and I have Iris to protect.”

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