Page 28 of Malicious Marriage

“So you’re set on Dean?” Bobby tilts his head. “I’m not at all grateful that you got hurt by Ryan, but I am glad you’ve come to a firm decision.”

Is it the right one? I have no idea. But it’s the only one I have based around what I can control. Everything else will just have to hopefully slot into place. “I just need to find a way to handle the guilt. This would be easier if Dean weren’t so nice.”

“I’m sure he’s got a deep, dark secret somewhere. Something so terribly evil that you won’t have to feel guilty about lying to him.”

“But what secret? He’s open about his child with that other woman. And he claims the rumors about his siblings are just that, rumors.”

“What if they’re not?” Bobby dabs at my cheek and smirks. “Maybe it’s all true and you’re marrying a man who has no moral restraints about killing women and children. Learned from his older brother who did the same.”

“Stop!” I nudge his shoulder as guilt worms around my stomach. “Even joking about it feels wrong.”

“Just think about it. Then the guilt will fade.”

“Maybe.” Sighing softly, I adjust my seating and squint my eyes to test how sore my face is. “Are you still mad at me?”

“Oh, yeah,” Bobby mutters. “But I can be madandhelp you. That’s what friends do.”

“Thank you.”

“Mmhmm.” He pouts slightly, but the warmth remains in his eyes. “So, this professor. What do you think the connection is to him and your sister?”

“Honestly? I have no clue,” I say as my phone buzzes in my pocket and I shift to grab it. “Maybe they knew each other? Or he—shit.”

“What?” Bobby freezes while I turn my phone to face him. “He’s coming here?”

“Yup!”

“Shit. Dean really can’t stay away, can he?”

“I’m not complaining.” However, my pulse begins to race.

“Alright, we have to cover up your face. Don’t want him asking too many questions.”

I wince and tenderly touch my cheek. “Do you think we can cover this?”

Bobby squints and then nods. “Easy. You’ll just have to put up with a little pain.”

Dean arrives an hour later, and for the first time, I’m actually at the door to greet him. He looks somewhat surprised and chuckles as he touches his chest.

“I half-expected you to come through the gate again,” he says in that warm, pleasant voice that sends tingles all over me. “Texting ahead is clearly the way forward.”

“It definitely gives me time to make sure I’m not in the bath. Or out shopping. Please, come in.”

“Thank you.” Dean ducks his head slightly as he passes me. Tiredness clings around his eyes and his brow seems slightly strained despite the pleasant smile on his face. “I hope I haven’t interrupted anything.”

“Not at all,” I assure him. “It’s been a slow day. I was up late last night so this has definitely been a gentle day.”

“Not because of me, I hope?” He turns in the hall to face me and looks genuinely concerned for a moment.

“No, not at all,” I assure him quickly. “I just had some things to tend to, so don’t worry. Although, speaking of, are you alright? You left here in such a rush, I was worried.”

“I’m sorry.” Dean follows me through to the kitchen. “I didn’t mean to alarm you.”

“I know we don’t know each other that well, but if there’s anything I can do to help, I’m willing to try.”

“Hopefully, that will change soon,” Dean says, catching my eye while I pick up two glasses of pink lemonade.

“Needing help?”