Getting closer
On the way home, they kept their silence throughout the trip. Devon fell into a deep thought about meeting her mother. The feeling of finally finding a missing piece of yourself is definitely there. She’s glad to see her mother but that just stopped there. No deeper feeling other than nostalgia.
Why is that? Is she not close to her own mother?
“You’re too quiet? What are you thinking?” Daemon asked, breaking the eerie silence in the air.
“I’m just disappointed. I was on a high note that our meeting would stir something in me but didn’t remember anything,” she answered while looking out the window.
There are too many things in her head right now that feel so overwhelming. For the first time since she was forced to assume the identity of Devon Farrows, she had a genuine curiosity to know about her past life before the marriage. She wants to know the life she led as a Farrows. She wants to know why they stopped looking for her but Daemon did not.
Was she really just a pawn in the family affairs because she’s a woman? Didn’t they love her? How about her father? Things like that occupied her mind after leaving the party and seeing how happy her mother and father looked. Don't they miss her or have they finally accepted her death?
“It’s okay. There are still many opportunities to come. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“You must have trusted Maddy so much,” she said out of the blue and opened the car window to let the wind in.
Daemon glanced at her, perplexed by the sudden switch of the topic of conversation. “Where did that come from and why do you say so?”
“Just my observation. She knows I’m alive. I bet she’s been there since the beginning even before you married me and I think she’s also one of the reasons why you and I do not go along with each other, am I right?”
He cleared his throat. “Maddy has been with me from the very start. I met her when I was still a teenager. We’ve bonded and the rest is history.”
“So more like siblings?” she pried more. The information he’s providing is too brief she can’t make out of it.
“At first but it escalated pretty quickly to a degree of relationship that I never thought we would have after my father died.”
She looked at him a little too quickly. It piqued her attention that he mentioned his father in this way without that dangerous tone he used when she casually said it.
“If the two of you are close with each other then why let her marry that senator? And why did you marry me?”
The corner of his lips moved into a sly smile. She hated to admit it but she found it to be charming. Oh, everything in Daemon tonight is charming! His tux, his brushed up hair, his stance, his voice, and his face! Everything about him tonight is on a whole lot of level.
Is it because he’s meeting the Farrows? Or Maddy’s husband? But they met each other back at the mansion’s party? Or is it because she is with him and he wants to impress her?
A smile escaped her lips even before she could stop it. Daemon caught it, his smile widening while watching her cover her mouth in a haste.
“It’s because you begged me and I was too kind to refuse you when you’re about to burst into tears.”
Her smile disappeared. Did she really do that? There’s no way to confirm if he’s telling the truth or lying since she has no memory of it.
“But you like her? You like Maddy?”
He didn’t say anything. That already answered her question. Silence means yes.
They arrived in the house in the same silence they shared upon leaving the party. She felt the need to ask him again but she didn't want to ruin the night by pestering him so she just zipped her mouth. Tonight was rare. They didn’t fight and she wanted to keep it that way.
Tossing and turning on bed, Devon stared at the chandelier on the ceiling. She can’t sleep. Moments in the party still lingered in her head.
“I badly want to remember everything.” She pulled at her own hair. “I need to remember them all.”
An idea rang inside her brain. Hugging the pillows into her chest, she walked out of the door and knocked on Daemon’s room before opening it. He’s sitting on the bed wearing only his boxer shorts while cleaning his gun.
“And why are you here in my room?” he asked without looking up at her.
Biting her lip, she ran into his bed, into his covers, and closed her eyes. “Do you know why I remembered something about my mother?”
“You missed her.”
She opened her eyes and sat. “No, it’s when we’re lying next to each other. We’re arguing before that and then a memory came to mind. I’ll be sleeping here with you. Say sorry to Maddy. She’s not gonna have you tonight.”
Daemon chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “As far as I know, she’s not my wife. You are.”
“I know. I am your wife. You know what, you have your way with words. You know how to use them.”
She lay on the bed again. Daemon put the gun on the bedside table and turned off the lights before sliding into the blanket. Devon swallowed hard when he faced her.
“Are you gonna choke me or kill me silently tonight if you ever get nightmares?”
He smugly smiled reaching for the button on her side to turn on the lampshade. “Be honest with me, Devon. Did I say something about my father last time?”
“No, you didn’t,” she lied. “Are you really going to sleep without putting on something?”
“I’m not totally naked. I’m wearing boxers.”
“I know but that’s too short. What if you know I… I accidentally touched it?” she whispered.
“Then you hold it. I don’t mind.” He moved his arm over her head and settled there. She thought he’s going to pull her in for a kiss but he just stayed still.
“We didn’t have sex life,” she assumed. “Are you a lousy lover, Daemon?”
“Are you picking up some fight?” he eyed her in a flat tone.
“I do. Argue with me then maybe I can remember something.”
“I’m not in the mood. Sleep.” Covering her eyes with his palm, he gathered her head into his chest and caged her body with his arms.
Fighting off the urge to smile, she nestled cozily into his heat.
“Daemon?”
“Hmm.”
“Goodnight.”
He breathed sharply as if he’s in pain. “Goodnight, Devon.”
She shut her eyes and drifted into sleep wishing that Emily would visit her in her dreams.
