Married to the Devil

Chapter 17

I tapped my finger against my hot chocolate mug and stared dully at Noah who sat across from me. He shot me with daggers from where he sat as he swung his legs back and forth under my dining table.

Usually I would've glared back and we'd both participate in a silent, mutually agreed, staring contest, but today was different. Today I couldn't focus on anything.

I couldn't even eat or sleep, haunted by the letter that Josh had given me yesterday. When I'd come home, I hastily shoved it inside the bottom pocket of a purse and tucked it away in the back cupboard of my closet, so Derek couldn't ever see it.

I didn't even look at it. I was too afraid.

What if he wanted to break up? I mean, we already were broken up, we had to be because of the contracts, but it wasn't officially said yet.

What if Josh thought that our relationship was too much trouble? Too much maintenance? Was this the moment where he finally told me he was done with me? My worst fear popped up in my head as I thought of what him and Evelyn could be doing right now.

I shook my head to shake off the horrible image and ordered myself to snap out of it. Over the course of 24 hours, my curiosity of what Josh had written had morphed into fear for what lay ahead for our future.

Noah kicked me in the shin and I jerked back my leg, only succeeding in slamming my knee against the table. I let out a howl of pain.

Derek stepped into the dining room and his face filled with concern when he saw my expression.

"You okay?" He asked.

I simply nodded my head and rubbed my sore knee, giving Noah the most intense murderous glare that I could muster up.

Derek's head swivelled to Noah, "Noah it's time to go, your Mom's here."

Mom. My head wrenched upwards at the words. That meant that Marrissa was here? In my house?

Noah frowned, "Daddy, can't you come home with us like you used to?"

Derek chuckled, "Sorry Noah, I can't do that anymore."

His words made me feel like I was floating on the moon. Invincible and strong. I couldn't become cowardlike anymore whenever I heard Derek's ex-lover's name. After all, even though Derek and I were forced together, in a way, he had chosen me over her.

"I'll miss you, Daddy," Noah said, his eyes tearing up like he wouldn't see Derek ever again.

I rolled my eyes at Noah's 'Drama Queen' persona. This kid was a natural born actor and he could produce tears on the spot as if they were nothing.

I offered a hand towards him, "Come on Noah, I'll walk you out."

Noah stuck out a tongue at me and ran out of the room towards the living room. Derek laughed again and we both chased after him.

We found him shortly after, hiding behind the long, lean legs of a woman in a stunning black lace dress. I stopped suddenly, just behind Derek, and stiffened. I almost choked on the sheer amount of beauty that had to be Marissa, Noah's mom and consequently, Derek's ex.

She had long, red, flaming hair that emphasized her pale skin. It was thick and shiny and separated into a deep side part. The left side of it was braided back against her scalp while the right side hung in loose waves. I sweeped over her length and saw her dress hug her fit, slightly muscular body type. She had bigger hips than most girls that I'd seen but definitely wasn't fat.

I eyed the modesty of the dress, despite her hefty, praiseworthy chest that she could've shown off if she wanted to attract Derek's attention. She lifted a hand to rearrange her hair and that's when I noticed a long, snake tattoo painted on her right arm.