Married to the Devil

Chapter 56

Derek was quiet the whole ride back. He hadn't spoken much this whole night which was an odd thing for him to do. He hadn't even touched me since we left. Whenever Derek was around he always commanded my attention with his hugs, kisses, and stories. There was nothing sweet about him now.

I sighed and gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, "What's wrong?"

"Just drive," Came his monotone reply.

I sneaked a glance at him, "Tell me what's wrong first."

Silence. I could practically feel his hesitation through his fidgeting fingers on the hem of his shirt.

"Tell me what's wrong or I'll stop the car," I said sternly, trying to probe him.

His eyes widened as he turned to face me, "But we're on the highway."

He was right. We were speeding along the highway, like the other cars around us. Stopping suddenly would almost certainly cause a collision.

"I don't care. I'll do it if you don't start talking." I threatened.

"We can discuss it tomorrow."

"We can discuss it now."

He took a big breath, "Fine. I don't think you should've told off your parents like that. They're only trying to protect you."

I cocked a brow, "I was trying to defend you."

"And that's the other thing. I didn't ask you to do that for me. You also didn't need to advertise to them of my horrible childhood. The last thing I want is them thinking, 'Oh poor Derek he had an abusive father who sold his daughter for drug money'. I don't need anyone's pity," He finished, hints of annoyance peered through his voice.

"They never would've understood if I didn't tell them the whole story, Derek. I didn't tell them so they would feel bad for you. I told them so they would feel bad toward themselves for not realizing that you would never have caused the crash on purpose," I replied, still tightly gripping the steering wheel.

"Why didn't you let me explain on my own terms?" He questioned.

"Uh, maybe because you weren't saying much of anything and I couldn't just sit there and watch you getting attacked."

He reached over and rested his large palm on my thigh and started massaging me. Instantly, sparks of happiness overwhelmed me and began to soothe me. Derek had kind of that effect on me.

"I'm not blaming you Katie. I know you did it for me but I need you to let me fight my own battles from now on, okay?"

I snuck a side glance at him and he shot me his famous megawatt smile. I melted a little on the inside.

"Okay," I found myself saying as I smiled.

"Good. I love you Katie and I want you to know that whatever happens I'll never stop loving you."

His words were sweet, like soft butter melting on a hot piece of toast. Right then I felt like the piece of toast and he was the one laying on the butter. He was relaxing me, easing away all the tension and anger built up inside from the night.

"I love you too Derek. And I can't wait to be Mrs. Carter," I said.

He winked at me in that adorable, sexy way he always does, "Me too."

                            ~°°°°°~
The doorbell rung a few times. I was still asleep when it happened. My head lifted off the pillow just an inch before I groaned. Who was here so early?

I glanced at the glowing numbers on the clock. 9:00.

Okay, maybe it wasn't so early but for me it was still time for my beauty sleep. With a massive bed head and a half-awake half-asleep brain I slowly walked over to the door in my favorite Mickey Mouse pajamas.
There was only one person who was annoying enough to be ringing my doorbell at this hour. Evelyn Reed.