Page 57 of The Devil’s Lair

“I’m so sorry.”

He meets my gaze. “I have never told a single soul what I just told you.”

“No one? Not even your family?”

“Especially my family. To them, I’m the prankster, the one who makes inappropriate jokes, the man who sails through life without a care in the world. I’d like it to stay that way, too. You see, this is why I think we’re well matched. We’ve both got missing pieces.” One corner of his mouth lifts. “Maybe together, we can find them and heal.”

It's the most serious I’ve ever seen him for a stretch of time. “Have you thought about therapy?”

“Is yours helping you?”

I consider his question while staring at my hands, twisting the new gold band around my finger. “At first, I was doubtful, but these last couple of sessions…” A small nod, as if I’m confirming it to myself. “I feel as though I’m making improvements, learning to forgive myself, putting the blame where it deserves to be. It isn’t easy, nor is it a quick fix, but I do believe she’s helping.”

“That’s good.”

“You should think about it.”

He rests his head against the back of the couch, eyes on the ceiling. “Yeah, maybe. Maybe.”

Silence ensues, comfortable rather than tense. I revel in the peace for a few minutes.

“Thank you for trusting me with something so personal.”

“I do trust you. I also meant every word of my vows. Over time, I think we can build something special. We already have a solid foundation, which is more than most.”

“I don’t even trust myself, let alone anyone else. Once, I thought Marcus was a good man.” My laugh is sharp like vinegar. “I don’t exactly have stellar instincts.”

“Or you were duped by a vile narcissist. Give it time. It’ll come.”

“Jane said the same thing.”

“Then, Jane is a smart woman.” He reaches for his jacket, pulling an envelope from the inside pocket. “I have something for you. A wedding present.”

“A present?” I clap my hands to my cheeks. “Oh, my God, was I supposed to buy you something? How awful of me. I didn’t even think.”

“Relax. I didn’t expect anything.” He hands me the envelope.

I frown. “What is it?”

“A car.”

I narrow my eyes. “Very funny.”

He flashes a grin. “Just open it.”

My hands tremble as I slide a thumb underneath the seal. Inside is a single sheet of paper. I take it out and unfold it.

The message is short and to the point. The judge has thrown out the custody case brought by Felicity. I read it three times just to make sure.

It falls from my fingers and lands in my lap. Relief hits me all at once. The fear that had dogged my every waking moment for weeks dissolves, leaving behind something so unfamiliar, it takes me a beat to recognize it. Peace. Isla is mine, always has been, and now, thanks to Tobias, always will be.

“It’s over,” I whisper.

“Yep.” Tobias takes my hand and squeezes. It’s the first time he’s properly touched me other than when we shook hands on our arranged marriage, and I wait for him to flinch, except he doesn’t. He holds on tighter. “It arrived right before I set off for the chapel. I wanted to wait until we were alone to give it to you. I hope you don’t think badly of me for waiting until now.”

“Badly? Are you kidding me? It’s the best gift ever. Thank you, Tobias. I can’t express how grateful I am.”

“I’m sorry it took as long as it did. Sometimes the wheels of justice move slowly, even for us.”