Free Scorched (Sizzle #2) by Sarah O'Rourke

Molly.”
    “Oh, my God,” Molly scoffed, carefully
keeping her voice pitched low so she didn’t disturb a snoring Armando.  Heaven
knew that the poor man would need his rest to manage whatever ordeal was headed
toward them.  “You’re actually going to defend what he’s done?  You know what
you are, Devil?  You’re a Judas!”
    “Excuse me?” Devil snapped, his shoulders
stiffening as he focused furious eyes on Molly.  “I haven’t betrayed anybody,
little girl.  I simply didn’t stick my nose into somebody else’s relationship
where – incidentally - it didn’t belong.  I listened to Nick talk about his
problem with his parents over a couple of beers during a business trip several
months ago.  I gave him some advice when he asked for it and then I put it out
of my mind because it wasn’t my problem!  I do that when something is
none of my affair.  It’s a pretty common practice.   I certainly didn’t deceive
anybody!  Not Mannie.   And certainly not you,” Devil argued quietly as he
stared at his wife.  “The bottom line here is that I know Nick loves and
adores young Armando over there just as much as I do you and listening to you
three harpies crucify the man before he’s had a chance to defend himself is
wrong.  I know it, and so do you.  When exactly did you get so self-righteous,
huh?  Since when aren’t you willing to at least hear the other side of
the story, Margaret?  How the hell can you or your terrible twosome here make
an informed decision if you don’t have all the facts?”
    Despite being irate that he employed the
use of her much hated Christian name, Molly chose to let it go and pay
attention to the matter at hand.  Crossing her arms over her chest, she lifted
her chin in defiance.  “Don’t you think we have the pertinent facts, Devil?”
she asked with a scowl.  “Nick’s been lying to his parents and lying to
the man he claims to love.  Call me crazy, but it appears that he was willing
to build a marriage on a foundation of lies and sins of omission.  I’d say we
all have a pretty good grasp on the facts.  And as for Nick loving Mannie like
you love me, if that’s true, Devil, I’m a little concerned about the health of
our own relationship.  How many deceptions will I find if I take a closer look
at our marriage?”
    “Okay, you two,” Vivian interceded calmly,
“let’s agree to retreat to our neutral corners before somebody says something
they can’t take back.”
    Disregarding Vivian’s warning, Devil shook
his head.  “Have any of you asked yourself why a stand-up guy like Nick
would choose to keep this to himself?  Any of you given his reasoning any
thought?  Do any of you care about that?”
    Stunned by Devil’s passionate defense of
his employee and friend, it occurred to Molly that her husband was as
protective of his pal as she was of hers.  Shifting uncomfortably on her feet
as she felt his observant eyes drilling into her.  Knowing that he was waiting
for a response, she murmured, “I care.  Not as much as I care about Armando,
but I do care.” 
    “Good,” Devil returned with a satisfied
nod.  “Then give Nick a chance to get here tomorrow and explain his reasons for
doing what he did.  I promise you all,” he continued, his gaze sweeping over
all three worried women, “This is a far sight more complicated for Nick than
you think.  Armando doesn’t possess all the information that he needs to decide
if he really wants to cancel his wedding.  I’m asking all three of you to stall
him for more time before he does something he’ll regret.” 
    “Whoa, there, Dr. Phil,” Molly drawled,
automatically lifting her hand up in the air to stop Devil from carrying on. 
“I won’t do that.  Whatever Nick’s motives were or weren’t, he’s deeply injured
that man,” Molly declared, pointing at Mannie.  Now sprawled on his back with
feet propped on an ottoman, the man now slept, unmoving and drooling.