Unholy Matrimony

Best Friend To The Rescue.

(Sapphire’s POV)

My husband’s study was silent except for the faint ticking of the clock. He stood by the tall window, a glass of whiskey in his hand, staring out over the glittering city.

I watched him carefully from where I stood behind the shadows.

The night had been chaotic for real, and I was extremely tired. I believed he was too. Yet now, with Luke sprawled comfortably in the living room, the atmosphere had shifted.

I knew that my husband hated it.

Funny how I now loved using the words “my husband” all the time.

But I would eat hot nails before I admitted I love how that felt in my mouth.

He hated that a stranger could walk in and strip away my fear so easily. He hated that he’d let the man stay. And most of all, he hated the warmth that crept up his spine when he replayed the sound of my laugh.

“Oh, Sapphire. You have gone mad with your delusions.” I teased myself as I thought about these things. But I was still going to think about them. I stifled a laugh.

The laugh I had shared with Luke was soft, trembling, almost unsure…but real.

And it hadn’t been for him.

His jaw flexed as he set the glass down. No. He couldn’t afford to dwell on such things. Not when his supposed enemies circled closer by the hour.

Still, I felt like something about Luke gnawed at him. My best friend’s loose movements, sharp tongue, the way he’d leaned back on the sofa like he had no fear of death even when surrounded by armed guards. Even I would be curious.

Not arrogance. Not recklessness either. Something else.

Nah, Luke wasn’t any of these things.

Damian’s lips twitched, though it wasn’t quite a smile. I wondered what crossed his mind at that moment. Maybe he finally realized that the lanky good looking man wasn’t interested in his wife?

At least I supposed that much was clear from the way his gaze flicked past me without lingering, the way his jokes landed without weight. No, Luke’s energy was aimed everywhere at once, but never at me like a man wanting a woman.

Damian muttered to himself. “Not competition.”

My heart skipped. He was thinking about Luke and I!

Oh! I should be a seer!

For once, he looked like the thought loosened something in his chest.

The sound of footsteps outside pulled him from his thoughts. He turned just as Luke sauntered into the study after winking at me. He carrying two glasses of water like he was hosting a party.

“There you are, Mr. Dark-and-Broody,” my best friend announced, setting one of the glasses down on the desk as if he belonged here. “Hydrate. All that scowling has to dry your throat, no?”

Damian’s brows drew together. “You walk into my study uninvited?” He scowled deeper.

Luke grinned, unbothered. “I figured knocking would just annoy you more. You don’t strike me as a ‘come in’ kind of guy.” He leaned against the desk, arms crossed, eyes glinting with mischief. “Besides, I thought you could use some company. You’re way too tense. Someone’s going to mistake you for a gargoyle.”

From the doorway, I stifled a laugh, my hand pressed to my mouth.

Damian’s eyes flicked to me, catching the tremor of amusement on my lips. His jaw tightened, but before he could snap, Luke leaned in, dropping his voice in mock conspiracy.

“Don’t worry. The brooding look is hot. Very vampire chic. I bet you practice it in the mirror.”

This time, my laugh slipped out fully, filling the room.

Damian’s head whipped toward me, his gaze sharp. But instead of cold fury, there was something else in his eyes—like he was torn between irritation and… surrender.

Man was tired!

Luke beamed, triumphant. “See? She laughed. Mission accomplished. You’re welcome.”

Damian’s voice was gravel. “You’re insufferable.”

“Mm, so I’ve been told.” Luke tilted his head, studying him boldly. “But admit it—you like me at least a little. Otherwise, I’d already be dead.”

Damian’s silence stretched, heavy. His eyes narrowed, assessing Luke, cutting deep.

And then, to everyone’s surprise—including his own—a low sound escaped him. A rough, unwilling chuckle.

It wasn’t much. But it was real.

My eyes widened. I’d never heard him laugh before. Not once.

Oh, Luke! You are a wonder!

Luke grinned wider. “There it is. I knew you weren’t entirely made of stone.” He turned to me dramatically. “Sapphy, did you hear that? We cracked the statue.”

I giggled again, warmth spreading in my chest.

Damian, however, cut the moment short. He straightened, towering over Luke, his voice cool again. “Don’t get comfortable. You’re only here because she wants you here.”

Luke lifted his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, Dracula. I’m not here to steal your girl.” He winked. “I prefer different prey.”

The words hung in the air. Subtle, but clear.

Damian’s sharp gaze flicked over Luke again, something like realization dawning in his expression. The pieces suddenly clicked together.

Not a threat.

Luke wasn’t any of not into women.

For the first time in hours, tension left his shoulders. Just a little, but enough.

Luke caught it, smirking knowingly. “See? No need for daggers in your eyes. I’m on your side.”

“I could even be by your side if you permit.” He teased my husband.

The almighty Blackwood CEO almost choked on his water.

“What did you say?” He managed to ask.

“We could you know…” Luke repeated with his hands. He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

Damian said nothing. But when he turned away, his lips twitched again, as though against his will. It was obvious he found Luke to be a clown.

“I should pay you to be a jester in my court if I were a king.” He mumbled with a shake of his head. This was all very ridiculous to him.

“Aw, come on, Mr dark and brooding. I’m sure you can pay way more than a king can.” Luke pouted like a child.

How cute!

Damian just rolled his eyes.

The room lightened. For the first time since I’d stepped foot in this penthouse, I felt something that almost resembled peace.

Luke stretched his arms, humming. “Well, now that I’ve made you both laugh, my work here is done. But don’t think you’re rid of me yet. I plan on haunting this place until Sapphy actually answers her phone again.”

I rolled my eyes, smiling. “You’re impossible.”

“And fabulous,” Luke added with a wink.

Damian didn’t speak, but his silence wasn’t cold this time. He simply stood there, watching me smile, watching Luke’s antics, and for once, not fighting it.

It looked like progress to me.

Damian and I were slowly but surely going somewhere, and it was all thanks to my best friend.