Chapter 688

Jareth slumped into the living room, his mood a heavy thundercloud. Lily had just coaxed Marilla to sleep and was descending the staircase.

His gaze lifted wearily, clashing inadvertently with hers, startling her so much that she quickly lowered her head.

“Don’t hang your head so low. Burying it in the ground, what, you’re an ostrich?” He said with a hint of irritation knitting his brows.

Jareth settled onto the couch, pulling a cigarette from its pack and placing it between his lips, but he hesitated to light it, remembering Marilla hated the smell of smoke.

Lily dared not lift her gaze. Usually so aloof and proud in front of others, she now stood there, meek and guilt–ridden, wishing she could disappear into a crack in the floor.

“Come here.”

The few steps to Jareth felt like an eternity for Lily.

“Is Marilla asleep?” His voice was a deep rumble.

“Yes.” Lily’s voice trembled, her eyes downcast, “I’ll pack my things and leave right away. I won’t trouble you any further.”

“Stay,” Jareth commanded coldly, yet his words were a reprieve to Lily.

“You and Marilla are like sisters. I know she can’t even eat without you.”

Jareth plucked the cigarette from his mouth and snapped it in his hand, his heart not quite hard enough to dismiss this woman who had been so loyal to him, “Stay and take care of Marilla. Even though you’ve ruined a couple of her dresses with your clumsy laundry skills and your cooking is mediocre at best. I trust no one else with her. Just don’t let there be a second time, or I won’t fire you; I’ll chop you.”

Lily still felt the weight of shame;

I won’t let it happen again.”

into the night.

lamp. He wasn’t possessed by the workaholic spirit of a Thaddeus; he was simply

me! Don’t

body twisting as if pinned down, her cries muffled with panic, “Don’t hit me, don’t hit me! I’m a retard, I’m an idiot! Please, stop hitting me!”

“Marilla!”

slender waist and holding this girl trapped in a nightmare into his arms, “It’s okay,

me, please

her damp

flew open, panting heavily, a cold sweat

who’s been bullying you? Tell me,

his tone insistent and fierce,

a night full of dreams. If something hadn’t happened, why would Marilla suffer

was almost always

‘No, nobody”

must have been the scare

bullied me.*

never happened, especially since the one who had

water, she didn’t want to

kissed her forehead, his lips cold

102

10:32

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