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.”

still felt the weight of shame; head down, she barely held back

sorry, I won’t let

into the night.

lamp. He wasn’t

hit me! Don’t hit

twisting as if pinned down, her cries muffled with panic, “Don’t hit me, don’t hit me! I’m a

“Marilla!”

slender waist and holding this girl trapped in

hit me, please stop.”

hand patting her damp back,

panting heavily, a cold sweat soaking her

been bullying you?

his tone insistent and fierce, “If anyone dares touch you, I’ll flay them!”

day full of thoughts led to a night full of dreams. If something hadn’t happened, why

protected. Lily was almost always by her side at school. Who could

‘No, nobody”

wrapped her arms around him, shaking her head, “It must have been the scare

bullied me.*

to forget those memorjes more terrifying than her nightmares, as if they never happened, especially since the one who had hurt her

was thicker than water, she didn’t want to

Jareth kissed her forehead,

102

10:32

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