Page 69 of No More Lies

He pushed her away slightly, so they were facing each other.

“Because you are a part of this team. My team. I’m not meant to share details, but I trust you, Diane. I thought I was protecting you all this time by not sharing anything. Instead, I was hurting you, and I’m sorry for that.”

She held his gaze. “I do understand why you can’t tell me everything. I was being selfish asking you to. I don’t want you getting in trouble.”

“I’ll risk it.” Steve smiled. “Look, this op is different because you are involved. You know the names, locations, and other details already. I can’t share as much about other ops, but if you want to know something, ask me. If I can tell you, I will, just not specific details.” He paused. “That’s if you still want to know?”

She nodded. “Yes. I don't need to know details. I have a good idea of what you guys do, but sometimes I feel so in the dark, and I do have questions, but am too afraid to ask.”

Steve frowned. “Don’t ever be afraid to ask me anything. Ever. If I can’t tell you, I’ll be honest and say so.”

She leaned in and tenderly kissed him on the lips. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He returned the kiss. In seconds, the heat flared, and he had her on her back on the sofa.

“How’s your head?”

“Much better now I’ve eaten.”

“We have more we need to talk about. We both said some things,” he said softly.

“I know.”

“But right now I really want to make up for before and make love to you.”

She looked at him puzzled.

“I was rough...I—”.

She kissed him, cutting him off before she spoke.

“I kind of liked it.” A small smile played on her lips.

He raised his eyebrows. “You did? I know I can be a little dominant sometimes, but I went over the line. I hurt you.”

“You didn’t hurt me. You were pissed for sure, but it was kind of hot. You just taking what you wanted.”

He shook his head. “You still surprise me. But I didn't like what happened. I was angry, worried, frustrated, and I should have walked away. I don't mind a little role-playing and being rough, but that was me being an ass, and I’m sorry. It’s not how you deserve to be treated. Ever.”

When he brushed a strand of hair off her face, so careful, so tender, she smiled. “If it makes you feel better, apology accepted. I’m sorry I made you feel that way.”

“No. Don’t do that. Whatever is going on between us... This distance and tension recently. We will talk about it, and we will work it out. But you need to know that I love you. I am so damn proud of you. You are so strong. To get to where you are today as a lawyer, as well as being a loving wife and mother? And having to deal with that asshole Volkov? You amaze me.”

She turned her head to the side, avoiding his eyes. Amaze him? She was more of a disappointment. Her job, the long hours, missing so much time with Megan. She had not been an amazing wife or mother, and it was unlikely now she would even make partner.

“Hey. What’s wrong?” Steve’s voice was full of concern. When she didn’t answer him, his fingers cupped her chin. Gently he turned her head back, but she couldn’t look at him.

“Angel? Talk to me.”

Should she tell him how unhappy she was with her life despite her love for him? How she often felt overwhelmed trying to deal with everything? How she was a complete failure, she hated her job, and she was tired of sacrificing time with her family for a greedy firm and clients like Volkov? How she sometimes felt everything was always about Steve and his job? How she felt unseen, unworthy, and so damn sad and tired all the time?

“Angel?” He pushed. She raised her gaze to his and the raw love she saw there pushed her over the edge. Tears spilled down her cheeks. Steve sat up, pulling her with him until she was cradled against his chest.

“I’m sorry.” She whimpered. “It’s just everything. I—”

Steve’s phone rang, interrupting them.