Page 70 of No More Lies
“Shit.” He leaned forward, grabbing it off the table. “It’s Sam.”
“You should answer it.” She went to get off his lap, but he held her firm.
“Stay where you are,” he said softly. Then he answered the call.
She snuggled into Steve’s chest as he stroked a hand up and down her back. He wasn’t saying much, so she had no idea what Sam was telling him, but it was nice he hadn’t disappeared to take the call. It also gave her a chance to pull herself together. This was not the time to tell her husband how unhappy she was. It would be selfish, and he had enough to deal with. She loved that he had shared the details of the sarin and Volkov with her. It was scary as hell that Onyx were the ones tasked with making sure an attack didn’t happen. That was far more important than anything that was going on with her.
Steve put the phone down.
“Sam was letting me know they traced the owner of the car the sarin was handed off to. Dex and the boys are on their way to question him.”
“That’s good news, isn’t it?”
“Maybe. It may have changed hands again already. Anyway, that’s enough of that. You were telling me why you were upset.”
She forced a smile, determined not to burden her husband any further.
“I’m fine. I’m just a little worried about everything. It sneaks up on me. Volkov, Megan not being here. Now this threat.” She cupped Steve’s face. “I’m OK.”
“Don’t be worried. I will never let harm come to you or Megan.”
“I know.”
“Are you sure that’s it?”
She paused before answering. “Yes, now, you promised to make love to me, so no more talking until you make good on your promise.”
She trailed a finger down his chest to the top of his jeans, determined to steer him away from this conversation and let him take her to a place where she didn't have to think about anything except Steve’s touch.
***
STEVE WANTED NOTHING more than to make good on his promise and make love to his wife, but the look on Diane’s face told him it was time to stop running away from this conversation. It needed to happen now. She was trying her best to hide her pain, but he could see how upset she was. He’d ignored the signs and put off talking before. He wasn’t doing it again.
With Diane’s hand gently stroking his cock through his jeans, it took every ounce of willpower to place his hand over hers, stopping her.
“Angel,” he said quietly. “I promise I will spend the whole night making love to you, but first we need to talk.”
“We agreed we can talk when this is all over, Steve. I want you now.” When she went to kiss him, he let her, but he pulled away before it could go any further.
“I love you,” he said honestly. “Not talking, not listening to each other, not communicating is how things became so bad between us. This conversation is long overdue and I’m not sure I can wait.”
Diane went to move off his lap, but he held her firm.
“Talk to me, Angel. I’m right here. I know this thing with Volkov is upsetting, scary even. But things weren’t good before this happened.”
Her head was lowered, her shoulders slumped. Steve stroked her cheek.
“I really am sorry about how I handled this situation and for the things I said to you. I know without a doubt you would never put Megan in danger.” He inhaled, fighting his own emotions. “I also didn't really appreciate, until recently, just how much you’ve had to deal with over the years. In the beginning, when I was gone so long on deployments, you were raising Megan, studying, managing the finances. When I think about it now, I feel like a complete asshole for not stepping up more. You dealt with everything.”
He pulled her into him, cradling her against his chest. “I’m sorry. I haven't been there for you enough. I haven't supported you enough. You and Megan are the most important people in my life. My job means I’ve sacrificed time with you both, and I understand why you feel you’ve come second to it.” His voice cracked. “I’m sorry you ever felt that you came second.”
When Diane straightened and faced him, he frowned at the tears rolling down her cheeks.
“I know my job is the problem. I swear, Diane. I’ll do whatever you want me to do. Whatever will make you happy. I want us to be happy again. I want you to feel like you are number one. You and Megan. Because you are. It’s time for me to make different sacrifices to support you in your career. To be here more for both of you. I know what I do is dangerous. I don’t want you worrying about me. I’ll take a step back from operating. I’ll talk to Sam. I'm sure there’s other opportunities I can use my skills for. I love you, Diane, and I want to be the husband you deserve.”
His own eyes were moist as he stared at his wife. Diane had stopped crying and was looking at him like... Hell, he wasn’t sure what her expression said. He waited patiently for her to speak.
“You’ve got this all wrong, Steve,” she whispered.