Page 78 of No More Lies
DIANE WOKE UP TO THE feel of Steve’s arms around her, her back pressed to his front as he spooned her. It felt wonderful. It had been a long time since she’d woken up this way. In the week, Steve was always up and out for PT. For the past few months on the weekends, she had been up early to go into the office. Sunshine peeked through the blinds. Wow, she’d slept all night. She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept more than four hours.
“Good morning,” Steve murmured into her hair.
“Good morning.” She pressed back against him, and his arms tightened.
“How are you feeling?”
“I can’t believe I slept all night.”
“You needed it.” He kissed her neck, and it sent shivers down her spine. “It’s early. Go back to sleep. We can get up in an hour or so and call Megan.”
“What did Dex say last night? Was there any news?”
“Not much. They’re still following some leads. It’s looking more like Volkov just plans to take his daughter rather than wait for the hearing.”
“Does that mean the attack is definitely happening soon?” She turned in his arms to face him, all thoughts of going back to sleep forgotten.
“We believe so. Yes.” His voice was soft, his breath warm on her skin.
“So, I’m in the clear.”
“We can’t be sure yet, which is why for now, you stay here, and Megan stays with Jessica.”
She was desperate to see Megan, but understood Megan was safe with Agent Adams, especially if there was an attack. She shuddered at the thought.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
“I miss Megan, and I’m scared about the attack.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “Megan is in the safest place and don't give up on Onyx finding the sarin.”
“I know. Sorry. I just want this over with.”
“It will be soon, Angel. I promise.”
She looked at her handsome husband. She felt so much better this morning after telling him everything. No, she wasn't suddenly happy, and everything she had been feeling hadn't suddenly gone away. But here in Steve’s arms for the first time in a long time, she didn't feel so alone.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?”
“For listening. For still being here. For not telling me how stupid I was being.”
He brushed his thumb over her lips. “I will always listen. I will always be here for you, and you are not stupid. I don’t want to hear you say that about yourself again.”
Then he kissed her. A gentle, soft, loving kiss that took her breath away. When he lifted his head, the desire in his eyes practically burned her.
“Angel, I know we’re not done talking, but right now, I need you. I want to make up for the other day like I promised.”
She frowned. It was still bothering him. “You didn't hurt me, Steve. You would never hurt me. If I had said stop, you would have. You gave me exactly what I needed at that time.”
“Rough sex is what you needed?” He arched an eyebrow in question.
“What I needed was to get out of my head, my thoughts, for a while. Through all of this, making love with you has probably been the only time where I felt like the old me. You touch me and I forget about everything else, except how good you make me feel. I’ll have sex with you any which way you want. So, will you please forget about the last time, and do what you do best?”
He shook his head, and she thought for a moment he was going to turn her down.
But then he smiled. “You are amazing, and I love you. It doesn’t change that I don’t like how I was with you, and I intend to be extra attentive to be sure you understand how you should be loved.”