Page 59 of Silver Fire

“But shouldn’t Maia come first?”

“She does, Sophie. But in her line of work, prioritizing is important—the greater good. Even if I wanted to rush to her side, I have to respect her wishes. It’s the only way our marriage can work,” Jack said quietly.

“That sucks, I don’t know how you can stand it.”

“It’s easy. I love her.”

Sophie felt herself swoon hearing Jack’s words, his face losing the harsh planes of earlier and softening with a tender look as he said he loved his wife.

“So what’s going on with you and Derek?”

“Nothing. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.”

“What?”

“And I’m not comfortable talking to you about it,” Sophie said firmly.

Jack started chuckling. “I take it my man messed up.”

“Yep.”

“He’s not used to having a girlfriend.”

“You mean being monogamous?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Well, he made it clear how uncomfortable it was for him.”

“Ouch.”

“Exactly.”

“For what it’s worth, he was thinking of you immediately after the crash.”

“Look, Jack. It’s obvious Derek makes a great friend. And maybe that’s all we’re ever going to be.”

It looked like Jack was going to argue but decided against it, much to Sophie’s relief. Now that she was sure Derek was OK, she could probably go back to hating him, because hating him, it seemed, was the only way to protect her heart.

* * *

Derek watchedSophie walk through the entrance of the situation room. His attention was briefly distracted by Jack giving him a chin lift before wordlessly walking to Maia, curling his hand around her neck, pulling her close and burying his face in the curve of her neck.

“Jack,” Maia whispered.

“Babe,” was all that Jack said.

Derek moved toward Sophie but immediately saw that her guard was up. She was still pissed at him, but at least there was a hint of concern on her face.

“I’m glad you’re OK,” Sophie said stiffly. Derek felt the yawning chasm of awkwardness that was festering between them, and it was all his fault.

“Sophie,” Derek said. “About this morning.”

“Don’t,” Sophie hissed. “This is not the time or the place.”

“We have to talk.”

“Is there something to talk about, Derek?” Sophie whispered. “I think your actions this morning were pretty clear.”