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“I don’t want to move forward if you’re uncomfortable.”

How was Athena supposed to convey that she was always uncomfortable, not just in a room with a stranger, but with herself. And this case she was working was making all of that front and center. She hated that she’d agreed to take it on, but she couldn’t deny Gwen all the justice she could possibly obtain.

“Athena,” Monti said again. “What are you thinking?”

“It’s not relevant,” Athena answered. She felt as though she was swimming through molasses, barely able to keep up. “Go ahead.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

Monti touched her again, and this time Athena didn’t jump. Perfect. She was getting better control of herself already. Monti started at the base of her skull, using the sides of her thumbs to add pressure to the muscles with precision. Athena rolled her head forward slightly, enjoying the feeling of the pain from the knots working themselves out. This had been exactly what she’d needed.

“You’ve been in a lot of pain from this.” It wasn’t a question, and Athena appreciated that.

She’d spent too much of her time answering questions in her life, and to have Monti come to the conclusion without her was a blessing in disguise. Monti moved down to her shoulders, and Athena couldn’t hold back the groan this time when she hit a particularly troublesome spot. Often at night, Athena would rub that part of her shoulder in hopes of easing the tension.

“Don’t hold back if you don’t want to. I’m not going to tell anyone what’s discussed or what happens in this room when we’re together. And noises are natural.” Monti said it without shame, as if she really meant the words. “You wouldn’t believe the number of people who fart their way through a massage.”

Athena snorted. “You’re joking.”

“Nope.” Monti pushed a little harder in the cord of muscle down Athena’s shoulder.

Again she groaned, then whimpered when Monti found a particularly nasty spot. She jerked when the library door opened, and Monti immediately moved to stand between her and the door, covering her from it. Athena appreciated it, and she snagged her jacket, ready to throw it on when she heard Kevin’s loud accusing voice.

“Who are you?”

“Monti Schroeder. Who are you?” Monti put her hands on her hips, and she didn’t budge an inch.

“Kevin Brock.”

Athena snagged Monti’s hand and pulled her to the side, dropping her jacket back to the chair. “Kevin is my husband.”

“Y-your husband.” Monti spun around and gave Athena a hard look that was an odd mix of curiosity and pain. What was that all about?

“Twenty-two years almost,” Athena answered and raised her eyebrows at Kevin. She hadn’t expected him home this early. He was supposed to be gone for another two days with his boyfriend. Athena stayed seated, wanting Monti to continue whatever magic she’d been working, but she knew Monti wouldn’t without being expressly told. “You’re home early.”

“My trip was cut short.” Kevin cut a look to Monti, no doubt trying to judge who she was, especially since it was clear Monti had been touching her. “Fallon said you were in a meeting.”

“I am.” Her answer was clipped, she knew. But she was annoyed he’d interrupted something that seemed to be going well. It was the first time she’d been able to focus on anything that day.

Kevin looked from Monti to Athena, clearly confused.

“I haven’t been sleeping. Monti is a massage therapist.”

“Ah.” Kevin nodded his understanding, though he still wasn’t budging or buggering off.

Athena dragged in a sharp breath, wanting to dismiss him already. “Was there something you needed?”

“No. I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Yes.” Athena nodded her agreement. They had some catching up to do.

He turned and made it to the door before stopping and turning to her again. “Oh! There’s a gala coming up on the twentieth. I RSVP’d for us. You should wear that gold dress you have. It’ll match the theme.”

The gold dress he was talking about was probably one of the most revealing gowns she owned. She’d never actually worn it to an event, though she’d bought it for one. Once she’d put it on, she couldn’t stand to wear it out and have that much skin showing for the world to see. Athena swallowed hard, unable to form the words she wanted to say right then.

“You look lovely in it, too. Shows off your ass.” Kevin giggled as he left the library, shutting the door behind him.