Page 92 of A Convenient Secret

Before I realize, my fist punches the window, and Lily jumps away. The rage blurs the edges of my mind. “Where is he?”

“Declan.” She steps away, pleading.

“Is he in prison?” I demand, trying and failing to keep the onslaught of feelings under control.

“It doesn’t matter. Stop it.”

“Is he in prison? What’s his name?”

Lily shakes her head, stepping farther from me. “Stop.”

I step closer to her. “Give me his name, Lily.”

She puts her hand on my chest, and the warmth of her palm once again clears the fury-induced fog, and my mind clears slightly. I’m hit with the sight of her face, anxious but defiant.

“Is he the reason you sleep with a knife?” I reign in my tone, because the last thing I want is to scare her. What is it with this woman that I barely hang onto my control?

She nods, and I swear, turning away because I need to punch something one more time. Or more.

“You said I make you feel safe.” I don’t rememberthe last time I raised my voice. “How can I keep you safe if you don’t tell me what the danger is? How can I help you?”

“Right now, the only danger is your anger fucking up this perfect night. You’re helping me… You gave me a home. You made me feel beautiful tonight; instead of focusing on my scars, you worshiped my body. I haven’t felt this whole for months, years even. You made me feel whole tonight, so please just drop it. Don’t ruin tonight.”

I can practically feel the vein popping in my temple, but her words penetrate the rage enough for me to see how my reaction is not going to get us anywhere.

I hang my head and take a deep breath in, trying to tame my raging heart. “I’m sorry. Just the idea of someone hurting you…” My voice cracks.

Lily reaches out, wrapping her small hand around mine. “It’s very chivalrous of you, but let’s focus on here and now. I know I’m safe here. And the sex is pretty good, too.”

I snort, pulling her to me. “I think it’s time for that spanking. Pretty good is a lame description.”

She palms my cheek. “I might need a further show and tell to find a more appropriate one.”

“I thought you were sore.”

She blushes again, biting her lower lip, and fuck if Idon’t love that look on her. “Maybe I can get on my knees.”

She yelps as I lift her, throwing her over my shoulder.

“Where are we going?”

“I’m taking you to my bedroom and never letting you out, Seagull.” I slap her ass.

I startle awake and turn to check the clock. It’s nine. Where are the kids? The movement beside me grounds me immediately, and I relax back.

When was the last time I slept in on the weekend? Not that we slept much. Lily murmurs something in her sleep and smiles.

She’s smiling in her sleep, and shallow me takes credit for it. She looks so peaceful, her face looking even younger, more innocent.

I reach out to stroke her cheek, unable to help myself. She sighs and turns away slightly. The cover slips from her shoulder, exposing her tits. I stifle a groan, considering how to wake her up.

She lets out a soft snore. I should let her rest. Besides, there is something I need to do. I slide out of the bed, careful not to wake her, find a clean pair of briefs, and make my wayto my office.

Checking my phone, I find several photos my mom sent me three hours ago. Based on the angle and the quality of composition, I suspect Zoya took the pics of all three of them preparing breakfast.

Fuck, I miss them. If it wasn’t for the woman in the next room, I would have gone to pick them up already.

Instead, I allow myself one selfish weekend with the woman who makes me feel powerful and powerless all at the same time.