Page 71 of Diligence

He nuzzles my head. “I’m going back tonight. Secret Service will move the cordon farther out today to keep spectators away. It should solve that problem. They’re going to take me in right after dark. Plus, it’s supposed to rain, so that’ll help. If the area is clear earlier, I’ll go over earlier. They’ll keep me posted. Kev asked me notto come if there are a lot of people around.”

“Give him something for me, huh?”

“What?”

I rise up on my toes and slowly kiss him, the way Kev’s kissed me so many times now, differently than how the sadist kisses, even different than how Chris kisses.

I channel Kev and every kiss he’s ever given me. I think about my Sir and how he quiets my mind. I think about his gentle energy, his strength,how he calms and focuses me.

How he loves me.

And Idolove Kev. I love Chris, and I love Kev, and I’minlove with both of therm.

It terrifies me.

My Priest, and my Prophet.

It truly terrifies me because they’re secrets, and I already know howthatends, if someone’s not careful.

I think of how they’re weaknesses someone could break me with if we’re not perfect in our steps.

I kiss himand think about Kevin and optics, about my Sir and his careful mind.

I think about what we’ve built and how it’d be a waste to throw it all away just because I can’t stand the thought of someone else being there for Kev when I want it to beme.

I stand on my own feet, because I need to. To do anything else is an insult to Lauren’s memory and how hard she worked for me. It’s an insult to Kevin’sgrief.

I’m better than this.

I end the kiss with my nose nuzzling his. “Give him that for me, Sir,” I whisper. “Please? Just like that?”

“I will, baby. I promise. Did you ever eat?”

“I’m fine,” I lie, which also helps me dodge the question. “Make sure to take care ofhim.”

He sighs, and I’m sure he knows what I just did, but he doesn’t call me on it. We’re both too tired. “I will, sweetie.”

We get out of the shower and dry off. Then he sets the alarm and we curl up together in bed for a brief nap before we have to start our day and get the kids to school.

It’s going to be alongdamn day.