Page 178 of Dirty Husband

This time, she's the one who pulls me into a slow, deep kiss.

This time, I'm the one who melts into her.

Jasmine

"Come here." Shep's fingers brush my silk robe. Then they're on my wrists. Softly. Then firmer.

Not enough to demand.

Enough to request. That's as close as he gets toplease.

"Why should I?" I tease him. Because I can. Because, even after two years, even on our wedding anniversary, he's never this gentle.

"Why should you?" He looks up at me, affection in his clear blue eyes. "Why should you?" he repeats the words again. A little lower. A lot more demanding.

My body whines. That's all it takes. A hint of bossiness in his voice and I melt. I want to toss this robe aside, slide into his lap, follow his every order. I need to hold my ground. To enjoy every second of teasing him. "Why should I?"

"Do you want to come?"

My knees buckle. He's too sexy. It's wrong. And it's all in my favor. Which makes it very, very right.

"Princess?"

"Right now?"

His lips curl into a smile. The gentleness again. Him. Not the scene. Just my husband, sitting on a hotel bed in London, smiling at me. "Come here."

"Comehere."

His deep laugh fills the room. Lights up his gorgeous eyes.

Shep is happier than he's ever been, but he's not exactly Mr. Positivity. He's still merciless at work. And when it comes to my well-being.

He nearly killed the last person who crossed me. And it wasn't a big deal. An actor who gave me the wrong time for an audition. To cut down on competition.

It didn't work. I showed up late and irritated and brought all that into my performance. Everyone at the show thought I was a stone-cold-bitch. For a few days. I cracked quickly. I'm not into the whole method thing.

And I'm…

Well, I'm still not an amazing actor. And, after two years of practice and auditions, I'm not sure I'll ever be an amazing actor. I still love the stage, love scene study and improv and line readings.

But the endless auditions, the constant nos, people judging me based mostly on how I look—

I don't want that life.

Six months ago, I realized something. I missed the world of finance. I missed business. I missed checking practical tasks off my to-do list.

I had all that money. And all that drive to help people, spread art, get these done.

So I did something crazy. The craziest thing I'd done since I demanded Shep marry me.

I started a charity. We teach acting to low-income kids. Bring them into productions. Help them learn how to express themselves. And how to work with others.

Maybe it's not math and science, but it is something that helps them find a better life. And it's satisfying in a different way. A way that fills my heart with love.

I still hone my craft. I still audition now and then. But, mostly, I focus on sharing my love of theater with the entire world.

What could be better than that?