Page 121 of Haze of Obedience

"It's her daughter."

"I know. It's shitty, but she doesn't even know where she is."

"It's a five-year-old child who is probably petrified. Look what they did to me. What do you think they could be doing to her!"

He snaps his mouth shut and stares at me.

I hold his face. "I know you're trying to protect me, but that little girl needs her mother. If I have to take a risk for her to be rescued one-second sooner, then I will."

Dirk's face hardens, and he stares at the sky.

I lower my voice. "It's a tough situation, but I know what kind of man you are. When you take a step back, there isn't a choice. You already know what needs to happen here."

He continues to avoid me.

"Look at me."

He obeys.

I lower my voice. "What would you do if Millie were our child?"

He sighs. "I would scour the ends of the Earth until I found her then kill whatever bastard was involved."

"Penelope hasn't even had the chance to search for her. It's been over a year. She's missed her entire fourth year of life. This isn't even a choice for us."

"You told me you couldn't go to Mexico."

"No. I said not to turn me over to the Mexican government."

"That isn't what you said. You said, 'Don't let them send me back to Mexico.'"

I smile. "It's what I meant. But I'm glad you pay attention when I speak."

"Funny."

"Tell me you're sorry, and I'll kiss you."

He snorts. "What am I apologizing for?"

"Telling me you get to make all the choices."

"I said when it comes to your safety."

I brush my lips on his and say, "Did I miss the 'I'm sorry' in there?"

"You're being stubborn again." He doesn't move away from my lips.

"You don't want a kiss?"

His lips twitch.

"Two words, and my lips are yours."

He stays silent.

"Okay, country boy. I'll see you inside." I turn to leave, but he spins me back to him.

He possessively grips my head. His lips merge with mine, creating an inferno so hot my toes curl and knees weaken. He mumbles, "I'm sorry," and glides his tongue back in my mouth.