Page 26 of Marrying a Spy

“What happened with your father at the funeral?” He hoped she would be okay with him asking questions about her father. But that was what he was here to do. Find James.

She swallowed and dropped her gaze to the tabletop. “He came. I glared at him. Before he spoke to me, I ordered him from the premises. He didn’t leave right away, so Jazzy threatened to call the cops and he left. Not much to tell there.”

She was acting strong, but he could hear the pain in her voice. For a moment, she closed her eyes and then blinked a few times. As if she were fighting to keep her tears at bay.

His chest squeezed at her pain. She was hurting, and in just a few days’ time, he was going to make her face that pain. “I’m sorry.” The apology tumbled from his lips.

She wiped at her cheeks and shrugged. “It’s okay. It was a long time ago. I’ve gotten pretty used to people not sticking around.”

There that was again. He wished he could go back in time. Back before he’d hurt everyone he’d ever cared about. But that wasn’t something he was allowed. The past was an untouchable place that he so desperately wanted to get back to so he could fix all his horrible mistakes.

Her expression softened. “I’m sorry. I promise to stop doing that.” She blew out her breath. “It’s just been hard, you know?”

He nodded. He did know.

She forced a smile. “My turn.” She rested her chin on her hand and drummed her fingers against her skin. “Did you date?” Her cheeks flushed. “I mean, you don’t have to tell me if that’s prying.”

He grabbed his water and took a drink. He was going to need hydration to answer this question. “A few times. Nothing that stuck.”

Sophia’s eyebrows rose as she met his gaze. “Really? I find that surprising.” Then she leaned forward. “You did promise to tell me the truth.”

It was nice to see Sophia so relaxed. She had been tense since the moment he got here, and it broke his heart to see that she’d become so closed off. Growing up, she’d been carefree. But now? The moat around her heart was deeper than the ocean, and he was treading water just to stay afloat.

He shook his head. “Even though I’m completely flattered by that, no. I’m not in any relationship. It’s kind of hard in my line of work.”

A knowing look passed over her face. “I understand.”

He sighed. “My turn?”

She nodded.

Noah knew the question he wanted to ask, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to know the answer. But he couldn’t stop himself. “What about you? Any significant guys in your past?”

She scoffed, but from the way her cheeks turned red, he knew the answer.

“I mean, yes. Tons of guys. Lots and lots of guys.” She turned her attention to the side and squinted. “Actually, that’s a lie. I just didn’t want you think that I was a loser.”

Before he censored himself, he reached across the table and engulfed her hand in his. What had started out as an innocent affirmation, sent waves of heat across his body. Crap. He shouldn’t have touched her.

And from the way her gaze dropped to their hands, he knew she felt the same way too.

But he’d done this for a reason, so he might as well continue. “You’re not a loser. Any guy would be lucky to date you.”

She met his gaze, and there was a hint of hesitation there. She pulled her hand away as a forced chuckle escaped her lips. “You have to say that because you’re my ex. How would it look if you once dated a crazy person?”

The waitress appeared, dropping their ice cream dishes in front of them. When they were alone again, Sophia looked as if she were ready to move on. He wanted to address what she’d said, but Sophia beat him to the punch.

“My turn. What don’t I know about my dad?” She grabbed a spoonful of ice cream.

He took a bite and let the dessert melt on his tongue. When he swallowed, he glanced over at her. “How much do you know?”

“Just what you told me.”

He sighed as he squinted at her. “Soph, that’s a much more detailed answer. I guess…” His voice trailed off. “The company he works for moves money for some very entrenched groups around the world. They enable people to participate in all sorts of terrorism.” He glanced up at her, worried what the truth might do to her.

She trailed her spoon through her ice cream. “What are you going to do with him?” She winced. “Sorry, that’s a second question.”

Noah didn’t care. He wanted her to open up to him. To let herself be vulnerable. So he just moved wiped his lips with his napkin and set it down on the table. “Well, I’m hoping he’ll decide to cooperate. If I just arrest your dad, it will tip off the bigger players. Hopefully, our marriage will create a good enough disguise that they won’t even bat an eye if your dad brings me on.”

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