Page 118 of Filthy Little Regrets

“Don’t think one life-altering blow job means you won,” he purrs.

Relief loosens my chest as he takes us back to familiar territory, helping me find my footing once more. “I think the game is done.”

“Not even close. Grab the remote.”

My eyebrows slam together. “You want to watch a shownow?”

He nips my ear. “Don’t argue, I need a minute.”

“Here, I thought you were a superhero.”

“Nah, baby, I’m a villain, but even villains need a minute.”

I release a dramatic sigh and grab the remote. “God, my life issohard.” The TV blinks to life, playing the opening credits of some rom-com.

“Dick jokes?”

“Shh, the movie is starting.”

He nuzzles my neck. “God, you smell good.”

Humming, I press into his hold and melt. Maybe I will get that happily ever, after all.

The next few days are blissful, and as I get ready this morning, staring at the grin that won’t quit, I realize I’vebecome the woman who’s so in love, it makes other people sick.

“You’re a disgusting, lovesick bitch,” I tell myself with a dumb smile, sliding the mascara wand into the tube and setting it aside. I grab my bottle of daily medicine and take it, because I know what happens when I stop taking it, and I’m trying to be a good patient since my video visit with my therapist is set for later today.

A lot has happened since our last meeting a few months ago. I’m a little worried about having to explain the marriage...moving in with Mace...and I don’t want to go back to monthly or even weekly sessions. Getting to quarterly check-ins was a major accomplishment.

What’s one more lie?

My stomach churns at the thought. I really don’t like lying. I’ve already been thinking about how to tell Mace the truth, bracing for his anger and for our relationship to suffer, but it’s the right thing to do. I have to be honest before things between us get any deeper. Nerves fluttering, I grab my phone and send him a text.

Can you meet me at Orion’s this morning? It’s important.

MACE

Is Orion working today?

Yes. You’ll have to behave.

Fine. I’ll bring the coffee.

Breathing deep, I smooth my hair and nod at myself. It’ll be fine. Mace will probably be mad, and he’s allowed to be, but with what the FBI was holding against me, maybe he’ll understand. His dad was using his sisters as leverage to get him into the fighting ring. The FBI using Rose is no different.

At least, that’s what I tell myself on the ride into thecity.

Tony is especially chatty today. Apparently he had a date, but I only half-heartedly listen, too worried about the possibility of Mace kicking me to the curb. My pulse spikes. Pinching my eyes shut, I shake my head. That’s not going to happen.

He can help me bring his dad down, and that will spare his sisters being used as bargaining chips. We’ll put this behind us. Everything will be fine.

“This fuckin’ guy,” Tony mutters, honking at the car in front of us. We’re a block from the office, stuck at an intersection, and there’s a line of traffic going the other direction at a standstill. Traffic downtown sucks. This is why people walk or take the subway.

“I think I’ll walk the rest of the way.”

Tony shakes his head. “Mace says you stay with me.”

“It’s a block, Tony. The building is right there.” I point to it. “I can manage that alone.”

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