Page 23 of Dustin
“The thing is, Madison, my feelings have never really changed. I’m the consistent one here. You’re the one that tore my heart out. We were together, and then you broke up with me out of the blue. I thought for a long time that you wanted to spare us from making do with a long-distance relationship. But that doesn’t make sense. We had a conversation as soon as I learned you were moving to Portugal, and I supported it. I was okay with you being gone. Then you ended things. Why?”
I let out a breath. He deserves to know.
“Dustin, believe me when I say I never wanted to break up with you. But I didn’t have a choice.”
His body tenses.
“What does that mean?”
“My dad threatened to demote you if I didn’t break things off. He didn’t like the idea of me dating an agent in the organization. According to him, the work is too dangerous, and he didn’t want me getting hurt if anything ever happened to you. I tried to tell him I could handle it, but he wouldn’t listen. But then he took you out of the field. You remember when you were suddenly assigned to administration?”
Dustin nods slowly.
“Yeah, I thought that was weird.”
“I know how much you love your job. I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself if I was the reason you lost it. I thought about it, and despite his horrible way of handling it, my dad’s heart was in the right place. He thought taking you off field work would ensure your safety, thereby protecting me, but he was wrong.”
“So you decided to break up with me. Without telling me what was going on?” he asks.
“I’m sorry,” I tell him, tears filling my eyes. “I just thought it would be better that way, especially since I was moving away. Long distance relationships never work.”
He snorts.
“Tell that to Lucas, Sam, and Ethan. You don’t know anything, baby,” he says softly, thumbing a tear from my cheek. “I can’t believe your dad did that though. I never knew he had a problem with me or my work. He’s military too. I didn’t think he’d be such a hypocrite.”
“I didn’t speak to him for months after I moved here. But eventually, I had to forgive him. He’s the only family I have left.”
Dustin nods. “Yeah, I get it. So what’s changed?”
I take a deep breath before making my other confession.
“I’m moving back to D.C. I made the decision because of my dad. He’s getting older, and I think it would be better to be closer to him. I already sold my house, and I’ve taken care of relocating my business. It’s why I was relieved the agency decided we should stay in the same hotel, though they did mess up the room booking. It’s also why I don’t have a home to go to and am always in the hotel room. Sorry for lying. This trip to Portugal was meant to be my last. I haven't told my dad yet though.”
Dustin’s face is expressionless. I can’t tell what he’s thinking.
“Aren’t you going to say anything?” I ask.
“Chill, I’m still comprehending everything you just told me. You’re moving back to D.C?” he asks, and I nod.
“Your dad broke us up five years ago?”
Again I nod.
“You want to be with me?”
I’m already nodding before the question truly sinks in. When it does, my eyes widen.
“What?!”
Dustin chuckles, pulling me into his arms.
“I love you, Madison. Even when I hated you, I still loved you.”
I pull away from his chest to look at him. I almost can’t believe he said those words.
“You love me?” I asked, disbelief coloring my tone.
“Of course I loved you. I was going to propose to you the day before you broke up with me. The ring’s still in my bedside drawer, waiting for its rightful owner.”
