Page 97 of Breach of Honor

40 Will

THE SKY GLOWED in warm shades of pink, orange, and yellow, marking the end of another day. High tide rolled in with forceful waves pushing the water onto the beach. It hypnotized me as I stared out the window in the living room. Miranda was on the sofa, working on her iPad. It was another quiet, uneventful evening together; I cherished every second of it.

Our routine was predictably comfortable for my understated tastes and hers. All I wanted was for each day with Miranda to last forever, not end in the blink of an eye.

Time wasn’t on my side. The last five days had been a mural of flowers, candlelit dinners, romantic walks on the beach at sunset, and dancing before I carried Miranda off to bed to make love to her.

Then the clock would strike twelve, ending the day I had held onto with a death grip. Not wealth or power could stop time. I had never felt so helpless.

Whether Miranda had noticed the changes in me or not, she didn’t mention it and delighted in all the romance I showered upon her. I desperately wanted to prove my love to her, so she’d never doubt my affections.

Miranda expressed her gratitude liberally through sweet whispers of thanks and when she tenderly stroked my cheek. Her radiant smile and sparkling eyes were all I need to know I’d succeed.

I’d never known anyone who wore their heart on their sleeve until Miranda. Knowing what was to come, her transparency was a gift. I’d be able to see subtle changes in her so I could head off her worry. I’d reassure her of my love every chance I got.

But would it be enough?

My heart screamed throughout the day that faking an affair would break Miranda. But what other choice did I have in this unbelievable situation? It wasn’t like I had asked to be part of the FBI’s crazy as fuck plan.

I was as much a victim in all this as Miranda.

Earlier in the day, I’d gotten a couple of texts from the last two people I’d ever wanted to hear from—Jason and Cori. Jason had arrived and wanted to celebrate his new move. An hour later, I got a text from Cori.

Cori: Sayton’s docked. Tell me when and where you’ll be. My hair will be red.

The Feds’ plan was about to be put into action.

I’d give up the St. James name, power, and money if it meant I could walk away from everything with Miranda by my side. I could live a humble life with the woman I loved and create a houseful of kids, and I’d be the happiest man on the planet.

A sudden pang hit me as the precious fantasy entered my mind. I turned to Miranda, desperate to feel her in my arms.

“Baby, dance with me.” I pushed play on the sound system’s remote. “When I See You Smile” started as I extended my hand to her.

“I’d love to.” She hopped off the sofa and clutched my hand. I tugged her close and our bodies melted into one. Her lips went on my neck and my arms wrapped around her waist protectively. “Who sings this song? You’ve played it the last few nights.”

“Bad English. Do you like it?”

“I do. I’ve never heard of them before.”

“They’re a late eighties rock band from L.A. They were the first band I saw in concert. It was Henry’s thirteenth birthday, and Uncle Peter took us. It was so freaking awesome.” I grinned, remembering the crowds going nuts in the pit. My father would have never taken me, but Uncle Peter had always been the cooler brother.

“Ah, the band burned into your soul then, huh?”

“They did, and I want you to burn the lyrics of this song into your memory, okay?”

“Anything for you. Does my smile help you face the world?” She kissed a trail along my jaw. I inhaled, swallowing the painful truth to her question. It fucking choked me up. If she only knew what she did to me. How torn up I was over keeping secrets.

I clung to her, swaying gently to the song. “It does, baby. Your smile gives me life, strength, and courage.”

She pressed her hands to my cheeks, studying me.

My heart raced, fearing she’d read right through me, that she’d want answers I couldn’t give her. Her curious eyes softened. All I could see was adoration in her blue depths.

I nearly cried.

“I love you, Will. More than anything. You know that, right?”

“I do.”

---