Page 34 of The Defiant Wife

The problem is . . . I understand why she does it.

That realization is perhaps the most frustrating part.My mind drifts back to yesterday's argument. To the fire in her eyes.To the way her voice shook when she spoke about those children.They need love.The conviction in those words had been absolute.

Unwavering.

As if she believed it down to her bones.As if she'd built her entire life around that belief.People like that usually set off alarms in my head.People who believe in things so fiercely.People who lead with their hearts.People who make decisions based on emotions.

I avoid them.Always.Because eventually reality disappoints them.And when reality disappoints them, they become disappointed in everyone around them too.

It's inefficient.

Messy.

Complicated.

Yet somehow . . . Diya doesn't make me want to walk away.She makes me curious.Which is infinitely worse.I want to know why.Why does she believe in love so much?Why does she fight so hard for those children?Why does every single person inthat building seem willing to follow her into battle?Why does a woman who has every reason to be cynical somehow still chooses kindness?

And then there's the sadness.

I frown beneath my helmet.

Because it's there. Always. Not obvious enough for most people to notice.

But I do.

A flicker of it appears when she thinks no one is looking.A heaviness behind her eyes.A loneliness she hides beneath sarcasm and stubbornness.

Something happened to her.Something that taught her pain long before it taught her comfort.

I don't know why that bothers me. I only know that it does.

The realization irritates me enough that I take the next turn without thinking. Another turn follows.Then another.The city gradually changes around me.Buildings become familiar.Roads become recognizable.

I glance up. Then swear under my breath.

The NGO.

I'm heading toward the NGO.

How exactly did that happen?

I slow slightly.Then immediately speed up again.Ridiculous. I should turn around.Go home. Sleep. Forget this entire thing exists. Instead I continue forward.Because apparently I enjoymaking poor decisions now.The gates of the NGO appear in the distance.

Everything is dark. Quiet. Exactly as it should be at midnight.

I prepare to turn around.Then movement catches my attention.A figure walking along the opposite side of the road.

I narrow my eyes. My pulse immediately spikes.

No.

No way.

It can't be—It is.

Diya.

What the hell?