Page 30 of Marriage & Mockery

Her answer was perfect. And most likely true.

Even more importantly, it gave me hope for our marriage.

The host asked about the online fallout. What it felt like to see her private life turned into online content for likes. Whether the public statement had helped. Laina answered some questions fully and redirected others without apology. She never once looked toward the wings or the cameras like she needed rescuing.

I listened to every word, riveted by her on that stage. And so was the audience.

The applause that followed the host thanking her for coming tonight was even warmer than her entrance had been.

16

LAINA

My interview was the fastest five minutes of my life, but I was still riding the high from it three hours later when we returned to the hotel following dinner at Balthazar. Bennett trailed behind me as I walked into our suite and crossed over to the windows to look out at the city I felt like I’d conquered today.

I caught my wide grin in the reflection in the glass. “That was awesome.”

“Only because you’re so incredible.”

Whirling around, I searched Bennett’s expression and only found sincerity. He’d been amazing today, providing all the support I needed to make the day go smoothly. Even more than I’d done for him when our roles had been reversed.

And he hadn’t wavered in his determination to not pull focus from me.

His supportive side had been out in full force to an extent I had never experienced in all the years we’d been together. Which I found sexy as heck.

There was so much we still needed to talk through, but I didn’t want to do that right now. I felt like I finally had my spark back, and I wanted it to burn even brighter.

Turning toward him, I slid my palms up his chest. “Maybe we should make tonight even better.”

His blue eyes burned into mine, but he wrapped his hands around my wrists. “‘Maybe’ doesn’t sound like you’re sure.”

“I know I want you.” I took a step closer to him. “For tonight, can we let it be as simple as that?”

His gaze scanned my face, and he nodded. “If that’s what you want, baby.”

I tilted my face up. “It is.”

“Then absolutely.” He wrapped my hair around his fist and held me in place while he claimed my mouth. “Fuck, I missed you.”

I liked how open he was about his feelings with me now. “I missed you, too.”

“Got nobody but myself to blame.” His hands slid down my back to cup my butt cheeks. “So I’m gonna take full advantage of you wanting me tonight.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me,” I murmured against his lips while I rocked against his hard-on.

“Careful, baby. I’m on a hair trigger here, but it’s been too fucking long since I’ve made you come,” he groaned.

Feminine satisfaction surged through me. I loved that I had this effect on him. “Then you should do something about that.”

“Damn straight.” He flashed me a cocky grin, and it was all the warning I got before he swept me into his arms.

Twining my arms around his neck, I held on while he carried me into the room he was using. Quickly moving to the side of the bed, he dropped me onto the mattress and landed on top of me with his palms braced on either side of my body.

“Much better,” I murmured, my hands going to the buttons on his shirt to undo them.

We quickly helped each other strip off our clothes, kissing and stroking each inch of skin as it was bared. When we were naked, Bennett’s gaze raked down my body, and the fierce need that darkened his eyes left no room for doubt about how much he wanted me. “It’s been too long since I’ve had you beneath me.”

Although I was giving in to the passion burning between us, I wasn’t ready for this to get too emotional. I needed an orgasm, not declarations of forever from the husband who I hadn’t fully forgiven yet. So I lightened the mood by teasing, “But I’m not actually beneath you yet, am I?”