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He didn’t bother with the lights. Instead, he unbuttoned his shirt, tossed it somewhere on the floor and hit the bed. Staring into the darkness, he replayed the meeting—minus the shouting from his father.
His dad never kept his emotions as masked as his Uncle Warren, but rarely did he lose it like he had tonight once the three of them were alone. He didn’t care to see it again.
At least the shouting had been worth it. Kiera now knew the truth. She hadn’t taken him back, but she hadn’t told him she never wanted to see him again either. Instead, she said she needed time. Gray understood her request. He’d dropped a lot in her lap tonight. Perhaps it had been unrealistic for him to think she could accept his explanation and fall back into his arms, but, realistic or not, it’d been what he’d wanted.
“Charlie is making tacos. Are you hungry?” Jake called through the bedroom door.
His stomach didn’t need anything added to the lead weight already there. “All set. Thanks.”
The door opened, casting light from the hallway inside. “In case you’re wondering, Kiera made her flight home.”
“I knew you’d make sure she did.” Gray remained motionless on the bed. “Thanks.”
Jake flipped on the overhead light, blinding him for a moment.
“What the hell possessed you to work as a spook?” Jake shouted his question so loud his wife could’ve heard it.
“This question coming from the guy that wanted to be a Navy SEAL?”
His cousin didn’t respond, a rare event, and even though Gray stared at the ceiling, he could picture his cousin’s expression.
“Did Kiera say anything to you?” Gray propped himself up on his elbows.
“Not much. You shocked the hell out of her. Everyone.” Jake crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “I’m not sure she’s ever going to take you back.”
“Don’t you have a wife downstairs?”
“Can you blame Kiera, asshole? You’ve led a double life for the past four years. You could’ve been killed or tossed in prison and none of us would’ve known what happened to you. I’m pissed at you myself about that.”
“Get lost, Jake, before your unborn child loses its father.”
“You think that if you want, but I can still wipe the floor with your ass.”
Gray kept silent. If he didn’t respond, Jake would get bored and leave.
“I still can’t believe you’re a spook.”
“Was.”
Jake nodded and straightened up. “She still loves you. Any idiot can see that, although God only knows why. Give her some time.”
“Go away, Jake. Bother your wife or something.”
Chapter 16
Kiera finished reading the article online and rubbed her eyes. Since Gray had dropped the truth on her, she’d spent hours on the computer. She’d read everything from articles about the origin of the CIA to ones that explained the role the Agency played in keeping America safe. The one she’d just finished talked about an operative who had been undercover for two decades. She found it almost impossible to comprehend that someone could lead a double life for so long.
How could anyone pretend to be someone they weren’t and still maintain any normal healthy relationships? Kiera doubted she’d even make it a week if she tried.
Gray lasted four years.
She pictured his expression and tone that night at the White House. She’d never seen him look so dejected as when she’d told him she needed more time. The sight that night in the Oval Office had taken her already broken heart and shattered it into a million more pieces. She hadn’t been able to get away from him fast enough.
Gray loved her. His expression and his actions that night backed up his words. He’d given up his position with the Agency for her. She’d heard him not only say as much, but she’d also heard the men from the CIA comment about it. While Kiera suspected both men had spent ample time trying to change Gray’s mind, she knew how stubborn he could be. If he’d decided he wanted out of fieldwork, no amount of persuasion on their part would change his mind.
Like they did every time she tried to sort things out, her thoughts moved along to the last stumbling block standing between her and her happily ever after: Nadia Danilova.
Until recently, the only thing she’d known about undercover operatives and the CIA came from movies and television.
