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I take my time getting ready. The early evening drags on, so I’m ecstatic to hear the doorbell ring with the food. Carmen sets it all up for us on the table and calls to me that she’s leaving for the day. I head down to thank her and check out the set up.
Sushi. For me. Because Mark doesn’t really like sushi much. Looks like there will be plenty for him to choose from though. I think there’s one of everything on the menu laid out. I smile, but my smile falters.
Because here I am, all dressed up. Waiting. I am not even sure what time he’ll be home. My shoulders slump a bit as I decide to go pour a glass of wine for myself. As I choose a bottle, my phone vibrates on the counter.
Mark: On my way
Mark: You look fucking gorgeous.
I smile and head upstairs with my wine. I smooth my hair over one last time and swap out my earrings. I apply a little more lip stain, the kind that won’t kiss off. Since we kiss now. My heart flips at the thought.
It flips again when music starts blaring through speakers throughout the whole house. I didn’t hear Mark’s car or the door. Of course, I am married to a spy, so being completely surprised shouldn’t surprise me.
“Mark?” I head down.
He’s waiting in the living room. Surrounded by candles? In a tux.Damn, he looks good.
“Fuck, Ellie.” He exhales when he sees me. I smile at him and he swallows. I love when he’s almost nervous like this. When I reach the sitting area, he steps up to me.
“Mrs. White.” He smirks.
“Senator,” I say, batting my lashes.
“Dance with me?”
I take the hand he just extended. “I’d love to.”
He talks into his watch as he moves me to the center of the space, where the coffee table was just a few minutes ago. “System. Play Ellie’s Song.”
He takes my hand and waist and the sound of horns fills our house. A big band song? I raise my eyebrows at him. “Wait for it.” He grins, tightening his hold on me. It’s Michael Bublé, I think, but I don’t recognize it yet. Michael starts to sing, and all the air leaves me.
I’ve Got You Under My Skin.
“I did try,” Mark turns the song down after a few lines. He stares into my soul with all the intensity his eyes can hold. Which is a lot. “I tried to keep you from me, from my world. I tried to stay closed off, a lone operator like I’ve been for so long. I did try not to give in. Not to love you.” Tears gather in the corner of my eyes.“Fallé.” I failed.
I sniff, “You did?”
He kisses me, a soft, sweet peck. He rubs his fingers on my back and pulls away enough to look into my eyes.
“Ellie, there will always be things I can’t tell you. The less you know about what goes on in there,” He motions his head toward his study. “The better. If everything goes sideways, you’ll be taken for real, Ellie. Interrogated for real.” He shakes his head, unable to carry on that thought.
“Not just that.” He goes on. “My true parents, my best friends, you will probably never meet them. Never know their real names. Mia and Luna won’t know your real husband, our real life. It’s heavy, Ellie. It’s lonely.” His voice cracks.
“Lonely?”
He squeezes me. “Not lonely anymore. But it’s so much to ask of you. A business arrangement was so much simpler. I thought divorce was safer, for you, but for me too. You make me impatient, crazy, irrational, impulsive. I can’t afford to be any of those things. And I’m putting you in real danger. A good man, a selfless man, he’d force you out of his life and disappear. Continue to be alone.”
I frown. “So you still want a—“
“No. I am not a better man. I’m a selfish bastard and I want you to stay with me. To stay married to me.”
“So, partners then, finally?” I try to smile.
“Fuck partners.Eres el amor de mi vida. Mi alma entera. Mi todo. Y te amo.” You're the love of my life. My whole soul. My everything. And I love you.
He stops our dancing and takes my face in his hands. They’re shaking. I’m shaking too. He puts his forehead on mine and whispers.
“Ya lyublyu tebya.” I love you.That was Russian.
