Taking it All by Maya Banks Page B

this wasn’t hell for him? That she was the only one suffering?
    He rose from the table, pushing back the plate he’d clean up later. He held out his hand as he’d done in the bedroom, waiting for her to take it so they could go into the living room and talk. Finally talk this out. He had a hell of a lot to say and the words were burning his lips, dying to burst free.
    When they entered the living room, she started to break free of his hold and head for the fluffy armchair that was her favorite. He tightened his hold on her hand and steered her toward the couch instead. He firmly sat her down at the end so the arm of the couch would support her and she’d be comfortable and then he sat right next to her, their thighs touching, and he turned himself sideways, pulling up one leg onto the couch so he sat facing her profile.
    â€œLook at me, Chessy.”
    She turned slowly, her face pale, fear in her beautiful eyes. He swallowed back the knot in his throat because this was not the time to hesitate or stand down. He had to pull a full-court press.
    â€œFirst thing I want to say to you, because it was never addressed last night.”
    She sent him a faintly puzzled look but at least he had her full attention now.
    â€œI have never been unfaithful to you, Chessy,” he said in a clear, distinct and earnest voice. “I have never even
entertained
the thought. I love
you
. You are the only woman I ever want to be with.”
    Chessy’s breath intake was swift and sharp. She stared at him for a long moment, searching his face, as if for the truth in his words.
    â€œThen who was that woman last night?” she choked out. “On our anniversary, who was the woman who was
all over
you in the bar of the restaurant we were supposed to eat at?”
    The bitterness in her voice made him wince. He’d never expected their marriage to come to this. Not only was she questioning his fidelity, but she was also questioning every aspect of their marriage. And all of his shortcomings and failures over the last two years.
    â€œShe was a potential client,” he said, looking her straight in the eye. “I don’t know what the hell you thought you saw, but
I
was not all over that woman. I was having drinks with her and discussing the possibility of her transferring her portfolio to me. She’d be a big coup. Her husband died and left her a lot of money. Most of it in stocks and bonds, and she’s unhappy with the financial advisor her husband used. So yes, I was having drinks with her. I told her I could only meet with her a short time as I had another commitment. I got delayed. Time got away from me. I had
no
idea so much time had passed, baby. I would never purposely do anything to hurt you. You
have
to believe that.”
    â€œBut you
have
hurt me,” she whispered. “Over and over again. I can’t even count on two hands the times you’ve left me for a client. When we’re at friends’, with Dash and Joss or Kylie and Jensen. When I’m alone at the house on a weekend because you’re off golfing with clients or taking them to dinner. Without me. You used to include me in your dinners and social affairs but then you quit. Are you ashamed of me? Did I
fail
you in some way?”
    He was shocked by her outburst. God, by the magnitude of hurt she was feeling. All piled up and finally exploding last night—and now. It flayed his heart open and he was bleeding on the inside for all he’d done to this precious woman.
    â€œGod
no
, Chessy! Fail me? Me
ashamed
of you? You are the most beautiful woman in the world to me. You light up the entire room when you enter. Ashamed? Jesus Christ. I didn’t want to burden you anymore. I could see how it was affecting you being called upon so many times, always going out, or entertaining in and you taking care of all the details. I could see the toll it was taking on you. I never wanted that for you. I wanted you to