It was no joke that your husband was some big shot lawyer everyone loved. Everyone expects you to live up to his image. His infidelity was no surprise to you; he rarely came home, and when he got promoted to District Attorney, things changed. The only reason he didn’t divorce you was because you made him look good. So when Karen introduced you to Billy, how well you both clicked didn't surprise you.

Both of you settled for stolen glances and longing stares. Your husband suspected, but it’s not like his assistant was discreet about it. Billy was stationed in Washington, D.C., to protect a politician. The distance wasn’t long, but it would mean you would see each other less until further notice. It upset you, and Billy knew it, but you refused to say anything about it.

It had been weeks since then. Billy was packing when you arrived last night. He knew your husband had a problem when drinking or losing a case. He’d lash out at you, and you never spoke about it to Billy, but he knew. Seeing you tucked away under his covers stirred something in him. Sitting beside you, he tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear, causing you to slightly flinch and open your eyes.

His voice was low and calming. ”It’s just me, sweetheart.” You relaxed under his touch, but not before he spoke again, ”I hate leaving you like this… knowing he still has a hold on you he doesn’t deserve.”