Embedded

Laura

Thea held out the manila folder; its edges were worn with use. Inside, he could make out neatly printed labels on each of the folders; “Case Notes,” “Security Footage,” and “Statement.” She offered him a second stack of photos, the sharp black-and-white images of the husband and the other woman entering the hotel, “These are from the security footage,” she said.

Mason carefully riffled through the hefty stack of papers and legal documents. He arranged them neatly into two piles and placed them on his mahogany desk. “Perfect,” he murmured. “The client is on her way up. I...”

Thea followed Mason’s gaze and saw Greg’s wife framed in the doorway. Her bright red hair was an eye-catching contrast to the creamy fabric of her dress, and pearls adorned her neck. A faint smile curved her lips as she spoke in her soft southern drawl, “I figured I could find you here.”

Mason’s warm breath tickled Thea’s ear as he murmured, “The client is waiting. Do you need me to stay?” He placed a steady hand on her lower back, offering her strength and support.

Thea shook her head in refusal, “You go ahead.” Mason sprang into action, hastily scooping up a stack of documents from his desk. “You two can use my office,” he said, quickly striding out of the room and closing the door behind him.

Thea sat down on the worn sofa and took in Greg’s wife. Her eyebrows were furrowed, and her delicate hands were clenched tightly around her purse. Thea patted the cushion next to her in an invitation, and Greg’s wife cautiously moved to take a seat. Thea leaned in, and the room filled with her gentle voice. “Is everything all right?” she asked, concerned.

Greg’s wife stared at her, her eyes dark and sad. She didn’t blink as she spoke. “My name is Laura,” she said softly. “Can we have a chat?” her voice was tight, almost pleading, and the silence stretched out between them.

Thea nodded, “Of course.”

As Laura’s lip trembled, a tear rolled down her cheek and clung to her chin. Her hands shook, and her voice cracked as she said, “I swear I didn’t know! My husband...I don’t recognize him anymore.”

Thea scooted closer and took Laura’s hand. Her eyes softened as she said, “He said he changed and went to counseling.”

Laura slowly nodded her head, her lips tremoring ever so slightly. She licked them as if trying to gather enough courage to avoid the truth. Her erratic breathing quickened, and she looked away, hoping that the words she was about to say would magically disappear. “I know he said that,” she whispered, her hands shaking uncontrollably. “But how do I know...what if he’s lying?”

Thea put a comforting arm around Laura’s shoulders and softly spoke to her. “Take slow, deep breaths,” she said. “In through your nose and out through your mouth.” She complied, her shoulders relaxing with each exhale. Her eyes were still closed when Thea asked the next question, “Has he abused you in any way?”

Laura shook her head and sighed. “No, he’s been nothing but sweet and kind to me. I could hardly believe he was the same person who had done those awful things to you.”

Thea stared at her, her eyes widening with disbelief at the huge transformation Greg had gone through. Swallowing hard, she shook her head and tried to put on a brave face. “That was who he used to be. Don’t judge him for who he was. Accept him for who he is now, and look forward to what the future holds for him.”

Laura glanced quickly in Thea’s direction, her eyes wide and unblinking. She was silent for a moment before finally responding softly, “You’re right. I know you’re right. I’m just not ready to trust him again.”

Thea slowly nodded, her eyes softening with understanding. “I know it will take some effort and time to rebuild trust. It can be hard sometimes, but don’t let it take over. Don’t let it become all about the mistrust; don’t forget what you have together.”

Laura nodded, “I won’t. Thank you.”

Thea smiled softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, “Let him know,” she said, her voice barely a whisper, “that I forgive him.”

Laura smiled wide, “I will.”

* * *

Thea sat in Mason’s office, her gaze fixed on a dark portrait of the Eiffel Tower on the wall. She heard the door creak open and shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Mason appeared in the doorway, looking exhausted but proud. “How did it go?” he asked.

Thea took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing. “Really well,” she said, a contented smile playing on her lips. “I think I just got closure.”

Mason released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and pulled Thea into a hug. “That’s fantastic news,” he said, his voice thick with relief. He stepped back, his hands still clamped onto her shoulders and beamed at her. “The client wanted me to personally thank you for helping secure the footage. It’s going to be a real asset in her case against her soon-to-be ex-husband.”

Thea beamed, “Glad I could help.”

“Me too,” Mason stared deep into Thea’s eyes as if he were trying to communicate his thoughts to her from a distance. His gaze was intense and passionate, backed with a force of emotion so fierce that Thea was mesmerized. She felt her skin squirm with anticipation as he stepped closer, his hands gradually sliding up the length of her arms before guiding her back until she was leaning against the sturdy desk. His strong hands lifted her onto the edge of the desk with ease as he stood between her thighs, and she felt the heat of him radiating toward her. His hands moved to the front of her shirt and unhooked each button, revealing her black lace bra with each movement. His eyes were hungry for more as he caught glimpses of her exposed skin, and he leaned in to press his lips against hers. Mason’s hands roamed freely, exploring every curve of Thea’s body as his desire for her intensified. His touch scorched through her veins, setting off sparks of pleasure in its wake. He couldn’t resist the urge to taste her. His lips quirked up into a mischievous smile as he murmured, “I want to bite you everywhere.” He stepped back just enough to allow oxygen back into the room and let out a soft laugh, shocked by his own animalistic urges, while his fingertips continued their trail of exploration.

Thea’s lips curled into a mischievous smile, and her eyes sparkled with the thrill of adventure. She tilted her chin up defiantly and said, “Then bite me.”