“Listen to me, Nealy. I didn’t make this situation. It was forced on me.”

“Yes, I believe you’ve mentioned that before.” The sharpness in her voice came from pain. Maybe they’d only been together for a week, but during that time, they’d been a family. While that bond was a burden to him, it meant everything to her.

“Is this about the kids or is it about us?”

He didn’t have a high tolerance for subtlety, and she should have known he’d plunge right in.

“There isn’t any us,” she managed, praying he’d disagree. “We both know that. Not beyond what exists right now.”

“Do you want there to be?”

Oh, no. She wouldn’t let him do this to her. “How can there be? I’m female, remember? Part of the evil empire. Not to mention a national institution.”

“You’re really pissing me off.”

“And you know what? I don’t care.”

Everything was out of control—her emotions, her life, her love for this man who didn’t love her back. They couldn’t even rationally discuss all the reasons that a marriage between them was impossible because his feelings for her didn’t run that deep.

She waited for him to stomp away, but he didn’t. Instead, he came closer, extended those long arms, and pulled her into them. “You’re being a brat,” he said gruffly.

That wonderful kindness. She felt his big hands in her hair, and a sob caught in her throat. She swallowed it and pressed her cheek against his chest. “I know.”

His lips brushed her hair. “Will it make you feel better if I fight with you?”

“I think so.”

“Okay. Take off your clothes.”

If only it were that easy. She sighed. “We can’t solve this with sex.”

“Take ’em off anyway. I need to be serviced.”

“Serviced? Is that any way to talk to the First Lady?”

“You’re my First Lady, and I’m just getting started.” He reached under her top. One of the ties ripped as he pulled off her pillow. “Damn, I hate this thing.”

“Of course you do. You hate everything that has to do with children.”

“You’re not playing fair.”

“Sue me.”

“I’ve got a better idea.” Her eyes flew open as he told her, in very earthy language, exactly what he had in mind.

Desire, as powerful as her pain, rushed through her. “Are you sure you can keep up with me?”

“I’ll try my best.”

Their clothes flew off and, within moments, they were in bed. He rolled on top of her and ravished her with his mouth. She opened herself to his hands, his big body, and, inevitably, welcomed the hard, deep thrust.

Their lovemaking was fierce and reckless, with neither of them holding anything back . . . except the love words she couldn’t say and he didn’t feel.