Betrayal

The tears waited until Miriam closed her bedroom door. Sobbing, she slid down the door until her butt hit the floor.

"Miriam," he said from the other side of the door.

"Go." Sniff. "Away, Gus." Sniff.

"It's not what you think."

"No?" Sniff. "You mean you're not already being paid to protect me?"

She heard him sigh.

"Yes, I am."

"Must have been pretty funny when I offered to pay you to help me. Double dipping?"

She wiped her nose with her sleeve. Guilt invaded her. She wasn't telling him something either.

"Miriam. I wasn't supposed to tell you. I agreed."

She wiped her eyes. She hated crying over a guy. "Was sleeping with me part of the deal? Did you get a bonus check for each time we did it?"

"Our time together wasn't that way. I care about you."

A sardonic laugh escaped her lips. "So you lied to me?"

"I have no defense for my actions. I didn't expect to feel this way for you."

"That's not a convincing argument. Go away, Gus. I want to be alone."