Page 10 of King of Envy

“Right. I guess we forgot to include it in our forms.” I tried to play it off with a laugh. “We filled them in right after the Met Gala, and we were exhausted. I should’ve remembered today, but I have plane brain. You know how it is.”

Vuk stared at me, his face dark with suspicion.

My pulse tapped a frantic rhythm against my veins.

It’s fine. He doesn’t know. So what if I forgot Jordan hated almonds? It was a small mistake. It’s not like I threw his ring in the trash and said I hated him.

Even if Vuk found out about our arrangement, he wouldn’t run to Jordan’s grandmother and tattle on his best friend…unless he hated me so much he would use that as an opportunity to kill our engagement.

If it were anyone else, I would’ve dismissed the idea as far-fetched.

But this was Vuk Markovic. I wouldn’t put anything past him.

After a tense, drawn-out moment, he shifted his attention back to Sammy.

I should feel relieved, but the knot in my gut only tightened. I couldn’t shake the feeling that Vuk was adding the almond slip-up to some mental folder he’d compiled just for me.

Sammy watched us with a bemused expression. “So, no almonds. I’ll make a note of that.” He tactfully avoided commenting on my end of the conversation. “Do you have a second favorite flavor?”

“I think either the hazelnut with chocolate buttercream or the rose and Earl Grey.” The latter was more aligned with my tastes, but this was a two-person decision. I attempted to engage Vuk again. “Which do you like better?”

It doesn’t matter. I’m not the one marrying you.

I didn’t lose my temper often. My parents taught me never to make a scene in public, and I tended to be more nonconfrontational than not.

However.

Vuk was being anasshole, and after a seven-hour flight, a phone call from Hank, and so much sugar I might’ve gotten a cavity, I was done tolerating his passive aggressiveness.

I signed my reply instead of verbalizing it. No need to make things awkward for Sammy.

I know that.I’m simply asking which one Jordan would prefer. Also—my hands cut sharp slashes through the air—while I appreciate you taking the time to accompany me, Idon’tappreciate your uncooperativeness. You agreed to be here. Either act like a decent human being and pick a damn flavor, or leave. I’ll find my way back without you.

Sammy’s eyes darted between us. The room was so quiet I could hear the receptionist typing up front.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

My heart thumped in rhythm with her jabs. I wasn’t entirely convinced Vuk wouldn’t storm out and leave me stranded in California, but he looked almost amused.

He tilted hishead toward the rose and Earl Grey without taking his eyes off me.

Jordan won’t care. But that one suits you more.

How did he…

Never mind. There were two choices. He had a fifty-fifty chance of landing on my favored one. It didn’t mean anything.

“Option number two it is.” I smoothed a hand over my skirt and smiled at Sammy. The poor guy was probably regretting taking us on as clients already.

“Perfect. I’ll finalize the details with Vera up front. In the meantime, please.” He gestured at the remaining spread. “Enjoy the drinks and food. I’ll be back with more champagne to celebrate.”

You’ve been holding that rant in for a while,Vuk signed after Sammy was gone.

My face flushed. “Only because you’ve been so…so…”

Uncooperative?I could practically hear his mocking tone.

I glared at him, but my biting response died a quick death when he reached up and brushed a thumb over my cheek.

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