Page 60 of Fake To Forever

He frowns. "Out where? Like, out to a club?"

"Maybe," I say, shrugging. "Nothing wild, though. Just some champagne, some dancing, blowing off steam before the wedding."

Christian’s jaw tightens for a split second, and I notice the way his eyes narrow slightly, even though he’s trying to hide it. "And you didn’t think to mention this earlier?"

I raise an eyebrow, surprised at the sudden tension in his voice. "I’m telling you now. It wasn’t really planned—Marie and I just decided like two minutes ago. I figured you’d be okay with it."

He runs a hand through his hair, his usual calm demeanor shifting into something a little more guarded. "It’s not that I’m not okay with it, Haven. I just… I wasn’t expecting it. You’ve been so busy, and now, all of a sudden, you’re heading out for the night to some club with Marie?"

There’s an edge to his tone that I didn’t anticipate, and I cross my arms, feeling a little defensive. "Christian, it’s just one night. I’ve barely had any time to enjoy things, and I need this. I need a night to relax and have fun. It’s not like I’m going out to do anything crazy. Besides, you didn’t mind sending the two of us to New York for the weekend."

He exhales, his eyes darkening as he looks at me. "I know that, but you weren’t clubbing in New York. The idea of you out there—at a club, drinking, guys looking at you—it doesn’t sit right with me."

"Guys looking at me?" I repeat, my voice rising slightly. "Christian, come on. This isn’t about other guys. It’s just a night with Marie. You don’t have to worry about me."

He reaches up and places a hand on my arm, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "I do worry about you, Haven. You’re about to be my wife, and the thought of you out there, without me, it… it makes me uneasy."

His reaction is really throwing me for a loop—the jealousy and the protectiveness are unexpected responses. I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t expect it to hit this hard. I meet his gaze, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Christian, I’m with you. I’m not going out to meet anyone, and you know that. I need to have a little fun before the wedding. I need a break from all the stress. Can you understand that?"

His jaw clenches for a moment, and I can see him wrestling with himself, trying to find the right words.

"I get it," he finally says, his voice softer now. "I do. I just… I don’t like the idea of you out there, especially with everything going on. What if something happens?"

"Nothing’s going to happen, Christian. It’s just dinner and dancing. You know Marie will keep me in line."

He smirks at that, but the worry in his eyes doesn’t completely fade. "I trust you. It’s not you I’m worried about. It’s everyone else."

"I’ll be careful," I reply softly. "And I’ll text you if anything comes up. But please don’t worry about me. I need this night with Marie."

He exhales again, this time more slowly, his hand coming up to cup the back of my neck as he pulls me in close. "Okay. I won’t stop you. But just… don’t stay out too late, alright?"

I smile against him, feeling the tension ease from his body. "Deal."

***

Several hours later, around nine in the evening, I’m ready, wearing a rose gold colored club dress and a pair of black stilettos. I think I look pretty good, and I have to admit I hope that Christian thinks so too.

I walk back to Christian’s office, a little unsteady on my heels at first, and stand in the doorway. He’s on the phone, but he stops speaking mid-sentence when he sees me.

“I’ll have to call you back," he says to whomever he is talking to as he hangs up the phone. “Come here,” he says in an authoritative tone, and I can’t help my feet from moving toward him.

He reaches out, grabbing onto my hip bone and pulling me closer to him. I straddle one of his legs, as he looks me up and down.

“You’re going out in this?”

“You don’t approve?”

“I approve, all right.” Then he lightly slaps me on the ass and I jump. “Have fun tonight, but come home to me, yeah?”

“Yes, sir,” I say with a teasing grin.

He arches a brow and growls, “Oh, I like that. You better get going before it’s too late.”

I shift to stand, but he tightens his hold around me.

“Christian, what…”

---