Page 11 of Samuel

“Izzy,” her fuckingbrothermumbles.

“Daniel?” she asks.

“We have guests,” he says, and she turns around, finally seeing us.

Suddenly, my mood improves exponentially. I watch as the color drains from her face. I even smile as I look into the eyes ofmy wife. She’s going to pay for this and I’m going to enjoy every damn second of it.

8

natalia

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!

Why didn’t I just keep working tonight? I had the chance. I thought I was being so smart coming home to pack. I wanted to make sure that I was nowhere around when Samuel came by. Now, look at what a mess I’m in. My eyes are fixed on Samuel, not knowing what to say. I’m pretty sure I look like an idiot with my mouth open. I can’t seem to move. I’m caught in the evil stare of my so-called husband.

“Well, hello there—wife,” Samuel practically purrs.

I snap my mouth shut, narrowing my eyes at him. “Hello, asshole,” I scoff. That should piss him off more.

Instead, his smile deepens. He lets go of Natalie and starts walking toward me. I take a step back as he comes forward. I finally hit the railing of the stairs way before Samuel stops. He’s standing right in front of me and I’m doing my best not to make the situation worse by knocking that arrogant look off his face.

“I think it’s time you and I get to know one another, Natalia.”

“My name is Isabel. The only person who called me Natalia was my idiot sperm donor.” There’s a look on his face that I can’t decipher. It’s gone so quickly that I must’ve imagined it.

“Are you off work tonight, Shnookums?”

“Donotcall me that. If you’re wanting to put out the terms for our divorce, then I can be free for that easily.”

“Now, Pookie, why would I be here to talk about a divorce? We’re married. That’sforever.”

“You don’t like me. I like you even less. Divorce is the best option.”

“Danny, he hurt my arm. Will you be a doll and take me to the emergency room to get it looked at?”

“Izzy, look at Natalie’s arm.”

“But Danny!” she whines.

“God, how could you find that attractive?” I mutter under my breath.

“I was mostly looking at her tits before I realized her brain was vacant,” he responds.

His voice is quiet. I doubt Natalie could hear it over her incessant whining, but I still shoot him a dirty look. “I think the two of you would make a terrific couple.”

“I could tell by the way you let me believe she was you,” he snaps back. “Do you realize I could have taken her to bed. You would have been the reason I committed adultery.”

“Oh, please. I doubt you’ve been saving yourself these last six months. Besides, we can draw up the paperwork tonight to start our annulment. You’ll be good to drag Natalie back to your house and tie her to your bed.”

He just stares at me. “Daniel?” he calls out to my brother, his eyes, never leaving mine.

“Let’s go to my office to talk. Tayko, I will need you to take Natalie home.”

I giggle when I hear my bodyguard grunt. He hates Natalie. “This is your fault, Izzy,” he mutters as he passes me.

“I’ll make it up to you. I’ll get Reva’s phone number for you,” I offer quietly.

Tayko stops and looks back at me. “Not enough.”