Page 38 of Vow to Hate You

“You’re a smart girl, you’ll figure it out.” I grabbed her around her waist, leaning into her space when she tried stomping past me. “Dinner is at seven.”

She glared at me, scowling. “Is this what you expect from me? To be a submissive little housewife while you’re gone all day working?”

I looked down at her, a wicked smirk growing on my lips. “Submissive? Is that what you are?”

My tone made it obvious we were talking about something completely different now. She raised her chin, her eyes narrowing.

“Absolutely not,” she answered firmly.

“Really?” I trailed my fingers up her bare arm. “Because your reaction in the elevator when my hand was around your throat begs to differ.”

Her cheeks flushed, my touch causing goosebumps to skate over her skin. She snapped out of it, pushing me back, giving herself some space from me.

I strode away, adjusting my slacks to make my erection less obvious. “I’ll see you tonight, Talie.”

CHAPTER 16

talie

I stood in the foyer, running my hands down the skirt of my navy-blue cocktail dress. Char went shopping for me, and she was in the study, waiting for dinner to start. We were supposed to hang out today, but this business meal messed it up, so she decided to join. Everything was set up and ready. Excitement buzzed in my veins when the front door opened. Damian stepped inside first with his father right behind him.

“Welcome home, sweetheart,” I purred, walking up to him.

Confusion flared in his eyes, but he still leaned down to give me a quick kiss on the lips, playing the doting husband in front of his dad. His arm went around my waist, tugging me closer.

“Did you have a good day?” he asked, keeping his arm around me.

“Of course. Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes. We’ll be eating on the back patio.”

“Perfect,” Christian spoke up. “The Kellers should arrive any minute.”

“Charlotte is getting the drinks ready in the study,” I said, keeping the smile plastered on my face. “I’m sure you men would like to chat before dinner starts.”

Damian stared at me. “Charlotte’s here?”

“We had plans today, but of course, your needs come first.” My words had suspicion sweeping across Damian’s face, but he didn’t say anything with Christian standing next to him. “The restaurant I catered from is one of the best.”

“Which one did you choose?” Damian asked.

“Don’t worry yourself over that. You need to focus on the important things, honey.”

His fingers dug into my hip, not a crack in his pleasant smile. The doorbell rang, and Christian opened the door, inviting in Mr. and Mrs. Keller. The woman stepped forward first, shaking Christian’s hand firmly. Her black hair was pulled into a strict bun, her posture and aura demanding attention. Her dark brown skin was flawless, and the only makeup she had on was mascara. She was wearing dark blue slacks and a jacket with a silky blouse underneath. A polite smile was on her face as she greeted us.

Her husband stood behind her, not making a sound. He was in a suit, dressed the part of a rich businessman. But it was clear he wasn’t the one in charge. His wife was. I watched, my interest rising when Mrs. Keller sought me out, shaking my hand.

“Georgia, this is my wife, Natalia,” Damian introduced us. “She’s the one who planned this dinner for us.”

“Nice to meet you, Natalia,” Georgia said, her intense brown eyes sweeping over me. “Do you work in the business with your husband?”

Christian laughed. “Of course not.”

I barely stifled my amusement when Georgia’s gaze snapped to Christian, her lips pursing. “Is a working woman funny to you, Christian?”

“No, no.” Christian quickly fixed his expression. “Natalia isn’t cut out for it, that’s all.”

My joy at seeing Christian scolded by a woman evaporated in an instant. Damian held me close, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek as if we were madly in love.

“My wife is very capable. She went to a prestigious university in England and has traveled to many countries.”

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