Page 39 of Vow to Hate You

Georgia smiled in approval, studying me in a new light. “Join us for drinks, Natalia.”

“I’d love to, but I need to check on dinner.” I pulled away from Damian. “Please enjoy some drinks.”

Christian motioned for the Kellers to follow him out of the foyer, and I moved toward the kitchen until a hand wrapped around my upper arm, tugging me back.

“Not so fast, my scheming wife,” Damian murmured, spinning me around. “What did you do?”

My eyes widened. “I’ve done exactly what you wanted. Put on a perfect dinner. I can see why you’re having so much trouble with the Kellers. Your father must hate having to suck up to a woman.”

He chuckled. “I think you’d actually like her.”

“I do like her. She doesn’t seem to care for your dad much.”

“We’re hoping they invest tonight,” he said in a low voice. “This dinner is important.”

“I figured.”

He brushed his lips over my cheek, speaking in a whisper. “Do I have to worry about you poisoning my food, Talie? Because you are in a much better mood than I was expecting.”

“Maybe I’m enjoying being a housewife.”

“Bullshit.”

“I need to go check on the food.” I twisted out of his hold, rushing away before he could grab me again. “Enjoy your drinks.”

He muttered something under his breath I didn’t catch, but I didn’t look back before stepping into the kitchen. The caterers were rushing to get everything in place, and even though it was such short notice, they were all in great moods because of the massive amount of money I’d given them.

“Thank you all so much,” I said, watching them carry all the trays to the patio.

“Of course, ma’am.” The manager smiled at me. “Anytime you need catering, please remember us.”

“Oh, I will. I think my husband is going to love your food.”

The next twenty minutes went by fast once Char came to the kitchen to keep me company. Our father arrived, but he went straight to the study without talking to me or Char. Soon, their voices came closer as they all headed toward the patio. My heart thumped when I caught sight of Damian through the windows.

“He’s going to kill you,” Char informed me with an amused grin.

“Not tonight, he won’t. He needs this night to go perfectly.”

Char and I exited the kitchen into the cool night air. Everyone was already seated around the large table, and Damian stood up to pull out the chair next to him. His eyes darted toward the covered food, but his mask of pleasantry didn’t slip once.

“Hello, girls,” my father greeted us, barely taking the time to look at us. “It’s good to see you both.”

Char slipped into the chair across from me, her black dress as conservative as mine. Damian sat back down once I was seated, his shoulders tense even as he smiled, speaking with Georgia and Christian. The caterers served plates before going to the table they had set up on the other side of the patio.

“What are we eating tonight, Natalia?” Christian asked as he poured wine for everyone.

I smiled. “I hope you all like seafood. This restaurant is one of the best in the state.”

Damian went rigid next to me, and I stifled my glee as the caterers began serving the food. I’d ordered everything. Caviar. Lobster. Escargot. White truffles. Oysters. Even frog legs. There were also a couple of sides like bread and grilled corn.

“This looks absolutely delicious,” Georgia exclaimed after thanking the server who filled her plate. “Tell me, Natalia, what countries have you visited?”

My stomach twisted. I felt about as unhappy as Christian looked. He wanted to focus on business, not on me. I didn’t want to spill anything about my past that could mess up my lie about being in college the entire time.

I licked my lips. “I absolutely loved Japan.”

I didn’t share how I’d been there much longer than for a visit. But it was a safe topic instead of talking about England, where I’d spent almost no time at all. Damian’s eyes were trained on me, clearly not wanting to miss anything related to my past.