Page 52 of Vow to Hate You

“I saw your father at the office, and he wanted me to give you a message,” Jack said, looking back at me. “He would like you to come to dinner tonight.”

“She won’t be able to make it,” Damian spoke up. “We have plans tonight. But tell her father thank you for the invitation.”

Jack pressed his lips together, not liking Damian’s response. He didn’t comment on it, only nodding quickly. I didn’t look at Damian, even though I wasn’t aware of any plans.

“See you on Monday,” Jack said before focusing on me. “It was great meeting you, Natalia. I’m sure I’ll see you often now that you’re home.”

I hoped not.The feeling I got from this man wasn’t good. I wanted nothing to do with him. He spun on his heels before walking away, and the second he was out of sight, I slipped out of Damian’s hold. Char blew out a breath as Damian crossed the room, peeking out of the hall. Jack must have gone downstairs because his posture relaxed. After turning around, he crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe.

“Pack a bag,” he said, meeting my gaze. “We’re spending the weekend in the city.”

“And if I don’t want to?”

He frowned. “I’m not leaving you here where Jack can show up unannounced.”

“I didn’t realize you were close to Jack,” Char muttered as she picked up her purse.

“I’m not,” Damian gritted out. “He’s my father’s right-hand man. He does whatever Christian asks.”

“Does he have a key to the house?” I asked.

“Not that I’m aware. But I don’t want you anywhere near him alone.” He shook his head. “We’re leaving in an hour.”

“I’ll see you tonight, Talie,” Char chirped out, giving me a quick hug. “We need to leave by seven.”

“Leave for what?” Damian asked.

“Don’t worry, husband,” I said sweetly as Char left the room. “I’m staying in the country.”

His eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Where are you going?”

“I’m spending a night out with my sister.” I tilted my head. “Is that a problem?”

“No,” he answered slowly. “But don’t forget—you’re not in a different country. You’re home. Where everyone knows you as my wife.”

I giggled, patting him on the cheek. “I know how to play the public game. But in private? Nothing I do is your business.”

He caught my wrist before I moved my hand from his cheek, tugging me closer. “You’re sleeping in my room from now on.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.” He didn’t release me when I tried pulling away. “I trust most of my staff. But some of them work for the family, not just me.”

I scowled. “After the entire talk about wanting to start over, you still can’t stand up to Christian. This is why this whole thing will be nothing more than a quick orgasm on the dining room table.”

I finally wiggled out of his hold, but didn’t get far. Letting out a chuckle, he grasped my hips, his eyes locked on mine as he backed me up. I let out a small gasp of surprise when he pushed me into the wall.

“Damian,” I hissed, ignoring the heat flying through my veins from his tight hold.

“Maybe I have a different reason for wanting you in my room,” he murmured, mischief dancing in his eyes. “Maybe I want to give you an orgasm in every room of this house.”

“Not happening,” I muttered, my cheeks heating as I remembered his palm on my ass.

His grin faded, and I nearly let out a groan when his face turned serious. I’d rather keep talking about sex than whatever he was about to say.

“I’ve tried avoiding you after we talked,” he said quietly. “But I can’t. I don’t want to. You’re here, Talie. I’m not going to spend the rest of my life pretending my wife doesn’t exist.”

“Why?” I snarked. “I think it’s been working perfectly this last week.”

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