Page 71 of Vow to Hate You

My phone went off, and I pulled it from my jacket pocket to see Rhyett’s text. I chuckled, shaking my head, deciding to forgo my marriage issues for the rest of the night. Talie wasn’t ready for the talk I wanted to have with her. Not when she was still furious with me about my overly possessive behavior.

Pushing off the railing, I went up one more flight of stairs before stopping at the first closed door. I texted Rhyett back, and waited, hearing music through the door. A few seconds later, it was pulled open, revealing Rhyett, who grinned as he motioned for me to come inside before shutting the door behind me.

The small bar area had its lights dimmed. Leather couches and chairs filled most of the area. Music was blaring out of the speakers. A couple small tables with chairs were placed between the other furniture, and there were already half empty drinks scattered all over them. There was no bartender, meaning this night wouldn’t get back to our families, which was what my best friends wanted. A smile lifted my lips when I spotted my wife.

Maybe this night wasn’t completely ruined.

CHAPTER 29

damian

Talie was standing at the bar with her back to me as she spoke with Charlotte and a couple of other women who I recognized. Most of their parents were in the same social circle as our family and we went to school with them. The loud music made it impossible to hear their conversation, but my annoyance evaporated when my wife threw her head back, letting out a loud laugh. I blew out a breath. After everything in our past, being near her still calmed me. Even when she was trying to push all my buttons.

Rhyett slung his arm around my shoulders, leading me closer to Talie and Charlotte. “How was your meeting with your dad?”

“Great, as always,” I muttered. “Percy’s been running his mouth. We’ll have to talk to him.”

As if she could sense my presence, Talie glanced back, and instead of seeing the irritation I was expecting, she threw me a sinful smile. I raised an eyebrow at her, wondering what the hell she was planning. Ash came up, joining our small circle. Talie’s gaze slid to him as she pursed her lips. Something he didn’t miss.

Ash swiped his dirty blond hair out of his eyes, giving her a grin. “You’re not mad at me and Rhyett, are you, Talie?”

She bit her lip, not answering when she peeked at Char.Interesting. Even with my threat, I’d thought she would have told her sister about my business. But from her silence, I could tell she’d kept our first interaction on stage at my club to herself.

“Mad about what?” she finally responded tightly. “I figured you would always have Damian’s back.”

Ash pretended to pout before pulling her into a hug. She failed to swallow her giggle when he swung her around. My heart dipped a little, seeing how easily her anger faded for my two best friends. But they had been her friends too. Something none of them had forgotten. Ash and Rhyett weren’t the ones who’d betrayed her. That was all me.

Ash set her down right in front of me, not being discreet at all when he gently pushed her into me. She spun around in surprise when my arms went around her waist.

“How was your day?” I asked, tightening my hold when she attempted to push away. “I haven’t seen you since we got on this boat.”

“It was fine.” Her tone was short and clipped, like it had been all week in the few times we’d spoken.

She was still pissed at me for acting like a jealous asshole. Yet, I hadn’t apologized to her. Because I wasn’t sorry. Maybe I went about it the wrong way, but it was too late to change it. I usually kept my anger in check, but the thought of her being with someone else made me see red every single time. I had a feeling that would never change.

“Shots,” Ash exclaimed, slipping behind the bar, grabbing two bottles. “Come on, Talie. Smile. It’s like old times.”

Her back stiffened at those words. Nights like this were how we spent every weekend as teenagers. Good food, music, and fun. Back when Talie and I danced on the line between friends and something more. Before our marriage flipped everything upside down.

Ash poured shots of vodka for everyone, and she squirmed out of my hold to grab her drink. After clinking the glasses, I downed the vodka, the liquid warming my throat. Rhyett handed Talie his phone so she could change the music, and her choice had my chest going tight with memories. It was like old times. Minus the part where Talie used to actually like spending time with me.

We all made our way to the couches as Ash carried a tray of drinks over for everyone. Talie took another swig from the vodka bottle as she listened to her sister. As the time went on, she relaxed, enjoying the conversation. She was sitting between Rhyett and Charlotte while I was on the other couch across from her. As much as I wanted her near me, I stayed where I was, letting her catch up with everyone.

The alcohol was buzzing through my veins, and while I wasn’t drunk, I sure as hell wasn’t sober. No one was, if the loud laughs were anything to go by. Talie was tipsy, and her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright as she listened to Rhyett’s crazy college stories.

She changed the music to something more upbeat, and everyone left the couch to go to the open area in front of the bar. Ash and Rhyett pulled a couple of the girls onto the makeshift dance floor, while Charlotte danced near Talie. I stood off to the side, watching my wife move her hips in a way that had my dick growing hard.

My self-control lasted only one song before I strode forward, catching her wrist, pulling her into my chest. Her gasp of surprise was swallowed by the music, and Charlotte grinned, backing away to dance with Rhyett.

“It’s rude to cut into someone’s dance,” she said, lifting her chin to stare at me.

“I waited until the song was over.”

“Really—”

“Don’t,” I interrupted, taking the lead. “You can dance with your husband for at least one song. Don’t pretend you’ve forgotten how much you enjoy dancing with me.”

“That was years ago,” she replied, throwing her arms around my neck. “How many women have been in the same spot I’m in right now?”

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