Page 58 of Adrift Without You
James swiftly pivots to face me, jaw clenching tight. “You will not. As my husband, your place is by my side. Supporting me. Showing everyone what a great family man I am.” James leans in closer and drops his voice. “Don’t you realise everyone is looking for a reason to bring me down because I’m gay? These people are conservatives, Kyle.”
“So are you,” I snap back.
He grabs my wrist, gripping it so tightly it hurts. “I expect you to support me. Get a drink and mingle. And put a fucking smile on that insipid face of yours.”
I do as I’m told, my fake smile in sharp contrast to the hateful glare I direct his way. “Better?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“Much.”
James releases his hold on me, and I turn away, scanning the room for the least annoying person here. I spot one of the partner’s wives, Jacqui, who is tolerable. Weaving through the crowd towards her, I’m suddenly bumped in the shoulder with enough force to push me sideways.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” The man places his hand on my elbow as if to steady me, but then leaves it there.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it,” I reply.
He’s almost my height, with black hair, bronze skin, and deep brown eyes. Perhaps in his mid-twenties, he’s undeniably attractive.
“Let me get you a drink to make up for it. I’m Aviraj, by the way.” He holds out his hand and we shake.
“Kyle. Nice to meet you. I haven’t seen you at one of these before.”
“I’m the new paralegal. Feel a bit out of place actually. Not sure how I got the job if I’m being honest. Everyone here seems to come from old money. How about you?”
“I’m married to one of the partners—James Johnson,” I reply. “Well, not legally, of course, but we have a five-year-old daughter together.” I pull out my phone and show Aviraj a photo of Lu.
“She’s beautiful. And lucky you, landing a big shot lawyer. I still haven’t found my Prince Charming.”
He downs the rest of his wine. I’m not surprised he’s gay, it was kind of obvious.
“I’m sure he’s out there somewhere,” I say, smiling.
Aviraj’s gaze drifts down my body, a flirty smile curling at his lips. “Are you and your husband open?” he asks.
“No,” I reply immediately. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I was attracted to him. And if I was single, I’d definitely fuck him. But James and I have always been monogamous.
Aviraj’s hand squeezes my bicep, then he leans in close enough that I can feel his breath on my neck. “You sure? I’m happy to be the third. Or even better, just the two of us.”
“Kyle! Please introduce me to your new friend.”
I jerk away from Aviraj at the sound of James’s voice. He’s pissed off. This is all I fucking need tonight.
“I’m Aviraj Singh,” he says, holding out his hand to James.
James looks down his nose, which is no mean feat considering he’s shorter than Aviraj, and then he refuses to shake the man’s hand.
“Hmm, and who invited you here tonight?” James asks.
“I’m the new paralegal. I start Monday. Mr. Jones interviewed me today.”
James hums disapprovingly, looking from me to Aviraj then back to me. “Darling, please go wait in the car. I’ll be there in a moment.”
I don’t bother arguing. There’s no point when he’s like this.
By the time James slips into the driver’s seat, I’m ready for the fight. I wasn’t flirting but James won’t see it that way and I brace myself for the onslaught of accusations.
But he’s silent the entire drive home. The closer we get, the more agitated I become. Silence before an explosion is always the worst. I hope we don’t wake Lu up.
Once inside, I head straight upstairs to check on her while James pays the babysitter and sees her out the door. Lu’s a little warm when I touch her forehead, and her nose makes little sniffling noises with each breath. I consider climbing into bed next to her rather than face James, but I fear he’ll only come looking for me and disrupt her sleep.
