Page 44 of Vow to Hate You
He sighed. “You’ll find things to do. You know the wives go out to lunch during the week?—”
“Don’t,” I snapped. “That is not how I want to spend my days, and you know it.”
He pulled out my chair, waiting for me to sit down before taking the spot across from me. This table felt way too large for only the two of us. Someone had set up two places across from each other, complete with expensive china, long-stemmed wine glasses, and fancy placemats; the rest of the large table held only a vase of flowers.
“Good afternoon, Damian,” Harry said as he strolled into the dining room, his arms full with a covered tray.
“Harry.” Damian smiled at him as Harry set down the tray of food. “Thank you for making dinner early. How are Valerie and Brett?”
“Oh, running me ragged like always.” Harry laughed. “I love that my daughter lives with me, and how my grandkids are always running around. But coming here to cook is the perfect peace.”
“I’m glad,” Damian said. “You’re one of the best cooks in the city.”
I blinked, forgetting how charming he could be. He fit into this world so seamlessly. The perfect, respectable businessman. I’d never met anyone who didn’t like Damian Valentin. He could put anyone at ease while closing a business deal at the same time. I’d grown up around men like him all my life, and he was one of the best.
But I knew better. I was one of the few who saw Damian’s other side. When his mask was off. He was the most comfortable when he wasn’t wearing a suit. When he was dancing or hanging out with our circle of friends. He never wanted to work with his father. It was expected of him, like my father expected me to marry a man who would improvehisbusiness connections.
Harry excused himself, and my stomach flipped when he closed the dining room doors behind him. I had no interest in being alone with Damian after what I did last night.
“You said you were hungry.”
I looked back to see Damian lifting the tray lid off, revealing a mountain of delicious food. On one side were mashed potatoes with butter squares on top. An array of steamed veggies was spread on the other side of the tray, and meatballs with gravy on them sat in the middle. My stomach growled loud enough to be heard. Damian chuckled, handing me the serving spoon.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “What are you up to?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re being…” I paused, “pleasant.”
“I am?” he hummed out, looking amused. “You think I’m still mad about you hand feeding me seafood?”
I didn’t respond, deciding to focus on filling my plate with food. I could feel his stare on me, but I continued to put another meatball on my plate.
“There’s no rush, Talie,” he murmured. “Neither of us are going anywhere. I have plenty of time to repay you for last night’s dinner.”
I scowled, placing my full plate back in front of me. “I’m not going to be walking on eggshells, wondering when you’re going to strike back.”
“The Natalia I know would never be scared.”
“I’m not scared of you, Damian,” I bit out.
“Then why won’t you look at me?”
I lifted my head, my eyes snapping to his. He smirked wickedly, a smile he seemed to only use with me. Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms.
“Why did you demand I be here?” I asked stiffly. “We don’t need to eat together.”
“No, we don’tneedto. But we will, because I want to.”
I straightened, defiance flowing through me. I had no doubt he was doing all of this to get under my skin. Joke was on him; I could rattle him just as much. He grabbed the spoon and began piling food on his plate.
“And if I don’t join you for meals?” I asked, smiling sweetly.
“Why don’t you do it and find out?”
Silence fell over the room as I stared at him, the words out of my mouth before I could stop them.
“What will you do? Spank me?”
