Page 98 of Marriage and Malice

I don’t know why my father would be in a club like this. Although, there are people near him that I recognize. Maybe he is starting to branch out.

“Yeah, that’s probably it.”

When I glance back at the hallway, Dad is still standing there with a drink in his hand and talking to some of the younger people from his office.

“I’m sure it was. Those people are photographed with him at conferences all the time.”

“You’re right. He would try to keep up with the younger people at work. Especially if he is trying to keep his poll numbers up.” I laugh and lean against him. “If it was anyone else, I might have thought that it was a drug deal. But nope, it’s just Dad trying to be cool.” I shake my head.

Christian’s fingers drift along my shoulder. “We could go over there and ask him if you want to. Maybe offer to show him a few dance moves so he can keep up with the kids these days.”

I grin and elbow him in the side gently. “I don’t want to sound like a bitch, but this is the first birthday in a long time where I haven’t been photographed with my father to show to the public how much he loves his children. It’s a lot, and just once, I want to spend a birthday without having to cater to his needs.”

Christian slides out of the booth and holds his hand out to me. “That doesn’t make you sound like a bitch. It makes you sound like a woman who has been through a lot at the hands of her family and wants more for her life.”

I roll my bottom lip between my teeth as I look back at where my dad was.

He’s no longer there, his back disappearing down the stairs as Ava and Camila start to weave their way back through the lounge.

It’s my birthday, and all I want is to have a good time.

Christian clears his throat and makes a show of holding out his hand again. “Come on, Zoe, don’t keep me waiting all night.”

“And what do you think we’re doing right now?” I put my hand in his.

He pulls me up and out of the booth.

“I think I’m going to dance with you until you’re begging me to take you home.”

Christian laces his fingers through mine and pulls me toward the stairs, leading the way onto the dance floor.

He spins me beneath his arm before pulling me against his body.

His hands are warm as they press against my back, holding me close while our hips roll to the music.

Christian dips me low before pulling me up and capturing my mouth in a searing kiss.

My fingers run through his soft hair, our bodies still swaying to the music as the rest of the club fades away.

I think this is the best birthday that I’ve had in a long time. Maybe even ever.

25

CHRISTIAN

Zoe sits on the diving board, strumming an acoustic guitar beneath the stars.

Long and low clouds drift across the sky as her sweet voice carries across the open space.

Her toes dangle in the water as she leans over to write something down in her notebook before continuing to strum.

Nights like these are becoming my favorite.

Although, as I sit here tonight, listening to her write another song, I know that sooner or later I have to tell her the truth about her father. I was able to cover for him a few nights ago, but I’m not going to do it again.

I didn’t want to ruin her birthday. She deserved to have a good night.

I’m going to make sure that every single one of her birthdays for the rest of our lives are good.

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