Page 25 of Room One Hundred and Twenty Six: Denied

“You.” I smiled and wondered if Ms. Ella knew that Elara had changed.

“What if I’m seeing someone?”

I stretched my neck, not liking the sound of that.

“See, how were you going to handle me having sex with other people if you can’t even handle me dating them?”

“I didn’t choose them.”

“Look, I–”

“Mr. Oliver, pardon me, we have your table ready. Also, your other guests have arrived.” The hostess said to me, cutting off Elara.

“We’ll be right there.” I said to her.

“Will we? What other guests?” She asked, seeming put off by it.

“People I want you to meet.” I stood and held my hand out to her. “Come on.”

“Or are they people you want me to fuck?” She scoffed while standing.

“Both if you’re a good girl.”

“I’m not a whore, Torin.”

“No, you’re my wife. The agreement between us stands. Whomever you’re seeing, that ends now.”

Elara sighed. “But I like them.”

“Then you shouldn’t have signed the agreement.” It was my turn to sigh. “Can we finish this conversation after we leave here? Right now we’re late and the least we can do is be polite to dinner, even if nothing comes of it.”

“A heads up would have been nice.” She walked beside me and I put my arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

“I can respect that. Next time you’ll know.”

“Next time– she stopped talking when we neared the table. Who did you say that we were meeting?” She asked.

“Sam?” Tavi turned toward us and stood. “What are you–”

“Sam?” I looked down at Elara. “No, this is Elara.”

“When Nana introduced me to people, she always called me Samantha or Sam. Instead of correcting her every time, I let it stick.” She shrugged.

“You’re Elara?” Caesar asked, squinting at us.

“Yes. Elara Samantha to make sure that we’re all on the same page. Is this where we’re sitting?” She asked me.

“It is.”

“It’s a small fucking world.” Caesar muttered.

“Somebody want to tell me what’s going on?” She looked between the three of us.

“This is Torin, our third man.” Caesar replied.

“Wait.” Elara’s eyes widened and she looked around. “Did you plan this?

“Not at all.” Tavi smiled. “I guess we don’t have to introduce the two of you.” He chuckled.

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