Page 50 of Misguided Vows

The corner of her mouth curves up into a smile. “Apologies my brother Alek and Lena couldn’t come tonight. For some reason, Alek wanted to take her on a two-week birthday holiday in France. I haven’t heard from either of them since.”

River laughs. “I think she’s more upset about Lena’s disappearance than Alek’s.”

Anya doesn’t respond, taking a sip of her water as a mountain of food is delivered to our table.

“This is River’s new restaurant, and he insisted we celebrate here,” Honey whispers into my ear. “I’ve been dying to try it out.” She smiles happily as she hums to herself over the food.

I glance up, then freeze, when I see Will walking toward us. I almost forget to breathe because, although it’s only been two weeks, I forgot how beautiful he is, especially in his well-fitted suit. The hostess points to our table even though we’re obviously the only guests in this part of the restaurant.

“Thought you could start the party without me?” he says with an arrogant smile.

Dawson smirks as River says, “Here I thought you were dead.”

“You wouldn’t get rid of me so easily,” he replies cheerfully, but I can see the dark circles under his eyes. Then his gaze lands on me. I don’t know what to say or do.

The table falls eerily quiet, and I can sense the others are looking between us.

“Please don’t tell me you two haven’t fucked yet,” Anya says with an exasperated eye roll and throws her napkin. Will’s smile morphs into a smirk.

“Now, Anya, do I ask the last time you took it in the ass? Be pleasant, would you?” Will retorts, his gaze never leaving mine. River shakes his head at them. I’m guessing River is very used to Will’s crudeness.

“I am pleasant,” Anya says, then turns to me. “Was I not?” The table goes silent, and instead of answering, I reach for my wine glass and take a sip.

“Smart woman,” Rya says, her head leaning on Crue’s shoulder.

“Don’t just stand there. Take a seat,” Dawson instructs, and Will does so, happily considering the only chair available is the one beside me.

He’s here. And I don’t know why I’m feeling all sorts of weird about it. I pretend to be unfazed by his presence as he takes the seat next to me.

He leans in and whispers, “Cat got your tongue, milady?”

“I was enjoying my meal,” I say, rather prickly, as I scoop spaghetti onto my plate. I swear I was an Italian in a previous life because I love everything pasta and cheese.

“Your meal for tonight hasn’t even started,” he assures, and I snap my attention to his arrogant, dimpled smile.

“Anyway, it was Will’s idea for Alina to hit on my husband, and I’m a smart woman, so I’m mad at Will, not Alina.” Her gaze falls to him, and I can’t help but smile. I’m certain Anya is the type of person who, if you cross her even once, will never forget it. But Will continues to wear that shit-eating grin.

“Come on now, love, don’t be mad. I had River first and let you have him,” Will says to Anya, intentionally stirring her. She reaches for her glass of water and puts it to her lips, then looks to her husband.

“I’m always yours, darling. No one else’s. You know that.”

“Pretty little lies,” Will says, shaking his head. Honey offers him a glass of red wine. He takes it, and then his gaze is back on me. I swallow, staring back at him. Tingles erupt over my skin and my dress is feeling too tight. I want it off.

Stop. I look away. How can he have this much hold over me? I told him we were only fucking once. That’s it. So why am I acting like some feral cat in heat?

Everyone is reaching around the table and talking. I casually listen in on conversations, but my full attention is on the man sitting beside me, who has barely removed his gaze from me since he sat down.

Will leans in, his hot breath ghosting over my shoulder. “You look lovely tonight.”

When I turn my head, his lips are close to mine, and I inhale sharply.

He’s always been this imposing, hasn’t he?

“Thank you,” I reply, somewhat clipped. Anyone would think I’m mad at him for not contacting me for the last two weeks.Am I?

“Have you missed me?” His hand slides under the table and over my thigh. I try not to make my surprise obvious to the rest of the table.

“I’ve been busy.” Fuck, he smells good. I’m hyper-focused on his hand as it trails over my silk dress and higher up my thigh.

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