Page 192 of My Ruthless Husband

“They’d be thrilled if you brought me along,” I deadpan, making her laugh.

“Does that mean you’re not coming?” she teases, but there’s a note of genuine curiosity in her eyes.

I pull her closer. “There’s no way in hell I’m leaving you alone with them.”

Her smile dies. “Do you still think I’d run?”

“No. I just don’t like sharing you with anyone.” I tighten my arm around her.

She rolls her eyes, the tension melting away as she relaxes into my arms. “I can’t believe you’re actually jealous of Summer. She’s a woman, for god’s sake.”

“Her dog isn’t.”

That makes her laugh again and watching her fills me with a fierce satisfaction.

With a final kiss to her hair, I murmur, “Let’s go home, angel.”

As she rests her head against my chest, a soft sigh leaving her lips, I know one thing beyond any doubt—I’ll never let her go.

Chapter Forty-Eight

River

“Stop it!” I laugh, swatting Damian’s hand away as he fumbles with the button of his crisp white shirt for what feels like the tenth time.

His expression is all irritation, brows furrowed, jaw set in that uncompromising way of his. He is really sulking! It’s adorable—if Damian Montgomery could ever look adorable.

His eyes narrow as he regards me with an almost betrayed look. “I still can’t believe you talked me into wearing this,” he mutters, a hint of resignation in his voice as he glares at the light beige blazer draped over his broad shoulders.

I suppress a smile. “You wore blue during our trip, remember? And you didn’t seem to mind then.”

“Yes, well…” He huffs, clearly searching for an excuse. “That was only for you. I don’t exactly go around wearing light colors for everyone else to see. They make me look—”

“Gorgeous?” I tease, flashing him a grin as I step in closer, adjusting the lapel of his blazer before running my hand down the soft fabric, savoring the contrast between his usual dark, brooding look and this lighter, refreshing tone. He really does look gorgeous, and I can’t help but feel a surge of pride knowing I’m the reason he’s dressed this way.

“Funny,” he grumbles.

I smirk up at him, raising my eyebrows. “You’re lucky I didn’t choose the red blazer.”

He looks horrified, and I burst into laughter, unable to help myself. Even Hal, who’s usually as stone-faced as Damian, raises his eyebrows in surprise, trying to hide his laugh behind a cough as he adjusts his suit jacket.

I lock eyes with Vicky from across the foyer, and she gives me an enthusiastic thumbs-up, glancing between my beige dress and Damian’s matching blazer.

I feel a rush of excitement, not just because Damian looks breathtaking but because tonight feels different, lighter, more normal. Like a real night out.

I’m heading toward the main door when I feel Damian’s hand close around my arm, gently steering me back. “We’ll be leaving through the back,” he murmurs, glancing toward the entryway.

I blink up at him, puzzled. “Why?”

He lets out a tense sigh. “There’s a swarm of paparazzi out front.”

“Paparazzi?” My brows lift in shock. “Why would they be here?”

“They’re fishing for a headline after my latest takeover,” he says, his tone edged with irritation. “They want something that’ll make the front page. We’d be better off avoiding them.”

I frown slightly as he gently steers me down a corridor that leads to the back exit. “Must be a high-profile takeover if they’recamping out on our doorstep,” I mumble, casting him a sideways look.

He doesn’t glance at me as he says, “It is. But right now, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is getting you to your friend’s party on time.”

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