Page 23 of Vow to Hate You

He continued, “I need more this month. I’m giving you a week’s notice to make sure you can give it to me in full.”

“How much?” I forced out, barely staying in control.

“A hundred thousand.”

“You realize there won’t be any more money coming in if you keep taking more than your cut,” I snapped. “We have employees to pay. This place isn’t cheap to run.”

He waved his hand. “You work with your father. You have more than enough money.”

“That’s family money. Not mine.”

“I don’t care,” he said airily. “I don’t give a shit how you get it. Just make sure my envelope is full at the end of the month.”

Without another word, he stood up, walking out of my office while adjusting his pinstripe suit. Everything he owned was outlandishly expensive. His clothes. His cars. Houses. What made me see red was he was using me to live his lifestyle when he had no damn right.

“He wants more money?” Rhyett asked, strolling back in. He ran a hand through his short brown hair as he fell into the chair Percy vacated.

“Yeah,” I muttered before downing the rest of my drink. “We need to find a way to push him out. I don’t know how much longer I can handle him.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Rhyett said in a low voice. “Rehearsal starts in ten. You coming?”

I wanted to. When I danced, it was the only time I could forget about all my problems. It was how the idea of this club came to life. My father knew I had my own business, but he had no idea what it was, or that I was on the stage. I didn’t want to know what he’d do if he found out. This club and the dancing I did here was only for me. I was in business with my father, and he fully believed I would take over all his companies one day. Something I had no interest in.

“I can’t,” I responded stiffly. “Christian wants me to go to a business dinner with him.”

Rhyett only nodded, knowing whatever my father wanted came first.

CHAPTER 10

talie

“I thought you only stayed in the city on weekends,” I muttered, stepping out of the car once Damian opened my door.

“I usually do,” he responded. “But I thought it would be easier to stay here while you adjust to being home. Don’t you love the city?”

I rolled my eyes. “I did. Until being forced to stay here.”

It had been nearly a week since I’d been back, and tonight was the first time I was going out with Damian. Though it wasn’t by choice. Last night, we were supposed to go to his parents for dinner, but business interrupted that, so we were meeting at a restaurant tonight here in the city. To say I was dreading it was an understatement. Being in Christian’s presence was as bad as being with my own father.

“At least you’re out of my apartment.” His hand landed gently on my lower back as he led me toward the restaurant. “You haven’t left in days.”

“I went shopping for clothes. Since all you got me was lingerie.”

He chuckled. “I’m still waiting for you to model it for me.”

My smart retort was lost when I spotted the name of the restaurant. My steps faltered, my lips parting in surprise.

“You chose this place?” I questioned, suspicion in my voice.

“You think I forgot what your favorite restaurant is?”

I didn’t have a chance to respond when the door opened, and a host smiled at me warmly, ushering us in.

“Welcome toLa Casa,” he welcomed us. “Good evening, Mr. Valentin. Your table is ready. Your guests have already arrived.”

“Great,” Damian muttered under his breath, before his pleasant demeanor was back in place. “Thank you.”

His parents were already here, and I was sure my husband knew his father hated to be left waiting. We hurried inside, following the host to our table. A warmth spread through my chest as I glanced around. The decor and homely atmosphere were still the same as I remembered. I used to come here for dinner every chance I got. Not only me, but Damian too, along with all our friends.

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