Page 64 of Vow to Hate You

Grant’s face reddened, his eyes filling with anger. “She was the one hitting on me. You should learn how to keep your woman in line.”

My lips parted, rage lining my veins. I opened my mouth, but Damian’s hand dropped from my neck as he swiftly stepped around me, putting himself right in front of Grant.

“You have five seconds to get the hell out of my sight, or I’ll make sure you don’t work another fucking day in this city,” he threatened menacingly. “If you know who I am, then you’re aware I can easily make that happen.”

The two of them glared at each other, and I silently stood up, ready to make my exit. I had no desire to deal with myhusband’s jealous rage tonight. I backed away as Grant finally spun around, storming out of the restaurant. Damian slowly turned, his piercing stare landing on me.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, tilting his head. “We have a dinner date, and lots to talk about.”

His words had my stomach rolling, but I halted my steps, a frown forming on my lips.

“How did you know I was here? Are you following me?” I accused, crossing my arms.

His eyes flashed dangerously, and in two quick strides, he eliminated the space between us. My spine hit the edge of the bar as he caged me in, his palms landing on the counter on either side of me. Swallowing thickly, I tilted my face up to meet his stormy gaze.

“What were you trying to achieve with that show?” His low, grating voice made my heart skip a beat.

I blinked innocently. “Show?”

“Natalia.” My name rolled off his tongue as a warning, and it only provoked me to keep going.

“Yes?” I purred, raising my hand and wrapping my fingers around his blue tie. “You interrupted my dinner. How rude of you.” His gruff chuckle was laced with anger, but he didn’t resist when I pulled on his tie, tugging him closer until his lips were an inch from mine. “You have no right to dictate what I do.”

“I have every right when you’re shamelessly fucking flirting with another man.”

“Oh, I wasn’t going to stop at flirting.” My lie flowed out smoothly, and I didn’t miss how his body went rigid from my words. “I haveneeds, Damian. Ones you can’t fulfill.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Valentin.”

The nervous voice came from behind my husband. I had no idea who was speaking, but Damian didn’t move a muscle.

His eyes stayed locked on mine as he answered. “Yes?”

“I don’t mean to interrupt,” the man said in a rush. “But you are attracting attention, and we have the bar reserved for dinner guests?—”

My hand fell from Damian’s tie when he straightened up and turned to face whoever was speaking. I peeked around him to see a man dressed in a nice suit. His small name tag revealed he was the manager of the restaurant.

“Of course,” Damian replied, his voice perfectly pleasant. “I’d like to reserve your private room for an hour.”

My stomach flipped, and I tried sneaking away until Damian wrapped his arm around my waist, locking me to his side.

The manager frowned, looking flustered. “I’m sorry, the room is booked for tonight?—”

“I’ll pay triple.” Damian slid his hand into his suit jacket, taking out his wallet. “And a hefty tip for you if you make sure we aren’t interrupted.”

His arm left my waist to pluck out his black credit card before handing it to the manager. The guy hesitated for only a moment before taking the card, giving my husband a tight smile.

“Enjoy your private dinner, Mr. Valentin.” He motioned for us to follow him.

“I know where the room is.” His fingers interlocked with mine before I could make a run for it.

“I already have dinner plans,” I forced out, planting my feet. My husband didn't scare me, but I didn't want to be alone with him after the game I'd just played.

“Fight me, and I’ll throw you over my shoulder,” he threatened, his voice dead serious. “Do not test me right now.”

CHAPTER 26

talie

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