Page 70 of Vow to Hate You

My gaze flicked to the now open door, and I groaned internally when Jude strode in. I wanted to spend time with Talie’s father about as much as I wanted to be with my own. Jude didn’t say a word as he went to pour himself a drink from the bar. The room we were in was the cigar club. Everything in it was shades of black and dark brown. Black leather armchairs surrounded a center table with ash trays.

“Your son-in-law seems to forget who’s in charge in our families,” my father murmured, a quiet rage storming in his eyes.

I swallowed thickly, my anger growing. “Believe me, I didn’t forget. You two do what you want with the business. Natalia ismywife. My responsibility. She’s home, doing what is expected of her.”

Jude tsked, shaking his head. “Yet, you’re still coming to functions alone, as if she were still gone.”

“We know she’s not busy,” my father added. “She’s not working.”

Fury raced down my spine, but I didn’t move a muscle as I remained silent. I checked my watch, hoping I wouldn’t spend the whole damn night in here.

“I don’t have to worry about this marriage, do I?” Jude asked, dropping ice into his drink.

“Of course not.” Christian got to his feet. “The contract is set in stone.”

“Yes,” Jude drawled. “So we all know what happens if your son requests a divorce.”

“That won’t be happening. Talie and I are happily married,” I ground out.

Jude sat in the chair across from me. “One more thing. You know a man named Percy?”

My heart lurched, but I remained expressionless. “Why?”

“He’s been talking as if he knows you.” Jude raised an eyebrow. “You making business deals without us?”

“No,” I clipped out, standing up. “I’ve met him on a few occasions.”

“Anything related to our enterprises goes through me or Jude,” my father said firmly. “Understand?”

“I’m well aware. Are we done? I have a date with my wife.”

“We’ll see youbothfor brunch tomorrow,” Jude said, not taking the time to look at me. I didn’t miss his warning. He was expecting Talie to show up at more events—both for family and business. “Mr. Hart will be joining us again. We need to make a good impression. He’s interested in investing for Charleston Tower.”

I glanced at him in surprise. “I thought you were already in talks with Georgia and her company?”

Christian scowled. “When she asked if your wife would be a part of it, she didn’t like our answer. She backed out.”

I swallowed my amusement. Since I’d met Georgia on the night Talie fed me seafood, the memory of that dinner was stuckin my mind. The moment I’d been introduced to her, I knew she wouldn't go into business with my father and Jude.

“We’ll be at brunch,” I muttered, in no mood to stay any longer.

Without another word, I stormed out of the room, inhaling a deep breath of fresh air. The cigar room was on a deck below sea level, and I glanced down the hall, not seeing another soul. Unlike the rich, white carpet in the cigar room and all the staterooms, the halls and main part of the interior of the ship had dark hardwood flooring. The walls were painted a light beige with random paintings placed every few feet.

My family owned this yacht, but I only went on it once a year when we had this party. I had no interest in going on long family vacations or using it for business trips like my father and Jude.

I made my way upstairs until the salty air hit my nostrils. The boat rocked gently, and I stopped, resting my forearms on the railing. Agitation was still strumming through me like it always did when I was in my father’s presence for long. Knowing Percy was using my name around our business circles only furthered my annoyance. Now, I was going to have to talk to him when I usually avoided him at all fucking costs.

But that wasn’t the reason my heart was still racing. Why my father’s words had struck such a hard fucking chord.It was different.In the past five years, I’d changed—so had Talie. Even more so since she returned home. She’d found her confidence, hervoice. She’d never be the wife our families wanted.

I didn’t want that wife either.

I wanted the woman who she had become. She was outspoken. Strong. Vengeful. I'd endure her anger aimed at me as long as it meant she would stay.

The only problem was my wife was holding a grudge. A hate I deserved.

But now I wanted to change it.

I didn’t want our marriage to be only fucking business. I wanted her. I knew it five years ago, and her being back only made it certain.

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