Page 127 of Vow to Hate You

“I invited her to see the show,” Damian explained. “She’s interested in working alongside us.”

“Investing?” I questioned.

“No,” he replied. “She has an amazing marketing business. Something we need to successfully expand.”

“I’m not sure you need my help after seeing your numbers.” She laughed lightly. “I think you’ll do just fine if you open a club in Ember Lake.”

Damian glanced at me. “We think it’s a good choice. We’re flying out there in a couple days to look at a venue for sale.”

Ember Lake was a city like Las Vegas, situated in the desert of California. The music scene was amazing, and it was an adultplayground for those who had expensive taste. If we opened a club there, it would do well. Since it was situated in a vacation spot, the clientele would be different than it was here. Damian would have to change the business practice, but we both believed it would be successful.

The best part? It was across the country from our parents. There would be no feeling of dread when I went out in public, worrying whether my father would approve of my outfit or my activities. No more miserable family dinners with Christian looking at me with disapproval.

“I’m glad you parted ways with your father,” Georgia said, approval in her gaze as she looked at my husband. “While he and your father-in-law are no doubt very successful, they run their businesses in a way I refuse to be a part of.” She turned her attention to me. “After seeing how they treated you, I’m sure you feel the same, Natalia. Will you be involved with this new venture?”

“More than involved,” Damian spoke up. “She is my partner in life and business. Half of everything will be in her name.”

Surprise shot through me as I snuck a look at him. I knew I was going to be part of the new club, but never thought I’d be on the paperwork. Georgia’s eyes went behind us, and a second later, Rhyett appeared at my side.

“This is who will be running Club Facade when Talie and I leave,” Damian said as she shook Rhyett’s hand. “He and my other partner, Ash, will keep this place as successful as it is now.”

“I can see the potential. If you play it right, you could have a club in every major city. If Club Facade is anything to go by, you know what you’re doing,” she praised. “I’ll be in touch once I’m back from my trip.”

We said our goodbyes before Kal came over to escort her to the employee exit. The music quieted down, alerting us it was halftime. A few dancers entered the hall, and I spotted Ash as hegrabbed a bottle of water from a cart. Rhyett called his name as he strode over, pulling his mask off.

“How’d the meeting go?” he asked before gulping down the water.

“Great,” Damian answered. “She liked the show. I think she’ll want to work with us.”

“But you don’t want her to invest?” I countered.

He shook his head. “No one is investing. We’re not doing that ever again. Either we make it work with the four of us, or it doesn’t happen. Our names are the only ones that will be on the paperwork for this club or any others we open.”

“Yup,” Ash drawled. “Don’t need a repeat of dealing with someone like Percy.”

“You two good here?” Damian asked. “I’m done for the night. Talie and I have plans.”

Ash snickered. “What kind of plans? You two were practically fucking on the stage. Next time, find a room.”

“That’s what we’re doing.” Damian grabbed my hand, pulling me away. “If you need me—no you don’t.”

Rhyett chuckled. “We know how to run the club. It’s why you’re leaving us in charge.”

“Wait,” Ash called out. “You’re not going to your office, are you? I already called dibs after you leave, and I really don’t want to buy a new desk.”

I glanced over my shoulder, giving him a grin. “You should start shopping now.”

Damian laughed as Ash cursed under his breath. He tugged me closer, putting his arm around my waist as we walked down the hall.

“Partners?” I asked, looking up at him. “I didn’t realize I was going to be that involved.”

“Is it what you want?”

I thought about it. “Yes. But I also want to do music gigs too.”

“You can do both, Talie. Don’t want to play at our club every weekend? Then you can go somewhere else.”

I stopped in my tracks, throwing my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. He kissed the top of my head, squeezing me tightly.

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