Page 51 of Vow to Hate You

“How did he react?”

I shrugged. “We had that conversation five days ago, and he’s barely said a word to me since. He goes to work, and I stay here.”

“Stay in the city with me this weekend.” She grinned as she pulled out one of my party dresses. “I got you a gig.”

My stomach flipped. “What?”

“A club needs someone last minute. One of my friends works there as a server on the weekends.” She paused, giving me a sheepish smile. “I told them how I knew the amazing DJ Savoie.”

“Char,” I ground out, my pulse thudding. “I had no plans to do that here.”

“Why?” she shot back. “It makes you happy.”

“It’s too risky. The families could find out. Why do you think I only worked in Asia?”

She tossed the dress on the mattress. “So you’d rather not work at all and be miserable?”

I bit my tongue, pacing the room. I’d been working in the music world ever since I left the States. It was what I loved, and I’d built my name up all across Asia. I started with small clubs and venues before slowly growing. My DJ name was well known in countries like Japan and South Korea. I lived for it.

“Wear a mask like you always do,” Char said, as if that would solve all my problems. “No one will know it’s you.”

Damian’s club flooded my mind. He was leading a double life. His business was booming all while his father had no idea. If he could do it, maybe I could too. Before I could respond, I heard footsteps coming down the hall, and I glanced at the doorway, expecting to see Damian. Instead, an older man stepped into view.

“Good morning,” he greeted us, his eyes cutting to Char. “It’s good to see you again, Charlotte.”

My gaze snapped to my sister. Her polite smile was in place, proving this man knew our father, and was no doubt in business with him. I turned my attention back to the man, unease slidingthrough me. He was wearing a navy-blue pinstripe suit, and his hands were in his slacks pockets as he stayed standing in the doorway. His gray hair was swept to the side, every strand in place. His face was clean-shaven, and his eyes were a light blue. I instantly didn’t like him.

“This must be the lovely Natalia I’ve heard so much about.” The man stared at me, his eyes trailing down my body. “You two look so much alike.”

“Talie, this is Mr. Pierce,” Char introduced him. “He works for Valentin Enterprises.”

My guard went up as I gave the man a tight smile. He didn’t work for my father—he worked for Damian’s. Which meant anything I did or said would go back to my father-in-law.

“Please, call me Jack,” he said with a small wave. “No need to be so formal.”

I didn’t like him. Why the hell was he wandering around this house like it was his own? Even if he worked with Christian and Damian, that was business. He had no right to be upstairs in this house.

“Are you staying in this room?” Jack asked, curiosity in his voice as he glanced at the unmade bed. “Are you and Damian having problems?”

“Excuse me?” I asked, shocked at him being so forward.

“I stayed here,” Char spoke up. “This is the guest room.”

“Charlotte is welcome anytime.” Damian’s voice came from the hall, and Jack jumped, clearly surprised.

“I thought you were at work,” Jack sputtered out, moving to the side.

Damian didn’t even look at him as he strode past him, entering the room. His black suit jacket was unbuttoned with his tie looser than normal. There was a small smile on his lips, but his eyes were stormy, even when he leaned down to give me aquick kiss on the cheek. He wrapped his arm around my waist before facing Jack.

“Is there a reason you’re bothering my wife?” Damian asked, not masking his irritation.

“Christian wanted to make sure she was adjusting to being home,” Jack responded tightly. “If you have an issue with me dropping by, then talk to your father.”

“No issue,” Damian said smoothly. “But coming upstairs where my wife expects her privacy is a problem.”

He let out a nervous laugh. “Of course. My mistake.”

I bristled, swallowing my annoyance. This man was not sorry that he took me by surprise. It was probably what he was trying to do. He wasn’t expecting Damian to show up.

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