Page 92 of Vow to Hate You

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed thickly, his glare filled with fury. I took a step back, finally releasing his collar. He adjusted his suit before messing with his slicked hair, his eyes darting around.

“We have a problem, Percy?” Rhyett drawled.

“No,” he snapped, already scurrying away until Rhyett moved in his way.

“No more coming to the club,” I ordered. “You’ll get your money, but you don’t need to be there for it.”

He jerked a nod, not looking at me as he rushed back into the restaurant. The valet employee slowly walked up to me, dropping the key into my hand without a word. I quickly pulledout cash, giving him a large tip. Ash let out a low whistle, sliding his hands into his slacks pockets.

“I’ve never seen you lose it like that.” He let out a small laugh. “You have it bad for your wife.”

Rhyett scoffed. “When hasn’t he?”

I shot a glare at both of them. “You realize we weren’t together for five years. If I have it as bad as you two think, I wouldn’t have let so much time pass.”

Ash raised a brow. “Bullshit. You didn’t bring her back because you wanted her to be happy. Don’t try to lie to us when we’ve been the ones by your side since we were kids.”

My phone dinged, and I pulled it out of my suit jacket, reading my father’s text as a frown formed on my lips. He was already waiting, which meant he was going to be in a mood when I arrived.

“I have to go,” I grumbled. “I’ll see you two at the club tomorrow night?”

“You’re bringing Talie?” Ash questioned, still looking unsure about it. “I know you two are working things out, but you can’t blame me for worrying a little.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “If you do anything to get her mad again, she’ll take more than your money. The club is everything to you.”

“She won’t,” I assured him. “I won’t give her a reason to get angry again.”

Rhyett snickered. “Oh, you will—let’s just hope you don’t piss her off as much as you did back then.”

“Before I forget,” Ash spoke up, his eyes glittering with excitement. “That favor you asked about a couple weeks ago? It’ll be done by the end of the week.”

I met his gaze, a smirk tipping my lips. “Thanks, Ash.” I unlocked my SUV as I rounded the hood. “Make sure you tell Kal about Percy. I was serious about him not going to the club anymore.”

“Thank fuck,” Rhyett mumbled. “I can’t stand that dick.”

None of us could. Before last year, he had been tolerable, but now he wouldn’t stop demanding more and more. I was fucking done with it. One way or another, we were going to have to push Percy out. Especially since Talie was now involved. He wouldn’t be going anywhere near her.

CHAPTER 38

talie

Damian:

Stuck in traffic. I shouldn’t be too much longer.

I slipped my phone back into my purse after reading his text. Him being late did nothing to bring down my mood. Not when I was at my favorite restaurant, and this time I could enjoy it since our families weren’t here.

“Welcome toLa Casa.” The hostess smiled at me, grabbing a menu. “Do you have a reservation?”

“I’m sure my husband made one,” I answered. “Damian Valentin.”

“Mrs. Valentin, it’s so lovely to see you again. Your husband wanted to make sure you had the best table while waiting for him.” The owner, Lorenzo, stepped beside the hostess, taking the menu from her, giving me the same kind smile I remembered from last time. “Please, follow me.”

“Thank you.” I glanced around the cozy restaurant, taking in everything I’d missed last time.

“Here you are.” He set a menu down on the small table right near the window. “Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you need.”

I smiled at him as he pulled out my chair. “I appreciate that, thank you. I’m just excited to eat this delicious food again.”

“I’ll send over some appetizers while you wait.”

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