Page 9 of Somewhere Without You
“The pleasure’s mine,”heinsisted, his grip loosening slightly at my waist.
She was Stanley’s fourth wife since I’d known him—each one following the same tired pattern. Young. Foreign. And short-lived.
Jackson smiled, but it wasn’t for Stanley. His gaze drifted lazily down Natasha’s frame, lingering a moment too long. Stanley didn’t notice. But I did.
“It’s lovely to meet you,”Ilied, my voice cutting in sharply.
Jackson cleared his throat.“Looks like quite the event,”hesaid, glancing past Stanley toward the crowd.
“Mostly the regulars,”Stanleygrunted.“A few high-end investors and senior consultants thrown in for flair. I imagine you’ve met most of them, but a couple flew in from New York last night. I’m sure they’ll want a word before your trip.”
“You’re going to New York?”Iasked, surprised. Jackson’s business trips were common, but rarely this unannounced.
“It came together last minute,”hesaid, not quite meeting my eye.“Wasn’t sure it would pan out.”
“Oh, it’s happening,”Stanley cut in with a grin.“The board’s chomping at the bit to hear your projections for next quarter. Formalities, really, but you know how they get when they feel ignored. High-maintenance bastards.”
Natasha laughed politely, the kind of laugh meant to fill space, not respond to humor. Jackson offered her another charming smile.
“How long will you be gone?”Iasked, trying to sound casual but already mentally planning my freedom—no matter how temporary.
“About a month,”hesaid, glancing at me.“Maybe less.”
It would be the longest stretch he’d been gone since our wedding.A month where I could breathe a little easier. A month where I could sleep a little deeper.
“Sounds like a big opportunity,”Isaid.
“For the company,”Jacksonreplied, his tone smooth, and rehearsed.“Nothing’s set in stone, of course. Just a series of meetings.”
“High-stakes ones,”Stanleyadded, clapping him on the back.“Don’t let him downplay it. Jackson’s the golden boy right now. The board practically wets themselves when he walks in the room.”
Jackson laughed, humble but pleased. I’d heard that laugh before. I knew it well. It was the one he used when charm was currency.
“Do you travel often?”Natashaasked, her bright blue eyes locked on Jackson with unwavering interest.
“Often enough,”hesaid, letting his arm slide from my waist without a secondthought.“Most of my work keeps me local, but I travel when the occasion calls for it.”
“How exciting!”shesaid, her smile wide and practiced.“This is my first time leaving Russia. I keep telling Stanley I want to see the world, but so far he only brings me here.”
Jackson turned to Stanley with mock disapproval.“You mean to tell me you haven’t taken your stunning wife on a proper honeymoon? Shame on you old man.”
“She’s free to travel as she pleases,”Stanley waved off as if the matter were beneath him.
“Well then, it’s settled,”Jacksonannouncedwith a grin.“Emily and I would be delighted to have you both join us on our next getaway.”
“We would?” The words slipping out before I could stop them.
Natasha turned to me, her expression perfectly blank.“I would love to accompany you and your. . . wife.”She let the word hang in the air like a challenge.“What was your name again?”
“Emily,” I said flatly.
“Emily,”sherepeatedslowly, like it didn’t sit well on her tongue.
If it didn’t hurt, I would have rolled my eyes. Whatever“vacation”Jackson had in mind, I knew damn well I wasn’t invited. At least not in any meaningful sense. And judging by the way the two of them were mentally undressing each other, Natasha didn’t seem too interested in quality time with her husband either.
“Excuse me,”Imumbled, swiping a flute of champagne off a passingservers tray as I stepped away.
Stanley might’ve been clueless, but I knew better. I’d been with Jackson long enough to recognize the signs. Suspecting what he did behind my back was one thing—seeing it unfold in front of me was something else entirely.
