Page 106 of Dirty Husband
Whatever I do, I'm protecting her from the ugly truth.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Jasmine
Lizzy bounces around the room, holding her older sister's hand, noddingyes, of course, listen to heras Kat helps the caterers set up.
Years working at a restaurant. Then more years as a rich man's wife.
I suppose I shouldn't be so cynical. I spent years working at a restaurant. I'm about to do time as a rich man's wife.
Really, I should ask her for tips.How do you deal with suddenly having enough? How do you swallow the resentment you have toward your husband, when he has everything and you have nothing?
What's it like, knowing he still has the power to destroy you?
Do you really trust him not to?
"Ms. Lee." Lock pulls me from my thoughts. He's like me. The old me. Good at being invisible. I don't realize he's here until his British accent flows into my ears. "Your aunts are about to arrive."
Oh.
"They're at the coat check." He motions to the entrance. "I thought I'd warn you before I let them in. In case you need a moment. Or a drink?"
"Can I ask you a stupid question about England?" I ask.
He nodsyes. "As they say, there are no stupid questions."
"Wait until you hear it."
He just smiles. That same smile he always has. Like he finds my company charming. I think he does… but maybe it's a put on. Since he's paid to find my company charming.
"Does everyone there know a good gin and tonic? Or is that some way Shep is making fun of Ian?"
Lock's laugh is easy. "Mr. Marlowe and Mr. Hunt have a certain repartee."
"Is it?"
"Our standards are higher, yes. But it's the same as here. Students drink vodka that costs four pounds a bottle. Others only sip Belvedere. Your fiancé—"
"Right." I'm not sure what he's going to say about Shep—that he's always had expensive tastes, that he would drink whatever he got his hands on, that he no longer drinks—but I don't want to hear it. For an hour, I want to pretend this isn't so complicated.
"Would you like one?"
"Yes. I'd like the best you've got. If you know what that is. Or… is Ian around? I can ask him."
Lock shakes his head. "Leave it to me." He nods athank youthen moves to the bar.
He's thanking me for asking him to bring me a drink.
Being rich is weird.
I sneak a quiet minute in the bathroom. Check my reflection for signs of our tryst.
A few stray hairs, but the jeweled clip pulling it back looks intentional. Another coat of lipstick and a few dots of concealer and I look…
Well, like a rich man's fiancée.
Thankfully, Lock is waiting at the wall. He hands me a short cocktail glass, nods his goodbye, leads my aunts into the room.
