Page 20 of Princess of Pride
“Hi. Uh. Sorry. I thought you were someone else. What are you doing here?”
He wiggles his phone. “The signal is better here than at the cottage.”
That makes sense. It can be spotty even in the orangery at times.
“You look incredible.” He takes me in, his smile growing bigger.
Why I blush, I couldn’t tell you. Maybe because he sounds genuine. “Thank you.”
“I bet you get told that all the time.”
Not all the time. And mostly by drunk guys at clubs or parties who want in my pants, so they don’t count.
“You still living at college?” he asks. “My dad keeps me in the loop,” he adds as an excuse for knowing about my life.
“I was.” I nod, not sure how to answer without sounding pathetic.I had to drop out because my trust fund was taken away and to get it back, I married a man who prefers the opposite sex.
“Don’t tell me your married now?” he teases.
Again, I don’t know how to respond, so I stand there blinking at him with what I’m sure is a dumbfounded look on my face.
A big hand runs across my back and slips around my waist. I flinch, but Lachlan tightens his grip, pinning me to his side.
“Enjoying yourself?” he asks in a dark tone.
“Yes. Actually.” With Lachlan I have no problem finding my words. Annoying, snarky, intentional words. “This is Raphael. A blast from my past.”
It’s too dark in the dimly lit terrace to see if Raphael’s cheeks turn red, but from the way he dips his head, I’m guessing he’s blushing.
“Raphael.” Lachlan holds out his hand. “I’m Lachlan, Emery’s husband.”
Inwardly, I cringe.
Raphael’s eyes widen. “Youaremarried,” he says to me with amused shock. To Lachlan, he shakes his hand and says, “Congratulations. Emery is a prize.”
Aw. I smile at the sweet compliment.
Lachlan returns his arm to my waist and tugs me to him again. “She’s more than that.”
His fingers dig into the ribs just under my boob. He runs his thumb over the bottom of my breast. I stiffen as if I were poked with a pin. What the hell? Copping afeel without my consent in public is not something I’m okay with. I will make that clear.
“If you’ll excuse us, Raphael, I need to speak to my husband.” I can barely get the words past my tight lips.
“Of course.” He nods and steps away. “I need to get back to my dad. Take care.”
“Thanks. You too.” My tone softens for him.
“It was nice meeting you,” he says to Lachlan, who just nods.
My controlling husband keeps me glued to his side as we follow a path across the yard to the pool house in the distance.
“You can let go,” I snarl. “He can’t see us.”
“I think I’ll keep you here to teach you a lesson.”
The nerve! “Whatever lesson you hope to teach me is a waste of time. Ask my dad. I like to push my luck.”
“What was it you said in the bathroom…? ‘I’ll play the role of the loving spouse in public’.”
