Page 32 of Say I Do

Dinner.

We’d made that arrangement ages ago. I kept shoving it back, but it was inevitable that it would happen eventually. Harlow had to meet my family. We were going to be married for a few years, after all. It didn’t make sense for him not to be around my brothers. And yet I wanted to continue to put it off.

As it was, it felt as if everything was surreal. Fake. A mirage. Once Harlow met my brothers, however, it would feel real. Too fucking real.

I slipped into a pair of slacks and a button-up. I popped the first few buttons, glanced at myself in the mirror and admired my reflection. My fingers slipped into my hair as I smoothed it back carefully and made sure not a single strand was out of place.

“Better.”

Lately, I hadn’t felt like myself. Between my father calling with updates, my mother planning the wedding, and Harlow pushing my buttons, I felt like I was drowning. One more bullshit interaction would tip me into oblivion.

Not to mention I want my goddamn bed back.

It had been easier to give in and let Harlow have it, but my back was at the end of its rope. And no, I wouldn’t sleep in the fucking guest room. It was my room or nothing. Why the fuck would I negotiate with a psychotic asshole?

“Husband!” He knocked on the door. “Are you ready? We’re going to be late.”

I wanted to strangle him. God, every single day I wanted to rip him to shreds and roll in his blood like some feral animal. I felt my eyelid start to twitch and took in a slow, measured breath. No one took me out of my calm, cool element the way Harlow did.I can not let him get to me.When I was sure I had my baser impulses under control, I opened the bathroom door. I froze.

Harlow stood in front of me, wrapped in a deep red dress. It hugged every inch of his body, the one I knew held muscles underneath all of that soft fabric. His long hair had been pulled up into a bun, a few stray wisps framed his face. I stared at the pulse point in his neck as it throbbed away. My teeth wanted nothing more than to bite down and feel his heartbeat against my tongue.

“What the hell are you wearing?” I asked.

Harlow twisted back and forth. “You don’t like it?” He leaned toward me as he pushed his chest out. “I thought this would be right up your alley. You like women, right?”

I groaned. One argument too many, and I’d blurted out I was only into women. Harlow seemed to take that personally. Now, every chance he got, he pranced around the apartment, either half-dressed or completely nude. Whether it was a taunt or a tease, I had no idea. I also had no clue why it irritated the fuck out of me.

“I don’t give a damn if you grew tits and a pussy right now. I still wouldn’t be interested in you.” I brushed past him. “Let’s go.”

It was as if Harlow needed to get under my skin every second he could. The more I tried to keep him at arm’s length, the more he pushed back. I pondered, throwing him out of a window. That would look like an accident, right?

Nope. Denji would immediately know that something was wrong. Even if he didn’t, he’d still come after my head if that contract doesn’t get fulfilled.

There was no way out of my predicament. All I could do was follow the rules, play my part, and wait until my prison sentence was over. Then I could get the release I so desperately needed. I snagged my keys out of the bowl on the sideboard. After everything that had happened, I needed a night to myself. I dreamed up images of our brothel, Silver Dreams and the warm welcome I’d receive.

Soon.

Arms wrapped around my waist. I acted on instinct as I spun on my heels, grabbed Harlow’s throat and slammed him against the wall. He let out a whimper that sent electric warmth straight to my cock. A moan slipped from his lips, and I squeezed harder.

“Yes, you’re so straight,” he panted. “I could tell by the way you kissed me,” he said as he winked.

I released Harlow and walked out of the penthouse. Did we remember two different days? That kiss was seared in my brain, but so was the way he’d run off as soon as it was done.Why the hell is he acting so nonchalant about it now?

Harlow was like a puzzle I couldn’t put together. One moment of vulnerability, one second of regret, and all the rest waited behind a brick wall of bullshit.

I’m in hell.

I drove to the restaurant. My mind focused on the meeting ahead. My brothers needed to meet Harlow. Not just because they should but because the press would be there again. Every moment we stood in front of the spotlight with bright smiles, held hands, and upright citizen energy would help the cause. The Vitales weren’t murderous criminals. No, we were generous philanthropists with old family history. History that had been long discontinued as far as they needed to be concerned.

We pulled up to the restaurant, and I stepped out before I moved to Harlow’s side. As he stepped out, the cameras went crazy. I took his hand, and he winked before I pulled him from the car.He winks one more time, and I’m going to snap.

Every action was a game to him. I never had any idea what went on in his mind. Harlow wrapped his arm around mine as we walked through the people that slung questions at us. I smiled, waved, and behaved like I’d been taught. Like my father always said, smile like a politician, slaughter like a butcher.

“Mr. Vitale, can you talk about the accusations that are being thrown at your family lately? Word is you’re involved in more illegal dealings than anyone in the city. Is that true?”

I turned toward the reporter who asked, and he shrank back. The uncertainty in his eyes made my smile grow.Pathetic.

“I can assure you the Vitales do not take part in anything illegal. People hear an Italian last name and equate it with antiquated stereotypes. My only interests are building the community.” I grinned at them all before I winked. “And a good scotch.”

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