Page 32 of The Mistake

Stepping out of the main bedroom, I saw the multiple packages waiting. Hubert talked, but I didn’t hear what he had to say. I picked up the packages and carried them through to the main bedroom. I could sort out the clothes. One by one, I unpacked them, feeling absolutely nothing. It was a feeling I was very much used to. I checked each item and when I got to the red dress for dinner, I kept that on the bed.

For the rest of the day, I stayed in the bedroom. Lunch came and went, and I didn’t eat anything because I just didn’t feel hungry. Hubert askedif he should order lunch, and I refused.

At six, I got into the red dress and pinned my hair up the best way I knew how. I didn’t bother with any makeup, there was no point. At six-thirty, Ive entered his bedroom.

“Ivan will meet us at the restaurant. Let’s go.” He held out his arm, and that was the extent of his invitation.

Taking his arm, we left his penthouse apartment, and I knew I didn’t like it. There was no character to it. Was that why he preferred to be at his country home? The one place that I’d been left, and he never was. Ihad that sick feeling in my stomach and I ignored it.

We traveled to the restaurant in silence. Ive was on his cell phone and he didn’t look happy. He didn’t take any calls, but he texted.

Hubert drove us to the restaurant, and once outside, Ive put his cell phone away and offered a hand to me. Part of me wanted to push the hand away, but I wasn’t going to be rude and expect his wrath.

We walked into the restaurant and themaître d’ was all smiles as he escorted us to a table.

“There’s been a mistake,” Ive said. “We’re meeting someone.”

“Ah, yes, Mr. Volkov wanted me to tell you that something came up and he wouldn’t be able to make it. He hopes you enjoy the meal and said he’d make up for it some other time.”

Ivan wasn’t coming. This was all for nothing. I expected Ive to leave. His jaw tensed, but then he turned toward me, nudged the maître d’ out of the way, and then helped me into my chair.

“If you’d like to leave, we can.”

“No,” Ive said. “Arrangements have been made for us to enjoy a meal, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen. We’re going to enjoy this.”

And he appeared to be gritting his teeth.

“I understand if you want to be somewhere else.” An image of a naked Sophie offering herself up to him entered my head and I hated the idea of him being anywhere near her.

I shouldn’t care. I know this. But I did. What the hell was wrong with me?

“No, I’m happy to eat here. Hubert informed me you didn’t eat this afternoon?”

“I wasn’t hungry.”

“Do you need me to call a doctor?”

“For not eating?”

Ive didn’t respond but merelylooked at me. I was about to respond to him, but the waiter brought us the menus. I thanked him and opened the menu. I had no idea what to order.

“There’s nothing wrong. I wasn’t hungry.”

Ive stared at me for several more seconds before returning his gaze to the menu. Did he care or was he going through the motions?

I had no idea how to handle men. I’d never had a boyfriend. Most boys at school hadn’t been interested in me. The rumors surrounding my birth were always quite elaborate and no one wanted to get involved with the MC, especially not with the unwanted daughter. So I was ignored. I don’t recall ever having a secret crush on a guy, especially not anyone within the club. I wasn’t used to dealing with men like Ive. I didn’t know what was happening.

“Whatdo you want to eat?” Ive asked.

I looked up and shook my head. “I have no idea.” Closing the menu, I offered him a smile. “Will you order for me?”

He nodded and signaledfor the waiter.

Was it clear that I didn’t have the first clue what I was doing?

Chapter Eight

Ive

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