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Afraid of falling in love with my wife.
Love is a weakness. I learned that the hard way. Love makes you risk everything, and gives you nothing but disappointment, scorn, and the lifelong scars of heartbreak in return. I know that from experience.
Experience I’d rather not repeat.
Regardless, I can feel my control slipping away. What began as an impulsive decision has become the defining event of my life.
And it’s not just the sex, though that is phenomenal. I only have to close my eyes to relive the feeling of just a few minutes ago, my hard erection fully encased in her warm tightness, her long low moans as I drove deeper into her with each thrust, the blinding pleasure, the explosive release.
I take a deep breath and snap out of my erotic thoughts as Steve parks in front of the hotel where the event is taking place.
Inside, there is a crush of well-dressed people, eager to be seen and admired. I can’t help thinking of the parties my mother and Henry Weber used to have, all glamour and no substance. This however is different, I remind myself, at least we’re raising money for a cause.
Peggy Hart waylays me almost immediately. She’s one of the richest women in the country, and she actively supports a whole lot of causes. I’ve always admired Peggy. Outside, she doesn’t look like much, but she’s relentless in getting what she wants. Today it’s money for the Alliance for education, and from the smile on her face, I’m sure she’s already raised a lot.
“David darling!” She kisses both my cheeks before turning to Sophie. “You must be the lovely Sophie.” She says, “I’ve only recently heard about you, you know. David has been keeping you a terrible secret.”
As if, we need anybody to remind us of that. Sophie doesn’t seem offended at all, she’s looking curiously at Peggy, who is laughing. “Aren’t you a pretty thing though?” She tells Sophie.
Sophie turns to me, a small curious smile on her lips. I remember my manners and introduce them. “Sophie sweetheart, this exceptionally beautiful lady is the incomparable Peggy Hart.”
Sophie’s eyes widen with comprehension. “I’m very honored to meet you.” She says to Peggy.
Peggy dimples, obviously flattered. “Thank you darling.” She tells Sophie, before turning to me with a snort. “I’m not even going to respond to your flattery.”
She leads the way into the room, taking the time to tell me before she leaves us, that Carole has insisted on being seated at my table. Knowing Carole, that’s her way of announcing to the world that she doesn’t care that I’m married. I’m not really bothered. Carole and her antics are a thing of the past. She can’t do any harm.
As the dinner progresses, I occupy myself with conversing with Leon Boise, a website entrepreneur who’s seated beside me, while listening with half an ear to the speeches, and to Sophie talking with Rick Cruzman, whose software company is the latest addition to Preston Corp.
At least she’s not bored. I know I am.
Everyone is clapping halfheartedly as another speech ends when I feel Sophie stiffen. I’m about to ask her what the problem is when I notice Carole and a companion I don’t recognize, take the empty seats at our table.
I hear Leon Boise tell her how nice it is to see her. For me, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Sophie looks dismayed. Her eyes skip from Carole to me, and I cannot even imagine what she’s thinking.
Leon turns to me. “I had forgotten to congratulate you David,” he continues, “I read something about the attempted takeover,” his gaze goes back to Carole. “I hear David has you to thank for retaining his control on the board.”
Carole looks like she would gladly tear Leon to pieces with her teeth, then she transfers her angry glare to me. “Yes,” She says, her voice like saccharine. “I sold him the shares of his company I got when my father died.” Her face is expressionless, except for her eyes, which are dripping with venom as she looks at me. She laughs humorlessly and turns back to Leon. “Which means David Preston will always control Preston Corp.”
“As he should.” I say with a smile. I turn back to Sophie, noticing that she still looks uncomfortable. Carole and her barely hidden fangs would do that, I think. I place my hand over Sophie’s on the table. “Have you met my wife?” I say, looking at Carole.
“No.” Carole’s voice is sweet, masking the rage in her eyes. “I don’t believe I have had the pleasure.”
I make the introductions, not so much because I’m taking any pleasure from riling Carole, more because I want Sophie to see that Carole means nothing to me.
Sophie’s expression is hesitant. “Nice to meet you.” She says politely.
Carole chuckles. Her voice has an unmistakably mocking ring to it. “The pleasure is mine.”
Thankfully, the last speech ends, and I lead Sophie out to dance.
“What was that?” She asks as soon
as we’re alone.
“What was what?”
“What just happened at our table, with that woman?” She frowns, looking up at me.
