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I have no idea what she’s referring to, but since I don’t need to know, I simply say, “Will do.”
We end the call and I answer Jameson’s as I lean back in my seat. “This must be urgent for you to pick your own phone up and call.” Usually, he has conversations with me through our assistants.
He doesn’t respond to that, but his voice communicates his impatience with me. “We’re going to a dinner party tonight. It’s last minute and not on your schedule, so I didn’t want you to make alternative plans before being made aware of it.”
“And what if I already have plans?” God, the arrogance of this man never fails to astound me. To call and tell me rather than ask just pisses me off.
“You don’t.”
“How do you know I don’t?”
I hear the breath he exhales. That pisses me off too. Like I’m the cause of his problems rather than taking any ownership of them himself. “Your calendar for tonight is empty.” He pauses. “Must we go through this, or can you just get on board with what we’re both trying to achieve here?”
“Yes, we must go through this. Why do you think it’s okay to order me around? Why can’t youaskme if I want to go to this dinner party?”
“Because want doesn’t come into it, Adeline. You married me for a reason, and for both of us to be successful with this, we have to show up to things together like a fucking married couple would.”
I grind my teeth, willing myself not to tell him what I think of his asshole ways. Taking a deep breath, I say, “Fine, I’ll go to this dinner party with you, but for future reference, do not call me andtellme I have to do something. I won’t agree to the next thing you order me to do.”
With that, I jab my phone to end the call.
Jameson will regret his approach today.
Of that, I will make sure.
6
Jameson
After a long day at work meeting with Paulina Rossi, hiring her and strategizing our next moves, and dealing with a million other headaches that came up, Adeline and I arrive at the dinner party she wants nothing to do with just after 7:30 p.m.
She’s been in a mood from the minute I stepped foot inside my penthouse an hour ago. I’d anticipated it, but perhaps not the full extent of it. How we’ll make it through tonight without the dinner party guests picking up on the fact there’s not one ounce of love between us, I have no idea.
“Do not kiss me tonight,” she hisses under her breath as we enter the home of one of my business acquaintances.
“I’ve no intention of it,” I assure her. The kiss this morning was purely for show. And while I did enjoy it, kissing her is something I’ll only do when absolutely necessary.
“And take your eyes off my legs.”
She’s looking for a fight. Thanks to her winter coat, I haven’t laid eyes on her damn legs once tonight. However, I do now that she’s put the idea in my head. And fuck if I wish I didn’t, because on the way down to those legs, I run my eyes over her ass, causing my gut to tighten.
Adeline’s wearing a gold dress that covers most of her legs, except for the long slit in the front that reveals her left thigh. It’s figure-hugging, pulling in tight at her waist, and curving over her ass like it’s been painted on. Thin straps hold it up, with more of that painted-on fabric covering her breasts.
It’s the kind of dress that will drive me to fucking distraction all night.
“Jameson!” Lionel Wrest’s greeting is heartier than I expected. The last time we spoke, we both left the conversation a little warier of the other. I quietly threatened to kill a property development he was involved in if he continued fucking with one of mine.
Receiving this dinner invitation this morning came as a surprise. I was intent on declining, but Hudson pointed out the potential benefits of me attending. Lionel owns land Hudson has identified as being valuable to us and has suggested a relationship with him may help us win it if Lionel ever sells. Lionel is known for preferencing acquaintances when he sells off assets.
“Lionel,” I greet him as I put my arm around Adeline’s waist and pull her close. “I’d like you to meet my wife, Adeline.”
He smiles warmly at her. “It’s lovely to meet you, Adeline. My wife is around here somewhere. She’ll be by soon, no doubt. She’s a big fan of yours.”
The reason for the dinner invitation clicks into place. This was for Adeline, not me. Still, now that Hudson has opened my eyes, I’ll make the most of it.
Adeline’s body is stiff in my hold but she’s doing a good job of appearing happy to be by my side. “I look forward to meeting her,” she says.
Lionel glances at a woman motioning for his attention. He excuses himself to go and talk with her, at which point Adeline attempts to step away from me.
