Smug, charming asshole.
But the last time I overstepped, it nearly ruined our marriage. So I wait, poised and ready, in case I need to intervene.
Mia glances up, as if she’s expecting me to go nuclear. I give her that look, the one that says I trust you to handle it, but I’m here if he so much as breathes wrong in your direction.
She doesn’t mask her surprise, but Landry is already at the table, rambling bullshit.
“I thought it was you. What a pleasant surprise.” His smile goes through me. I’d like to knock it clean off his face. Mia says he’s harmless, but in my experience, there’s no such thing when it comes to this shit. Landry’s interested in Mia. Of course he is. She’s beautiful, smart, enigmatic.
Anyone would fall for her.
But she’s mine and it takes everything I have not to stamp my claim on her in front of him.
“Mr. Landry,” Mia says in a tone that’s patient but I recognize the bite beneath it too. She’s frustrated. Good. “It’s good to see you, but Jensen and I are celebrating our anniversary.”
The jerk turns to look at me, feigning surprise. I burn a hole in him with my eyes. “Oh, Mr. Rivers. I didn’t see you there.”
My jaw’s clenched so tight it’s making my teeth hurt. But I force a smile, not for him, but for Mia. Because there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my wife, including playing nice with this jumped up ass. “I saw you.”
It comes out like a growl threat, and Mia gives me an amused look.
At least she’s not pissed.
Then again, she may tolerate this guy, but she doesn’t like him. That’s the only thing that keeps me from losing my mind.
“I was hoping to commission another piece from you, Mia.” Landry speaks to her as if I don’t exist. “I spoke to your assistant, but I prefer dealing with you directly. Maybe we could grab lunch one day next week so you can show me your latest portfolio.”
He says all of this, even though my wife is sitting in front of me, heavily pregnant with our kid, wearing my ring, my name, on our wedding anniversary.
I drum my fingers on the table, glancing over at Theo, who’s sitting close by. His gaze is locked on Landry, his brows heavy,and from his stance he’s also debating if he can get away with punching the guy.
Mia straightens and fixes him with a look that would melt ice. “Mr. Landry, you know the process. If you want to discuss a commission, Juno deals with that. I’m sure she would appreciate the lunch offer.”
He waves this off. “We’re surely past processes by now, aren’t we?”
Mia fixes him with a look that is no longer polite. In fact, it’s positively glacial. “I don’t think we are and I’d prefer to keep things between us professional.” He flinches like she’s struck him and my mouth twitches into a smug smirk.
Have that, you slimy motherfucker.
“I didn’t mean to imply?—”
“I’m having dinner with my husband on our anniversary. This is incredibly inappropriate. If you want to talk about commissions, the gallery is open from nine in the morning. Juno will be there to discuss whatever you need.”
He blinks like she’s told him to join a cult. And I’m hard as stone under the table.
Watching my wife in action like that… Fuck. She’s never looked more powerful than she does right now. Swollen belly, hair and makeup, her dress giving her soft edges.
Landry’s cheeks heat. He didn’t think she’d push back. He expected her to be compliant, to be too polite to tell him he overstepped.
Pride swells in my chest.
“I didn’t mean any offense,” Landry mutters. “I just haven’t found an artist I like as much as you, Mia. My apologies. Your last series was so profound and thoughtful.”
Mia glances at me, and I read the look she gives me easily. She wants me to step in now, and I am more than happy to oblige.
“You heard my wife. You can talk business tomorrow.”
There’s a flicker of irritation in his eyes that he covers quickly. Good. Be pissed.
