“But I’m your bratty wife.” I tease him, and it has the opposite effect that I expect. Instead of scowling, he grins.
“Damn straight. And every fucking man better remember it,” he threatens the nonexistent men in our car.
“A big, fat diamond ring on my finger would make that known. Too bad none of them will see I’m taken.” I sigh as I look at my lonely wedding band.
He just rolls his eyes.
“We’re here.” He points out the window towards a beautiful mansion. It looks ethereal with its character.
We park, and he hops out of the car, but I sit and wait. I’ll be damned if my husband doesn’t treat me like a lady. If he isn’t a gentleman yet, I’ll train him to be. Because if you’re as stubborn as I am, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
My husband makes it halfway up the front steps before realizing I’m not by his side. He looks around confused then storms towards me. He shoots me a questioning look, but I just raise my eyebrow at him.
He opens my door and inspects it.
“Is there something wrong with the door?” He sounds genuinely concerned.
“There’s something wrong with my husband,” I throw at him.
He stumbles back.
“What the hell did I do wrong this time, crazy woman?” He looks a mix between shocked and amused.
“I’m a lady. A lady doesn’t open her own door. You’re supposed to be my gentleman,” I scold him.
He just laughs.
“Tiger, you’re so far from a lady it’s not even funny. I watched you kick Nik’s ass in the ring yesterday.”
“I can be a lady and still be a badass. Now help me out, jackass.” I stick my hand out of the car, and he grips it tightly. He pulls me out and once I stand, he shuts the door and leads us to the house.
But he never drops my hand.
He lifts his key, ready to unlock the door, but I stop him and knock.
“This is my parents’ place. I can let myself in,” he grumbles.
“Dear God, it’s like you’ve never been taught any etiquette. I can’t just barge into the house of someone I don’t know.” I pull my hand from his.
When I hear footsteps, I nervously step away from Dominic. I don’t want them to think there’s anything going on between us. He immediately grips my waist and pullsme into him. He tucks me into his side with a fierce grip, and I unsuccessfully try to wiggle free.
“Smile, tiger. It’s time for you to behave like a lady,” he whispers in my ear.
I scoff and stomp on his foot. He hisses out a breath and squeezes me tighter.
“You little mudak! I swear–” I start to curse him out, but the door swings open, shutting me up.
I paste on my brightest, fakest smile as a middle-aged couple I barely recognize greets us.
“I’m so glad you guys could make it!” Dominic’s stunning mother says as if she didn’t demand we come mere hours ago.
“Thank you for having us, Mr. and Mrs. Montclair.” I hold out my hand, ready to shake theirs, but it’s ignored.
His mother pulls me in for an unexpected hug. Dominic doesn’t loosen his hold so it’s awkward when she can only put one arm around me.
“Please, dear, call us Damien and Evelyn. We’re thrilled our newest member of the family could finally make it to dinner,” Damien tells me with a grin and leads us inside. “It’s a mandatory weekly event, Sunday family dinners. We know your lives have been busy, but we want to see you more.”
“Katerina, we’re having steak and vegetable medley for dinner. I apologize for not checking earlier if you had any food allergies or preferences. If this doesn’t meet your needs, please let us know.” Evelyn looks distraught at the idea that I could possibly not be able to eat their dinner.
