She grins. “Nah. Vonnie can’t run forever. She’ll be back soon, begging for money.”
“She doesn’t have money?” I ask, enjoying her good humor.
“Not anymore. I cut her off. She’ll be so sad when she racks up all sorts of charges on her credit cards and can’t withdraw any funds out of my accounts anymore to pay them off.” Her smile grows diabolical. I love it.
There are men who believe women are best when they’re endlessly patient, sweet, kind and understanding. Not me. The best women are the ones who take no bullshit, know what they’re worth and fight for what they’re due.
Like my wife.
Which makes me wonder… “Why have you been paying for her stuff?”
“It’s a long story, but it’s tied up with the inheritance laws and property rights in Nesovia. Anyway, I’m going to stop by the admin office and tell them Vonnie’s membership fees need to come out of another account, too.”
“I need to do the same with Preston’s membership.”
Luce looks stunned. “You pay for his things, too?”
“Not me. My family. I control everyone’s money now, though,” I say with deep satisfaction.
“How did you manage that?”
“I married you.”
“I thought they only gave you Sebastian Jewelry.”
“It wasn’t enough. Unlike Preston, I have my own money and don’t need the company. I only run it because I enjoy it. They know that, and they didn’t want to give you thirty percent of the shares. So now I’m in charge of everyone’s trust funds, and Preston’s going to have to get a job.”
“Well.” She gazes in the direction Preston and Vonnie have disappeared into. “I hope he’s more competent than my half-brother Karl. I had to let him go for not even bothering to show up.”
“Speaking of competence, you didn’t tell me you were so good.”
She frowns. “At what?”
“Tennis. Were you trying to hustle me? Is that your definition of ‘fun couple time’?” I tease.
She laughs. “You were arrogant, so I decided not to disclose that I was nationally ranked when I was younger.”
“Were you? Impressive.” That explains her skills. I respect the dedication and work that went into it.
“Probably could’ve gone pro, but I chose Peery Diamonds instead.”
She must love that company. Maybe more than I love Sebastian Jewelry. A tiny bit of guilt wriggles its way into my gut at my plan to strip her of her position, but I shove it aside. She started this war. In addition, that’s a separate matter from all this…couple stuff.
She gives me a sly smile. “So. What do you want to do about our match?”
“We could go ahead and play it, if that’s what you want,” I say, pulling her close, determined to enjoy this carefree side of her.
“Or we can say we both won.” Her blue eyes are guileless and full of happiness.
She totally forgot what we wagered. But that’s okay, because I can remember for the both of us.
Chapter 19
Lucienne
Triumph fizzes in my blood like champagne bubbles. I shiver with excitement as Sebastian drives us home after a shower at the club. I didn’t see Vonnie in the locker room or the shower area. She was probably hiding, and she’s likely to stay away as long as possible until she realizes she’s broke.
I shoot a sidelong glance at Sebastian. He was amazing on the court. Coolly in control. The ball always went where he wanted it to go. That’s mad skill. And hot as hell.
