“You know what I mean,” I said, swatting at his chest playfully. “I wish you knew how excited I’ve been all day knowing I get to talk about Sweet Dreams this evening.”
Nathan patted my hand, surveying the space once more like he was checking to make sure all was in order. “I’m sure you are, honey.”
The doorbell rang, and I smiled wide, bouncing a little as I let out a giggle. “First guest is here!”
“Okay, okay, calm down,” Nathan said with a laugh.
I was ready to skip to the door, my heart beaming. “Hang on one second. I just want to check the—oh!”
I giggled as I ran into one of the chairs, knocking the table and making the glassware shake, the candles flickering.
“Easy,” Nathan said, smiling though his eyes were wide now, his hands up. “Let’s take a breath.”
“Sorry,” I said, covering my smile with a hand. “Okay, I want to greet them at the door with you. I just need to quickly—ouch!”
It happened so fast, I barely registered it.
One second I was on my way to the kitchen to triple-check my prep list, and the next, my wrist was snagged in a vise grip and halted back over my head, the force so sharp it whipped me around.
Nathan had his fingers wrapped tight around me.
A burning ache seared from the point of contact all the way to my elbow, and when I tried to pull free, it only made the pain worse. I cried out.
“Nathan—”
“I mean it, Ariana, calm.Down.” He seethed the words, holding my wrist tight as he yanked me close enough to whisper his next threat.
“You’re hurting me,” I whispered, like I was afraid to say it out loud, like if I only said it quietly, it wouldn’t be true. My brain was already arguing with me.You’re fine. It’s not that bad. You’re being dramatic.
“This is an important dinner, and I need you to play your role of doting wife. Okay? I’ve got important deals to discuss tonight, and I don’t need you tripping over yourself and causing a commotion. The table looks great. You’re beautiful. The food smells lovely. Now, finish the job andquiet down.”
I stared at him slack-jawed, blinking rapidly like I was sure I’d misheard him. But he held fast to my wrist and lifted a brow until I nodded my understanding.
And I felt it.
My soul faded like a candle flame burning down to the bottom of a wick, the remaining wax snuffing it out silently, and with just a small wisp of smoke. My mind was retreating insideme, burying itself deep, leaving my body to bear the brunt of what was happening so it could protect itself.
“Good,” he said, releasing me with a flourish. He smoothed his hands over his suit and adjusted his cuffs. “Now, I will go greet our guest. You check whatever you need to check. And when I see you again, I expect tranquility. Yes?” He shook his head. “This isn’t some chaotic family dinner, it’s a business meeting. Speaking of family, let’s do our best not to bring up yours. The last thing I need is to have to explain a dead mother, a deadbeat stepdad, and a brother you raised like some sort of single mom before I met you.”
He didn’t wait for me to respond. With practiced ease, he slid a politician’s smile into place and skated toward the foyer. I heard the door open a few moments later, followed by a loud, booming welcome and laughter.
I was still rooted to the spot, my wrist aching, heart pounding in my ears.
All the excitement drained out of me in an instant, my hopes and dreams for the night swirling into an endless black hole in my heart. Somehow, I managed to move, to put one foot in front of the other until I was in the kitchen. There was nothing to check. Everything was perfect. But I stayed in there as long as I could before it could be considered impolite.
Now, it was me with the practiced smile in place, gliding into the foyer to join my husband and greet our guests one by one. I stood at his side. I laughed when it was appropriate. I thanked each person who complimented my home, or the appetizer spread, or the wine.
I played my part.
Right up to when Shane walked through the door and saw through the act.
She’s Mine
Shane
Present
I should have been enjoying the meal.
