Page 21 of The Perfect Wrong

“You need to take that?” Chris chuckles, low and rich and sexy as ever.

Sighing, I pull out the phone and tap the screen, wincing when I see DAD lit up at the top.

Honey, are you okay? Marguerite said she can still hear the noise out there. Should I have her check on you?

Chris gives me a knowing grin, his green eyes twinkling.

There isn’t much patience in that look, though. I feel bad.

He looks like he wants to rip the phone out of my hands and chuck it into the ocean, obliterating this distraction so I can return the very big, explosive favor he did me.

“Sorry. One second.” I type back furiously, telling my father I’ll run off any stragglers and head to bed in another hour or so.

I smile at Chris again as my phone slides back in my pocket, ready to find my courage.

Buzz-buzz.

Another message.

Another understanding-but-not look from Chris.

Another sigh as I hate-glare at the screen.

Dad: Cordelia, kindly pack it in early tonight. I’d greatly appreciate it. You know how nervous Evie is about tomorrow.

I know you’re young and living it up, but we’ve got family business tomorrow, remember? Please get some sleep tonight.

My brows knit together until it stings.

That’s Daddy, all right.

Mr. Upright, ever overprotective and anxious.

Actually, it’s a little sweet how much he innocently worries about me, but I know this isn’t just that.

He’s terrified of rattlingher.

Dad won’t dare upset the trophy wife I never wanted for a stepmother. And as much as I hate to admit it, he has good reason.

I’ve heard Marguerite talking to the other staff.

Just a few months in and they’re all sick of her.

Evie’s tantrums could rival a sixteen-year-old girl. She’s not shy about chewing people out—even good, hardworking housekeepers who have been with us since I was ten years old.

I think Dad secretly fears her turning on him, too.

Or maybe he’s just so blinded by the honeymoon phase he keeps making excuses, praying things will get better, waiting for his marriage to magically bloom into the perfect happily ever after.

Not likely.

Still, I won’t be the one to burst his bubble.

Until then, we’re one big happy family, and for Dad’s sake, I’ll go along with it as much as I can stand.

I look at Chris again, my smile fading.

My heart sinks.