Page 24 of Demanding Husband

“Fuck you,” Kate spat. “Fuck you and your wife. You won’t have my daughter living with you. Over my dead body.”

“She’s eighteen,” Vince repeated. “It’s her choice. But I would feel so much better if I had your blessing.”

“My blessing?” Kate gawked at him then let out a humorless laugh. “You have got to be kidding me.” She stormed out of the kitchen, tipping her head back to drain the rest of her wine, finishing off a bottle within minutes. Turning on her heels, she pointed at him, scowling. “This is on you,” she slurred. “If anything bad happens, it’s all on you.”

Vince frowned. “Is that your version of a blessing?”

Kate scoffed. “You’re right. She’s eighteen. I can’t stop her,” her words were tainted with something sharp, poisonous. “She’s going to choose you. I can’t fuckin’ stop her, can I?”

What would happen to Claire if she did move, Vince wondered for a moment. Most likely, she’d either try to run away or she’d find another man, more nefarious than Vince. Neither of those options would be good for her, and he had no doubt she would be miserable. She broke into my house, Vince sighed. She wanted this so badly. She can’t have it ripped away so soon.

Though he knew Claire wanted this, he still felt bad. And he couldn’t help the unnerving, subtle feeling that this may not be the right choice. Should he have gotten involved, or should he just have left it alone?

As he stood in the middle of the kitchen, he couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if he’d just stayed in his car …

He wanted to think about it, but at the same time, he knew there was nothing he could do about it now. He’d very clearly made his choice.

Vince listened to the sounds of Kate’s footsteps thudding as she made her way upstairs. Christ, he thought, how much more messy can my life get?

Chapter fourteen

Match made in heaven

Tenyears.Thewordskept swirling around in her head. Ten years. Ten years. Ten years.

Time had flown by. Looking back, Lorelei knew their marriage had been a complete success so far. Memories of them laughing together, making love together, eating together, sleeping together. A life well spent, together. Even in the hard times, when tragedy struck or when they felt a loss, Vince had always been there for her. He’d wrap his arm around her back and rest his head on hers while holding her close. For ten years, she’d enjoyed his company, friendship, and partnership. What else could she ever ask for? She had everything she’d ever wanted and more.

All of these feelings bubbled up over breakfast. She sat across from him, unable to stop staring at him with a mixture of lust and devotion lingering in her eyes.

Vince was reading a book. His plate was covered in crumbs and his glass of juice was half gone, the condensation dripping down the glass as he leaned back in his chair. The huge bouquet of flowers he’d bought her were in a vase in the middle of the table, stretching high above Lorelei’s head. A mix of all the colors in the rainbow, from yellows to purples. Staring at them only made her fall more madly in love with Vince. She could barely stand sitting there, waiting for him to move.

They’d had this day planned for months. This special day, this perfect day together, and Lorelei couldn’t wait to get started. It had all been Vince’s idea. Ever since they introduced Claire into their relationship, it had become clear that Lorelei wanted more deviant, dirty sexual contact in their marriage.

That’s where the S&M club came in.

It had taken quite a bit of searching to find it, and even more hard work to book an appointment, but they had managed it. On their anniversary. Their ten-year anniversary.

Lorelei’s legs had been quivering with anticipation since she woke up. Her stomach was alive with butterflies and her mind was spiraling out of control. All she wanted was to get in the car and drive.

“Stop watching me,” Vince told her without looking up from the book. “You’re making me nervous.”

Lorelei looked down at her hands, clasped in her lap. Heat rushed into her cheeks, but the embarrassment didn’t stop her excitement.

“When are we leaving?” Lorelei asked.

Vince lowered the book and looked over the top of it at her, frowning. “When I’ve finished this chapter,” he said before lifting the book back up again.

“And when will that be?” Lorelei asked, keeping her voice a low whisper. A small smile tugged on the corners of her lips.

Vince lowered the book again, but instead of frustration on his face, he was grinning. “I’m glad you’re looking forward to the day,” he said kindly. “Do you want to leave now?”

“No,” Lorelei said quickly. “No, no. Finish your chapter first.”

Vince didn’t raise the book again. He watched Lorelei for a moment, his eyes steady and glossy.

“What?” Lorelei asked. “What is it?”

“You want to go now,” Vince stated. “All you gotta do is admit it and we’ll go.”