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“I probably won’t get in. I don’t even think I’ll know anyone here. Bishop pretty much made me come. My plan is to get a drink and look cute for a couple of hours. I’m just here to make an appearance.”

“I feel you on that.” He nodded.

Along with the address, Bishop had sent over instructions to take the cobblestone path leading to the side of the house. Oneal walked ahead of me down the path and opened the wooden fence. Just as I suspected, there was a nice crowd in attendance. Over in a corner, there was a DJ playing a mellow hip hop mix.

As I walked deeper into the yard, I looked around at the people mingling and lounging all over the pool area. It didn’t take long for me to spot Zane standing near the bar. I liked that his grotto had a bar. It was my favorite feature in my own back yard.

Since I was here to debut my role as Zane’s girlfriend, I headed straight over to him. Hell, he was exactly where he needed to be. I was going to need a drink to tolerate him for over five minutes. Plastering on my best fake smile, I sauntered over to the bar. He noticed me and flashed what felt like a genuine smile as I approached him.

“Hey, beautiful. I see you made it.” He grinned.

“It seems that I did,” I said, returning his smile.

“You want something to drink? I was just getting a refill.”

“Sure.” I nodded.

“It’s too early for alcohol. You want water or a mocktail?” he quizzed.

“You’re literally holding a beer bottle,” I noted.

“I’m a man. It’s unladylike for a female to consume alcohol before sundown.”

“What makes you such an expert on what afemaleshould do?” I asked, lifting my brows.

“Don’t get belligerent, beautiful. You have no idea how many eyes are on us.”

“You’re right,” I said, smirking as I sauntered away from the bar in search of an empty seat.

Since Zane was already in his asshole mode, I planned to stay as far away from him as possible. I knew very well that I was likely to slap him in the mouth before the evening was over if I spent too much time in his company. He was just a little too damn arrogant for me. I don’t know why I thought I could avoid a man at his own party. As soon as my eyes landed on a section of empty seats, a hand landed on my shoulder.

“Divine, honey, why don’t you join me in my section?” Zane’s voice grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.

Thinking of Liam, I smiled and sang the theme song fromThe Wayans Brothersin my head to temper my mood as I turned to face him. He had a phony ass smile on his face, and his hand was extended for me to take. I felt Bishop’s eyes boring through me before my eyes landed on him. He was just past Zane, leaning on the bar. I guess I had to play nice since I was under close surveillance.

“Sure,” I said, forcing a smile and taking his hand.

“Let me give you a little piece of advice, beautiful. Don’t you ever in your fucking life storm away from me like that. The first time, I charged it to your head. This time, I almost showed you something, but I have all these nice people here interested ineither investing or pulling their investments from my family’s companies. They are literally waiting for me to fuck up. I suggest you act like you have some sense, and I’ll try to do the same.”

“I understand how that might be a stretch for you. For me, it won’t have to be an act. Pretending to be able to stomach being in your presence is another thing.”

He scoffed. “Likewise. I can’t stand an unruly bitch.”

My eyes shot to Bishop. I knew that he wasn’t in earshot, but I looked over in attempt to summon him to come over. There was no damn way I would be able to keep tolerating this man. There had to be another way. When I noticed Bishop wasn’t paying any attention to us, I turned back to Zane.

“Ditto.”

“You have a smart fucking mouth. I can’t wait to put something in it to shut you up.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

“Oh, what are you gonna do? I saw you looking at Bishop for a lifeline. He can’t save your ass, princess. He can’t save his own ass right now. I know where the bodies are buried. All I have to do is make a couple of phone calls and your entire family will be behind bars, probably even your fine ass too. Try me if you want to. I don’t bluff.”

“I wouldn’t expect a piece of shit like you to bluff about doing something so grimy.” I rolled my eyes.

“Watch your mouth, beautiful. I think I’ve already spoken to you about that profanity.”

“You like to speak on shit I see.”