Page 107 of Captive Audience

Did you take the pills?

Not yet.

Do it now.

Yes, Dad.

I picked up the mystery meds. With any luck, they were cyanide, and this entire emotional crisis would be over in minutes.

Down they went with the glass of water. Nope. No foaming at the mouth and imminent death. Dammit.

Husband

I think you mean Yes, Bad Sugar Daddy.

I groaned into the pillow. My past self really had called him that out loud. I was never drinking again.

I’m ready to report a workplace violation to HR now. My boss is a menace.

Husband

I heard your boss gave you the day off. He sounds fantastic.

He’s a tyrant. Go away. I need to work.

Suit yourself.

I have a mad busy day today. Finn will bring you to the party tonight, and I’ll meet you there.

I left something in the nightstand. Wear them tonight.

Swear to God, if this wiseass expected me to wear some lacy dental-floss panties, I’d wrap them around his throat.

Tugging open the drawer, I found two white gift boxes, one bigger than the other. I opened the small one first.

Emerald teardrop earrings.Hugeemeralds surrounded by tiny diamonds in a setting that mirrored the wedding ring still weighing down my finger.

I lifted the lid of the larger box. An equally extravagant necklace to match.

Please tell me these are on loan.

Husband

They are not.

Do you like them?

That depends. Is a royal family somewhere going to hunt me down and reclaim their stolen loot?

Please. I have more class than to gift you stolen jewels.

Which meant Rook had bought them for me. I didn’t even want to imagine how much they’dcost.

I can’t accept these.

Husband