Chapter 113

Olivia

Two hours and several drinks later, Claire and Ariana announced they needed to leave.

“Early meeting tomorrow,” Claire explained, gathering her purse. “Some of us don’t get to take off for tropical honeymoons.”

“Rub it in,” Ariana grumbled good–naturedly. “I haven’t had a day off in weeks.”

After hugs and promises to meet up again soon, they left, leaving just Emilia and me at the table.

“So,” she said, sipping her cocktail. “Now that the others are gone, tell me the truth. How’s married life really treating you?”

I traced the rim of my wine glass. “It’s different from what I expected.”

“Good different or bad different?”

“Just different.” I struggled to find the right words. “Alexander is not who I thought he was.”

“Most men aren’t,” Emilia said sagely. “The question is whether the reality is better or worse than the expectation.”

I thought about Alexander, his intensity, his surprising moments of tenderness, the way he’d looked at me under the stars on the island.

“Better,” 1 admitted. “Different, but better.”

“Good,” Emilia nodded. “After the Ryan disaster, you deserve better.”

The mention of Ryan sent a familiar pang through me, but it was duller now, more distant. “Have you heard from him?”

“He tried to corner me at the grocery store last week,” Emilia rolled her eyes. “Wanted to know if you were really married or if it was just social media bullshit.”

“What did you tell him?”

“To fuck off and die,” she said cheerfully. “Then I asked if his dick had fallen off from whatever STD Sophia gave him.”

I burst out laughing. “You didn’t.”

“I absolutely did,” she confirmed. “The look on his face was priceless.”

“God, I love you,” I said, still chuckling.

“Love you too, which is why I need to ask…” She leaned forward, suddenly serious. “Are you really okay? This whole whirlwind romance and marriage, it’s not like you.”

I met her gaze steadily. “I’m okay, Em. Really.”

“Promise? Because if he’s pressuring you or moving too fast-”

“He’s not,” I interrupted. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

face for a moment, then nodded.

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Chapter 113

first

“Now, back to the important stuff. Is his dick as big as his

laughed, shaking

Man’s got

not discussing my husband’s… dimensions with

pouted. “But at least tell me if he knows

felt my cheeks burn. “He knows what

eats pussy like a

in my hands. “Can we please

she

have a fantasy

think I go during

around to make sure no one was listening. “Fine.

Emilia leaned forward eagerly.

with his hands,” I said, feeling my cheeks flush at

it,” Emilia sat back, looking smug. “He’s a

“I didn’t say that.”

wiggled her eyebrows. “He definitely

not having

25%

laughed, tossing back the last of her drink. “Alright, alright. But be

I said, straightening up and

A deep male voice

eyes widening as I looked up to find James Westbrook standing beside our table, martini in hand and

with exaggerated

mine. “Please, I’ve told

mind flashed back to our first encounter a few

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18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 113

Claire had announced, returning from the bathroom.

say that about every bartender,” I laughed, finishing

“Men who can

scientific?” Ariana asked,

nodded solemnly. “Studies have been

her drink. “By

a tall figure appeared at

me,” he said, voice smooth as velvet. “I couldn’t help noticing you from

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