11
Whiskey
Carla’s good, I’ll give her that much. She hides her anger and unleashes it when it’s just us. My hand stays on the small of her back as we make our way around, even though I know she doesn’t want it there. I don’t have many people here I know personally. I like to keep my circle small, mainly so I don’t get fucked over. And trust me, the ones with money are the ones who will usually stab you in the back the fastest.
Let’s hope my little rich girl isn’t the same.
And she knows Aubrey. Well, in particular, Chance.
That’s interesting, and I want to know how.
“We should sit.”
She nods. The food is coming around, we’ve been mingling with the guests now for a good thirty minutes while everyone arrives, and apart from meeting Aubrey the party has been pretty good.
“How much longer?” she asks. I pull her seat out, she smiles, and I realize she’s been trained this way. Carla has been trained to be the perfect Barbie at events. Turning to look at her father, I see him watching her closely. Does he instruct how she’s meant to act out in public as well? Her father sees me staring and nods his head before he turns to his wife sitting next to him.
“At least another hour, then they will be gone.”
She crinkles her nose, not liking that answer as the food is placed in front of us.
“A toast,” Barry yells, sitting next to me.
Carla’s eyes flick to him in worry, but I place a reassuring hand on her leg, which she stops bouncing then pushes me off.
“I’ve never seen Corton so in love. I’m glad someone as beautiful as Carla has managed to tie him down.” Barry winks at Carla, her cheeks reddening, and it makes me remember that night where I made them blush bright red. When I fucked her and told her all the dirty things I wanted to do to her.
“To you both. I wish you nothing but the best.”
I raise my glass, and so does Carla.
Everyone cheers before we look out and see her father standing.
“Carla, I love you. You are one of my greatest achievements.” I turn to look to her and notice she’s smiling, but it’s forced. You can only tell if you look closely enough, and I’ve gotten to see this reaction often. “I’m happy you found a man who’s brave enough to tame you, and handle you, because you need it.” He chuckles, making everyone else but myself and Carla do the same. He goes quiet, raising his glass while staring at me. “Treat her well, Corton. She’s yours now. Welcome to the family.” He sits back down, and I turn to Carla. Her hand touches the glass of champagne in front of her, but she doesn’t lift it. It’s as if her hand is frozen.
Leaning in close, I say, “You can drink it, you know.”
Carla’s eyes, which are full of fire, turn to me. “And let you take advantage of me again? No, thank you, very much.” Her hand reaches for the water as everyone starts eating. She doesn’t touch her food.
“Do you plan to make this difficult?” I ask, leaning in close so no one else can hear.
She turns into me, her mouth coming close to my ear so no one can see or hear what she’s about to say. “I hate you. Hate you. This isn’t my thing. This is just one more thing a man is making me do. Fuck you!” When she pulls away Carla smiles elegantly. She waves to the waiter to take her food and reaches for the dessert plate instead. I watch as she eats a slice of Bavarian Black Forest gâteau, then she proceeds to take mine too.
“Hey, asshole.” Leaning over, Emma’s looking my way. She’s sitting right next to Carla who’s too transfixed on her gâteau, so she doesn’t pay either of us attention. “Think you can call this shit display off anytime soon? I want to go home, and I need Carla with me.”
“She’s staying here tonight.”
The fork Carla has in her hand pauses at her mouth.
“Actually, a mover will arrive tomorrow to collect all her possessions. You’ll be in this house for a year starting from today.”
Carla’s fork drops heavily onto her plate, and she looks to me, that perfect smile in place not showing how mad she is, while everyone looks up at the noise. They all go back to what they were doing quickly after she says, “Sorry.” Then she turns to me and whispers, “You’re starting from tonight?”
I don’t answer her. Instead, I stand.
“Thank you all for coming. I would like to announce here to you all tonight before you leave, please stop by the cake table to grab your invitation to the wedding. It will be held in two weeks.” Then I sit back down.