Fat Cat Liar

Every time I look at her, I’m reminded of my purpose in life, something I tell Greer every day.

“It’s beautiful.”

“We took it yesterday and I thought it would be a perfect addition to your new office space. Maybe it can replace your obsession with the wedding picture.”

“Not sure it’s a replacement, but it’s a runner-up.”

“Fair enough.” She takes it from me, twisting to place it on the far side of the desk. When she turns back, her eyes start to glow in a way that sends a direct message. “Time for your last surprise.”

My heart beats faster, knowing this look well. “There’s more?”

“We have approximately thirty minutes until Jade wakes up…”

She doesn’t have time to finish her thoughts before I’m out of the chair, placing her on her feet, and stripping us both. Her eyes travel over my body, landing on my dick, and she licks her lips appreciatively.

“My husband is fucking hot.” She accentuates the word as she did earlier, reaching out and scaling a finger down my chest.

The untamed beast inside emerges, and I growl, crushing my mouth to hers. Like always, she forms to me, wrapping me in her arms and giving herself over.

It may make me a bastard and an evil son of a bitch, but it’s moments like this that I don’t ever regret lying my way into her life.

Because Greer Hall will forever be mine.

•8•8•

Greer —1 Year Later

“Where the hell is my wife?” Lawson yells from across the massive expanse of the lobby. It’s amazing I can hear anything over the hundreds of guests, but as usual, his voice has a tendency to find me anywhere.

“He really is an ass. Does he have no couth?” My dad snarls, intentionally stepping in front of me so I’m hidden from line of sight.

Jade bounces happily in my arms, gurgling until she falls against my chest in a fit of giggles. Dad’s eyes fall to her and begin to shine. “Don’t worry, little angel, Grandpa isn’t going to let him corrupt you. Hopefully, you’ll learn your manners from your mom.”

“Dad, you needn’t shield me. He’s going to find us.”

“But it’s always enjoyable to make him panic.”

“Are you ever going to quit provoking each other?”

“Why would we do that?”

“Oh, I don’t know? Because it’s exhausting keeping up with you two!” I jab my finger in his chest. “Especially tonight, it’s a time of celebration.”

“Hardly! Tonight almost didn’t happen.”

I roll my eyes and snuggle my daughter, praying for patience. Palmer Laboratories is complete, on time, and is the most extravagant laboratory ever built. However, I severely underestimated the power struggle between my dad and Lawson. One thing I can agree on is that tonight is a miracle because of those two alone.

Two stubborn men going head to head in silly arguments became the norm, and I waded in until I thought I’d lose my mind.

“We are not discussing this again. Lawson did an amazing job.”

“If you think increasing my budget by eighteen percent is awesome.”

“You added an entire wing!” I argue.

“Had to see if he could handle it,” he says with no shame. “Besides, I had my reasons.”

“Can we at least agree it’s incredible?”