Page 75 of Saving Forever
I truly didn’t expect that.
But how could she not like Holly? She is lovely. Both inside and out.
My father told me privately that he adores her, which is great.
Aunt Irina likes her too.
The only one left is my mother and it looks like she’s coming around.
Now all I have to do is convince my wife that I’m sincere, that our marriage doesn’t have to be fake. That maybe we can be exactly what we’ve pretended to be. I’m not perfect but I’m doing my best.
“So, Viktor.” Nathan slips into the chair Holly vacated. “What would it take to get some tickets to the game tomorrow night?”
There are several sarcastic responses on the tip of my tongue, but I manage to bite them back because Mr. Grant is standing behind him.
“Unfortunately, I only have one remaining ticket,” I lie. “And I was going to offer it to Mr. Grant.”
Mr. Grant smiles. “That’s kind of you, son, but go ahead and give it to Nathan. I’ll be in the owner’s box.” He winks. “There are a few perks to being in politics.”
Great.
Well, too late to take it back now, but at least I have options.
Like making sure he has the worst possible seat I can get.
“Your name will be waiting at Will Call,” I say graciously.
“Hey, thanks a lot.” He moves to shake my hand, but I’m already up and going in search of my wife.
I don’t want to shake his hand or give him tickets or anything else. I’ll play nice while I’m in their home but I don’t have to like it.
“Hey.” I find Holly in the kitchen, talking with a woman I haven’t seen before.
“Hi.” She smiles but it’s the polite, impersonal kind of smile you give to a stranger. Not the man who had his tongue buried in your pussy a few hours ago. “This is Delphine, my parents’ housekeeper.”
“Hello.” Delphina is middle-aged with dark hair and a warm smile. “Do you need anything, Mr. Maslak?”
“No. Thank you. And please—I am Viktor. My father is Mr. Maslak.”
She grins. “Good luck tomorrow! I’m a big fan of the team.”
“Thank you. Would you like to attend?” I know this makes me an asshole, but I don’t even care if Nathan hears me.
Her eyes widen, and she clasps her hands to her chest. “Oh goodness, I couldn’t ask that of you!”
“You did not ask—I offer. Not the same.”
“I would love to go,” she whispers, her eyes filling with tears.
“Shh.” I put a finger to my lips. “Our little secret, yes?”
“Yes. Thank you.” Her eyes shine with delight and gratitude, which makes me feel good.
I look to Holly. “You will get me her full name so I can leave it at Will Call?”
“Of course. Come on, let’s go outside for a few.”
She leads me around a corner and opens a door.
