Chapter 79

Emery swatted Teddy playfully. “No way! You’ll ruin my makeup.”

“Then I’ll kiss you instead,” he countered.

“Stop it! What if someone sees?”

“So what? You’ve ignored me for days. Do you know how much I’ve missed you?”

Their afternoon had started with unpacking, then a garden stroll that ended with dead phone batteries. They decided to wait for Paisley at the ballroom’s grand opening party. Emery’s hectic schedule had left Teddy feeling neglected, and he was determined to make up for lost time.

“Kiss me, please,” he pleaded, nuzzling her like a needy puppy.

Knowing a quick peck was the only way to silence him, Emery sighed, beckoned him closer, and kissed him lightly. “Happy now?”

Teddy wasn’t. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a deep, passionate kiss before reluctantly letting go.

The ballroom’s music and chatter were audible. Worried about Paisley, Emery nudged Teddy. “Okay, let’s go.”

He looped an arm around her, guiding her towards the ballroom, past a garden statue. Then, darkness. A fist connected with Teddy’s face before he could even see his attacker.

Emery screamed, rushing to his side. “Who the hell—?!” Her anger froze. Dominick, Paisley’s ex-husband, stood before them.

“Are you out of your fucking mind?!” she shrieked, eyes blazing.

Ignoring her, Dominick’s bloodshot eyes fixed on Teddy. He wrapped his tie around his fist and landed another blow. Teddy, pinned to the ground, shielded his face, absorbing brutal punches.

Seizing an opening, Teddy wriggled free, a cut marring his face. He glared at Dominick. “Oh, it’s you, you infamous jerk.”

A grin spread across Teddy's face. Perfect timing. He’d help Paisley teach this jerk a lesson. He lunged, fists flying.

He’d overestimated himself. Two punches later, he was back on the defensive. Emery’s panicked cry cut through the air. “Stop it! What the hell are you doing? Dominick, you disgusting jerk, let him go!”