Free The Billionaire's Weekend Bride by Kimmy Love Page A

length about his hotels and the family history while Damian and Sonia nodded sweetly and agreed with everything he said.
     
    By the time dessert was served, they'd all had a lot to drink. The conversation was loud and lively and Sonia had allowed herself to look over at Damian once in a while until eventually they were staring at each other a lot.
     
    With the amount of dessert wine she'd had, Gloria Merriman's cheeks were flushed.
     
    “Penny, my dear,” she said in a tipsy voice. “I can't help thinking I've seen a picture of you recently. Goodness knows why. Were you on the television by any chance? I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's nagging at me.”
     
    “Not me,” smiled Sonia. “I hate to be in the press. Besides why would they put a kindergarten teacher on the television?”
     
    Mrs. Merriman laughed. “Quite true. Maybe the person looked like you. Whoever she was. Damian, could you pass the jug of water?” Gloria Merriman asked. “I think I should dilute all this wine.”
     
    “Of course,” he said getting to his feet and walking the jug to her end of the table. “Allow me, Gloria.” He poured for her despite the butler edging his way.
     
    “I must say, your husband is very gracious.”
     
    “I do my best,” Damian said, walking the jug over to Sonia's side. “Sonia,” he said. “Would you like some water?”
     
    The second she realized he'd called her by her proper name, Sonia started coughing and pretending to choke in the hope that the couple hadn't noticed his mistake.
     
    “Are you all right?” he asked her, putting down the jug and patting her back. She shook her head 'no' and got up.
     
    “Damian, come with me a moment,” she wheezed through her fake coughs. “Walk me outside. I need air.”
     
    “Here,” said Mr. Merriman, rising quickly and gesturing to the butler. He promptly opened the patio doors onto the garden. “Take Penny out this way,” Mrs.  Merriman instructed Damian. “Shall I come with you?”
     
    “No, no,” Sonia exclaimed, pretending to cough again. “Maybe something went down the wrong way.” She grabbed Damian's hand. “We won't be long.”
     
    “You'll find us in the living room on your return,” Merriman said after them. “Take your time. I'll have them serve coffee.”
     
    A few paces into the moonlit garden and Sonia rounded on Damian. “You idiot. Are you trying to blow your cover?”
     
    “What do you mean?” he asked.
     
    “You just called me Sonia!”
     
    “I didn't.”
     
    “You did,” she said in a stage whisper, looking over her shoulder to make sure they couldn't be overheard.
     
    “Oh my God. I'm sorry. Thanks for saving me.”
     
    “That Mrs. Merriman doesn't miss a trick. You need to be careful.”
     
    “Well you need to loosen up, Sonia.”
     
    “ Me loosen up?” she exclaimed.
     
    “Yes, we're supposed to be a loving couple and you're barely acknowledging my existence.”
     
    “What's that supposed to mean?”
     
    “I mean why won't you look at me?”
     
    “Is that what this is about? Your ego? You want me staring at you all night like one of the lovesick women you screw on a regular basis? I've been looking at you plenty.”
     
    “What's your problem? Why does it matter to you who I sleep with? You made it perfectly clear that last night was all about sex.”
     
    “Yes and how does it feel with the shoe on the other foot, Damian? This time the woman is in charge.”
     
    “Is that right?”
     
    “Yes it is. I'm the one who walked out last night and I'm the one you have to pay to be here, so don't forget that.”
     
    “Is everything all right?”
     
    They both turned around, stunned.  Mrs. Merriman was right behind them. Suddenly, the garden lights came on.
     
    “I thought it might be a little dark out here for you,” she said. “So I had someone activate the outside lights.”
     
    Damian and Sonia were both speechless. The same thought ran through both their minds: How much