The Red Wife (Without Rules #2)

By Tyffani Clark Kemp

Mariss Red is wholly devoted to her husband, Holden. Despite her fling with Sebastian Boa a few months ago, her husband has her heart. But Holden knows about Mariss' little indiscretion. Now, the three of them have a whole new set of rules.

Their sex life isn't the only thing making waves. Things are further complicated by the return of people Mariss hoped were gone from her life for good. When dark secrets from Mariss' past surface, it puts everyone in her life in danger. The loss of the one thing that means more to her than life itself turns Mariss' life upside down in a way she never thought possible.

As The Red Wife struggles to put her life back together with pieces from a different puzzle, she must decide which picture she wants to paint.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyffani Clark Kemp
• Release date: May 27, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311659149

Tyffani Clark Kemp

Tyffani Clark Kemp might be the quietest person in the room, but that just means she’s probably the biggest freak too. She is a multi-genre author with a gift for the written word and a desire to help all Indies reach their full potential. In 2012, she and her best friend Kimberly Fudge started SideStreet Cookie Publishing for authors who want to remain independent, but don’t have the time or the knowledge to do it all themselves. From the age of eleven she dedicated her life to writing and making sure she was good at her craft. Now, she passes that knowledge on to others. Her friends would describe her as determined and giving. She may be quite, but she always has a story to tell.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Tabloid Troubles

Mariss stormed into the lobby of Sebastian's apartment building and marched across the marble tiles to the elevators, a tabloid clutched in her fist. Her knuckles where white where she gripped the damn thing - the only grip she seemed to have on anything anymore. She punched the button for his floor. As the doors closed, she refused to let her tired body sag against the wall. She held onto her anger for the sole purpose of throwing it back in Sebastian's face when she saw him, because God knew, once she saw him it would be a struggle to remember why she was angry.

Her body trembled by the time the elevator stopped at the second to last floor, but she didn't think it was because she was angry. She hadn't seen or spoken to Sebastian since they'd slept together weeks ago. As the doors slid open, she wondered about the wisdom of coming here at all. When she first saw the tabloid, her first instinct was to confront him. Now, she just wanted to be back in her office, surrounded by her friends and her books.

On weak knees, Mariss walked to 833 and banged on the door as hard as she could. Convinced it sounded urgent, she dropped her arm to her side and waited.

An awkward, young blonde woman with thick, black-rimmed glasses opened the door and smiled, showing teeth a little too big, but perfectly straight.

Hello. I'm Rachel, Mr. Boa's personal assistant, she greeted.

Yeah, I really don't have the time. Mariss pushed the girl out of the way with her forearm. Rachel stumbled backward as Mariss marched across the shiny marble tile, her heels clacking so loud she was sure Sebastian would hear her coming.

You can't go in there! Rachel stage-whispered as she caught up to Mariss. She made a grab for her arm. Mariss shook her off and barged through the door into Sebastian's home office.

The blonde flight attendant who was accusing Sebastian of rape sat on the sofa next to a man who resembled her, though his hair was a few shades darker. In a chair next to them was Herbert, the FBI agent whose wife's book Mariss had published. And Sebastian Boa, the Man Without Rules himself, the one who had somehow twisted his way into her life and heart, leaned against the edge of his cherry wood desk, arms folded across his broad chest without a care in the world. His goatee was nicely trimmed and that glorious head of dark, wavy hair just begged to be touched. Sebastian looked perplexed, like he was working out a math problem in his head. He looked up when the door slammed against the wall and his ridiculously blue eyes locked onto hers. Shock and pleasure surfed across his features.

Mariss steeled herself against the power of that ocean-blue gaze and let a ferocious scowl light upon her brow. That ought to show him. In reality, she couldn't think, could scarcely breathe for the wash of feelings that suddenly plagued her. She remembered the slide of his skin on hers, the way he filled her and touched her like no other man could.

I'm sorry, Mr. Boa, Rachel said, coming up behind her. She's strong, she whispered. The corners of Sebastian's perfect mouth twitched.

Mariss blinked, hating the way he made her feel, hating that she'd been unfaithful to her husband with a man who could never love her, even when…

How could you? Mariss growled, surprised that she could still sound so furious with him looking at her like he wanted to breathe her in or absorb her through his pores.

What? he asked. His intense, smoldering gaze was bewildered, but he wasn't angry with her interruption. That perplexed her. Anyone else would have felt his wrath.

I thought we'd resolved this. How dare you! She flung the tabloid at him. It smacked him in the middle of his chest and fell to the floor. Mariss watched the muscles in his jaw work as his body undulated away from the desk so fluid and graceful. There. He was finally angry. It was both satisfying and terrifying. Her body reacted to the mix of emotions and she crossed her arms over her chest so no one would notice how her nipples hardened at the thought of that anger focused on…

I was aware that we had, he said, his tone clipped. He stooped to pick up the paper and scanned the front. She knew there was a mugshot of her as a teenager with a headline that read, Mariss Red, Juvenile Delinquent. She's stared at it for twenty minutes before logic made her think properly.

Sebastian looked over the top edge of the tabloid. His concerned, innocent eyes maked her heart stop. Or maybe it was racing. She wasn't entirely sure anymore. I had nothing to do with this, Mariss.

You were the only one I told! she shouted. No one else knew!

Sebastian flung the paper onto his desk and shoved his hands in his pockets. He looked like he was about to cross the room and wrap his hands around her neck. Mariss, what good would exposing this do me?

I don't fucking know! She fought the urge to pout, her fury draining away. What she really wanted to do was punch him, then kiss him. Her husband needed to hurry up and come home. Loneliness was making her do unthinkable things.

Alright. Sebastian walked over to her and took her by the arm. His hands were warm on her skin as he marched her out of the room and closed the door. Mariss, I didn't-

Mr. Boa, did you need some help? Rachel stuck her head out the office door.

Mariss raised an eyebrow, but it went unnoticed.

A moment, Rachel, Sebastian said, his accent thick with annoyance.

Yes, sir, Mr. Boa.

Sebastian looked like he was trying to calm himself down before he spoke. Had throwing the paper at him really pissed him off that bad? Maybe it was the accusations, but there was no one else.

Mariss, I had nothing to do with this.

She believed him, but she needed someone to blame and a reason to push him out of her life.

No one else knew! She let her voice carry and echo off the walls and floor.

Please, stop shouting, Red. Listen to me. Hellena may have known.

Mariss frowned, the anger dripping back in like a broken IV tube. Hellena worked for Sebastian at his fetish club here in New York. Over the last year she'd made it her business to cause Mariss as much trouble as she possibly could. Hellena wanted to be with Sebastian, but to him they were just very close friends. Intimately close.

You told her? Now Mariss was pissed. She'd told Sebastian about her past in confidence. That Hellena bitch didn't need to know shit.

Bloody hell. I explained to her in the shortest terms possible so she would understand what she'd done. I didn't tell her anything. Sebastian was squirming. Mariss had never seen him squirm before. She rather liked it.

Sebastian, do me a favor and stop trying to help. She was shaking again. He reached out to touch her. The pull between them was magnetic, more so now than before they'd had sex, but she couldn't allow it. Mariss pulled away before he could touch her.

Don't, she commanded. One week doesn't change things. If he touched her…

No, I hadn't expected it to. I thought I'd taken care of Hellena. I had no idea she would do this. I will fix the problem, and before you get smart with me, no. I'm not going to kill her.

I wouldn't have asked-

Yes, you would have. Mariss. He sighed.

I have to go.

Let me walk you out.

She shook her head and put a hand out to stop him. Please, don't. If he touched her she'd crack, and she couldn't afford to crack. Despite what was between them, no matter what she had allowed to happen a week ago, she still loved her husband completely. What she felt for Sebastian was nothing more than physical lust, she told herself. He was a perfectly crafted man, though not by mistake, and she wanted him in the same way everyone else did.

Without putting her back to him, Mariss moved around Sebastian and hurried out the door. It closed behind her with a heavy slam. She leaned against it a moment for support, her knees wobbling as the adrenaline faded. Sebastian was going back to London in a few days. That would help.

She took out her cell phone and made her way back to the elevator.

Hey, Juliet. I'm going home. Juliet was her personal assistant. A few months ago, when Sebastian had gone on his ridiculous rampage trying to ruin Mariss' life, Juliet had quit working for him and come to her for employment.

Everything okay? Juliet sounded distracted. There was muffled whispering in the background.

Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired. Mariss leaned her head back against the elevator wall.

I'm going to head to your place and get dinner started. I'll see you there.

No, you don't have to- The phone disconnected before she could get the rest of the words out. Fine. I'll see you there.

Mariss put her phone away as the elevator hit the main floor.

*****

Unlocking the front door, Mariss expected to find Juliet working on dinner. The two of them were close and she was the only woman allowed in her home alone on account that she was a lesbian and Mariss didn't have to worry about her trying to hit on Holden, her husband.

Jules? Mariss called as she hung her jacket by the door, but she got no answer.

The apartment Mariss shared with her husband was the perfect blend of modern and old school with a wide-open, warehouse style floor plan. The outer wall was all brick with floor-to-ceiling windows. Stairs led to the loft that doubled as an office and opened to the master suite. The living room boasted a twenty-foot ceiling. It was cozy with a fireplace topped by a widescreen TV. The charcoal grey and plumb purple color scheme felt so much like home to her that Mariss couldn't stop the smile that lifted the corners of her lips. This was where she belonged. Here. Not with Sebastian.

The smell of roast beef and potatoes pulled Mariss to the kitchen where she stopped short. Juliet sat at the island, her phone in one hand and her cheek propped on the other. Holden's back was to the room as he worked at the stove against the outer wall. He wasn't wearing a shirt, so his strong, broad back was on full display.

I came home a day early. He turned long enough to flash her a grin. His full lips framed perfect white teeth that stood out in stark contrast to his dark skin. He only wore the grey sweats Mariss loved, and his biceps bulged like he'd been working out. Surprise.

Mariss dropped her purse on the island next to Juliet and went to her husband. Her hands glided over his warm, smooth skin. She wrapped her arms around his neck and settled in against his body. God, I missed you, she breathed.

Holden's arms tightened around her waist. He cradled her to him like he would never let go again. The guilt from what she'd done shattered her heart, and she sobbed against his shoulder. Holden rubbed her back in a circle, stroked his fingers through her hair, and whispered softly in her ear, all of which made it worse.

Stop crying, Mare, he finally said. I'm here now. What's wrong?

He pulled her away from the halo of warmth that surrounded his body so he could look into her eyes. She tried to smile.

I just missed you.

You don't have to miss me anymore, baby. I'm here. He kissed her, his lips soft against hers, molding to hers like they were always meant to compliment each other.

Juliet and I have been talking. Holden wiped away her tears and turned back to what he was doing at the stove.

Have you? Mariss knew what he meant before he said anything. They'd discussed it a few times, but never come to anything concrete.

Yeah.

I'm game for tonight, Juliet said. If you are.

Mariss looked to the woman who was fast becoming her best friend. She knew everything, of course. She was the only one who did. As soon as it happened - the very next morning - Mariss went straight to her.

But, Jules. You don't even have a wang, she joked.

You don't have a wang. Juliet slipped off her stool and came over to Mariss was. Your man wants to see you with another woman. He thinks it's only fair that you return the favor, since you had Sebastian a few times. She shrugged.

They'd discussed this before they made the decision to find a man for a double penetration, one of Mariss' fantasies that Holden had indulged her with for her birthday last year. That was how they'd met Sebastian. His obsession with her had driven them into a year long relationship of sorts.

You don't have to do anything for me. This one is a freebie. Juliet winked.

Are you going to give him head? As well as seeing Mariss with another woman, Holden wanted to get head from two women at once.

Juliet nodded. I will. For you. She winked and Mariss shook her head.

Don't flirt with me, cause I'm not into it.

I can get you into it.

Juliet closed the spaced between them and kissed Mariss before she could protest. Her hand went to the back of Mariss' head so she couldn't pull away. She kissed her friend back simply because she was so startled by it. Even though she felt nothing from the kiss, she let it continue because she knew Holden was watching and it would turned him on. After a few moments she got into it.

Holden came up behind her. His chest pressed to her back. His large, rough hands snaked beneath her blouse and caressed her skin. She shuddered under his touch and pressed closer to Juliet whose hands snaked around and grabbed Mariss' ass.

On the counter, Holden said. His voice was deep and husky in her ear and it vibrated through her body. He unzipped her skirt, pushed it down her hips, and onto the floor. Then he turned her to face him. Holden's lips pressed against hers and his tongue invaded her mouth. Mariss sucked at it. Her arms wrapped around his neck and his hands slipped around her hips and under to lifted her onto the island. His fingers slid down her front, unbuttoning her blouse.

Holden grinned and pushed the satin top from her shoulders. I want to see you with her. He nuzzled his face against her chest and nipped at her breast. Please.

Yeah.

Yeah? He smiled.

She smiled back. Yeah. She'd do anything for him. No only because she loved him, but she owed him that much.

Holden nipped at her stomach. Mariss flinched away with a giggle. Her husband was quickly replaced by Juliet who winked. She hooked her fingers in Mariss' panties and pulled them down over her hips.

Holden climbed up on the counter behind her. His hands pressed firm against her arms, running slowly over her skin. His lips played across the back of her neck.

Juliet rubbed her nose against the inside of Mariss' thigh and made an appreciative sound before her tongue found just the right spot. Mariss moaned, leaning her head back against Holden's chest. His fingers unclasped her bra, setting her breasts free so his large hands could knead them.

Juliet's tongue flicked languidly up and down over Mariss' clit. She moaned as sensations thrummed through her. With Holden behind her and Juliet between her legs, she felt trapped, but in a most delicious way.

Mariss dropped her head back as delight set each nerve in her body tingling. Juliet's tongue slipped inside her. Mariss moaned at the sudden intrusion. Her hips rocked against the counter and she leaned back, bracing herself on her hands so she could press closer.

Damn, she's responsive, Juliet groaned. This is probably the worst time to admit I have a bit of a crush on you.

Everyone knows, Holden chuckled behind her. You're not the best at hiding it.

Juliets lips locked around Mariss most sensitive place and she cried out with surprise and pleasure.

Don't make her come just yet, Holden said. His lips were pressed against her ear, his voice soft and low, his breath warm and gentle. I have plans for her.

Ooh, Mariss moaned. She'd meant to make a witty remark, but the way Juliet's tongue flicked against her took the words out of her mouth. A moment later, Juliet's finger slid inside her.

I'm not sure if I can help myself. Juliet worked her finger in and out of her at a slow, steady rhythm. Mariss writhed against her, wanting more. Needing more.

My turn.

Mariss turned to Holden, expecting him to take her on the counter with Juliet watching. Instead, he helped her down. He'd stripped down to his boxers, a cute pair with hearts that she'd given him as a joke for Valentine's Day.

We can go to the sofa if you want, he suggested. So you don't have to kneel on the tile.

I think he wants that head now. Juliet's voice was full of humor.

Of course, he does. Do men think of anything else?

Holden smacked her on the ass as she turned away.

If it's not head, it's pussy, Juliet laughed.

Holden sat down on the sofa and pulled Mariss onto his lap. His tongue invaded her mouth once again and he kissed her until her breath came in ragged pants. Mariss' body ached for Holden's, but he wasn't ready to give it to her just yet.

All too soon, Holden pushed her away and to her knees on the floor infront of him. Juliet knelt on the other side of her. Together, they pulled his boxers over his hips and down his legs to pool on the floor at his feet. Holden sprang free and rested heavily against his thigh. Mariss hated to compare, but he and Sebastian were very nearly the same size. She grinned and took him in her mouth.

I want both of you, Holden reminded, his voice a little strained.

Sorry, she said with a wicked grin. I couldn't help myself.

Greedy.

Mariss let her tongue caress his member this time instead of taking him in her mouth. Even with her eyes closed, she knew when Juliet joined her. Their tongues touched once or twice, but Mariss ignored it. Occasionally, she peeked up at her husband's face to find it twisted in pleasure, the corner of his mouth twerked up at one side.

Finally, he stopped her with a hand on the back of her head.

That's enough, he said. I want you now.

Holden pulled Mariss onto his lap so she was straddling him. She gasped at the intrusion, so sudden and complete. He bumped hard against the end of her, and then kept going. It may have hurt, but it was a good kind of pain. The kind that made the pleasure that much better.

Mariss rode him as hard as she could. Soft grunts escaped his lips, but he was otherwise quiet. Juliet sat on the other end of the sofa, touching herself. Mariss watched for a moment, fighting to ignore the deep desire that settled across Juliet's features while she watched Mariss fuck her husband.

Before she realized it was happening, Mariss came. Her body rocked against Holden's as pleasure hummed through her. He lifted her, and turned her around so she was laying against the sofa, all without coming out of her. His body slammed down on top of her, over and over. Holden's hips worked in and out, in and out. Mariss writhed, her body on fire from the pleasure rolling through her. She cried out as a second climax shattered her into a million pieces. Holden's overtook him a moment later.

I love you no matter what, he grunted as his body stilled over hers. He pulled back far enough to stare into her eyes, his own full of something she didn't want to accept.

You two are like a bunch of bunnies, Juliet said, breaking the trance, but not killing the mood. I think the roast is burnt. You two go shower while I try to salvage dinner.

I'll take care of you when I'm done, Mariss promised. Holden took her by the hand and led her to the stairs, heedless of the fact that they were still naked. In the large master bath, he started the shower and nudged her under the spray.

Holden cradled her body against his in a tight embrace that suggested he didn't want to let her go.

Are you okay, baby? Mariss asked.

I just want a minute, Holden said. Or twenty.

Mariss chuckled and turned in his arms. She pressed her chest against his and rested her head on his shoulder. With a deep sigh of contentment, Mariss decided that in Holden's arms was her happy place.

CHAPTER TWO

Steampunk Bassy

Mariss grabbed the back of her skirt and pulled it around so it was out of the way. It only covered her backside. The front of the skirt was possibly considered an ultra mini, but it fit more like a belt. She wore a skin-tight pair of pleather leggings with high-heeled boots that buckled up to her knees. Holden had specifically disliked that her stomach showed, but Mariss assured him that it was only a costume and if anyone tried to get fresh she'd break their nose.

Three Red Wife authors had steampunk books debuting within the next few months. To promote them, Mariss, her staff, and the three authors decided to attend a steampunk convention in the heart of New York City.

You look hot, bitch, Juliet told her as they worked to set up the display table. Contrary to what Mariss had first assumed would happen, things were not awkward between them since Juliet confessed having a crush on her three months ago in Mariss' kitchen while she sat naked on the counter.

I know, Mariss joked. That was the point. Brit should be here in a half hour with my authors.

Would have been nice of them to help set up their own displays, Juliet complained.

Yes, well, the three of them are divas, and when you put them together you have a whole senior class of mean girls.

Juliet laughed. I can't believe you just said that!

Why not? You know I'm a bitch.

Yes, I know a side of you few others do, but that was hillarious. Mean girls. Juliet shook her head.

We're early!

Mariss looked up at the excited announcement to find her other best friend, Brit, leading the three authors in question. They looked Mariss over like they couldn't believe she would dress so fantastically, and turned up their noses. Mariss reminded herself that she was not only getting paid for this event, but for the books being sold this weekend and in the future.

Hello, ladies. Mariss made sure to keep her tone polite and professional. We're just about done setting up your tables. Brit, when will the other girls get here?

Not sure. They left before I did and I had to pick people up, so they should have been here by now. Did you check the room?

Mariss shook her head. No, but I should have.

I'll do it. I'll be back in a few. Brit pranced off. She was always so upbeat.

Mariss turned as someone behind her cleared their throat. She thought it might sound familiar, but when she looked up, her breath escaped her in a silent, Oh.

Sebastian was resplendant - as always - in his white dress shirt. A black tie tucked neatly into his vest which was, of course, topped by a tux coat. His dress slacks were also black and fit him better than anything she'd ever seen. A gold chain clipped to his vest and hung from his breast pocket. On top of his head was a top hat, complete with goggles and gold clips up the side. If he'd been wearing a monocle, she might have lost her shit right there.

Dear god, Mariss gasped. Steampunk is a good look for you.

Thank you, Mrs. Red. Sebastian bowed at the waist, sweeping his hat across his stomach. You look quite lovely, as usual. A woman stepped up beside him and Mariss immediately recognized her. You remember Officer Nora Copenhagen?

The police woman had been Sebastian's arresting officer when he was incorrectly accused of raping Mindy, the young woman in his office the day she'd gone to see him.

And, of course, the infamous Mindy.

Mariss nodded at the waifish blonde who stepped up on his other side.

Hello, Nora. Mindy. Nice to meet you both.

Mindy is my assistant now, Sebastian said, a touch of humor in his tone. I had to let Rachel go.

Juliet is here somewhere, Mariss replied. I'm sure she'd love to slap that gorgeous accent right out of your mouth.

Sebastian chuckled. The sound touched Mariss in all the right places, sending shivers of anticipation over her skin.

Bassy, have you seen my gun? Mariss turned to retrieve the device they'd special ordered for the weekend and hefted it so she had it in both hands. She struck a pose and winked. It was longer than she was tall. Doesn't even fit in my hands.

A lopsided grin split Sebastian's face. He slipped one hand into his pocket and tilted his head to the side.

Come here, then. I have something a little more manageable for you.

Mariss giggled. You wanna hold it? Or are you too British? she taunted.

If I didn't know better, I'd ask if you were drunk. Sebastian let go of the pretty police woman hanging off his arm and reached for Mariss' gun.

"We call it the Red Wife Gramma-tron 2000, but don't be fooled. This sucker has enough kick to knock you on your ass."

Kick, huh? Sebastian asked. I have something you'd get a kick out of.

Mariss' body clenched low. She shifted her stance, crossing one leg over the other, hoping it would help relieve the pressure without causing attention, but the way her skin flushed would be a dead giveaway. This could not happen again. She would not cheat on Holden ever again. The guilt from the last time was already too much for her to handle. Building on it just wasn't a good idea.

That upset you.

Mariss blinked up into Sebastian's concerned eyes. What? He was far too perceptive for his own good.

Your face dropped just now. Your eyes turned sad. I thought we were joking. I didn't mean to upset you.

Mariss smirked. She couldn't help it. Awfully close to an apology, there, Mr. Boa.

Sebastian smiled. It won't happen again. Rest assured.

Mariss chuckled. Why are you here, anyway?

Sebastian's eyebrow went up. We're partners in business, remember? I'm here because you're here.

You're stalking me, aren't you?

Maybe a little. His smile was shameless.

You're incouragible.

That's what my mother tells me. But I really am here to make you look good, Mrs. Red. He winked. It's my job.

Mariss pursed her lips so she wouldn't laugh. Sebastian, you're a mess. I don't need anyone to make me look good. I do that all by myself.

His smiled softened. Yes, of course you do. I should get back to Nora. She is my date after all. I'll be around though, Red.

Sebastian touched her cheek. It was nothing more than an affectionate tap, but it sent heat spearing through Mariss' body.

Having sex with him had been a huge mistake. She'd hoped it would get him out of her system, but it had only made things worse. Now she was paying the price.

She needed it to be Sunday so Holden would be here. Sebastian was only here to see her, but she got the impression he didn't care whether he got laid or not. Had he changed that much? She couldn't imagine why.

Despite her infidelity, Mariss' love for her husband was no less. In fact, it might even have been stronger for it. If only she had the courage to tell him the truth about what had happened, but she didn't want to lose him.

Sebastian, she heard herself say. When he turned, his eyes were curiously subdued. We're having dinner at the hotel restaurant later. Why had she just told him that? Bring your ladies. Inviting his date and his new assistant did not make it okay. Juliet will be there. And that certainly wouldn't help.

Sebastian nodded. I'll be there.

With that, he walked away.

Are you doing the constume contest Sunday? Juliet asked, popping up out of nowhere. Her face said she was glad to have hidden from Sebastian so well. Before you say no, keep in mind that I already signed you up so you have no choice.

Mariss' best friend grinned at her.

Of course, I'm doing the costume contest! Mariss said dramatically. I'd be a fool not to!

Great! We're all in, then. Talk Sebastian into doing it. I bet he'll win.

Mariss laughed. He'll win as soon as it's announced that he entered.

His girlfriend was looking good, though, Juliet said in her feel-Mariss-out-to-see-what-she-thinks voice.

Yeah. Officer Nora Copenhagen. The woman who arrested and interrogated him six months ago.

Juliet gawked, but quickly wiped the look off her face. No. I shouldn't be surprised. It's Sebastian, after all. How are you doing?

Like when this weekend is over, you and I have to have an 'ice cream confessions' night. Mariss shivered through the residual sexual heat caused by Sebastian.

It's scheduled, Juliet said kindly.

I'm thinking Monday night.

That bad huh?

Mariss nodded. Do not let me drink tonight. Not until…dammit. We have the room party after dinner.

"Yeah. I'll take care of you. Promise. No worries. I won't let