Seeing him hesitate, Elysia added, "If you''re free, you cane with us. If not, you can just focus on your work. We won''t be gone for long anyway, just until the break is over."


    Tarquin nodded. "I''ll check my scheduleter. When are your parents nning to leave?"


    "Tomorrow."


    “I''ll arrange the private jet.”


    "Okay."


    The couple chatted idly as they arrived at Blissful Uncle''s Bar. Stepping inside was like opening a door to a whole new world. The inside of the bar was apletely different universe from the quiet, low-profile, and discreet exterior. Inside, it was a dazzling world of mour and music, pulsing with energy and filled with handsome men and beautiful women.


    Blissful Uncle''s Bar was closed to the public tonight. Everyone inside was either a friend of Tarquin and Keaton Huber, or a friend of a friend. To celebrate Tarquin''s birthday, Keaton was being incredibly generous and was covering the tab for everyone. He had even gone to his family''s private wine cer and brought some of their best bottles.


    When Richard caught him raiding the private cer, Keaton didn''t miss a beat. “Winona asked me to grab these,” he lied smoothly. “It''s Tarquin''s birthday, and Elysia''s joining us. Winona wanted to make sure we had something decent to toast with."


    At the mention of his potential future daughter-inw, Richard''s demeanor instantly changed. He immediately ordered a staff member to haul out an entire premium case. "Take these," his father ordered. "Make sure Winona looks good in front of her friends."


    And so, using Winona''s name, Keaton conned a case of fine wine out of his dad and made himself look like the man of the hour. Meanwhile, thepletely clueless Winona had been used as an unwitting pawn!


    On the stage on the first floor, a beautiful woman was performing a sensual dance. Her hot body, daring moves, and sultry gaze made even Elysia''s cheeks flush. The men in the audience were cheering and whistling wildly.


    Keaton and the main group were in a private room upstairs. Most of the people downstairs had been brought along by friends to fill the space and weren''t in their immediate social circle. So, no one recognized Tarquin.


    He led Elysia toward the stairs. "If it''s too loud for you," Tarquin said, "we can just say hi and then leave.” He knew Elysia wasn''t fond of noisy bars.


    Elysia immediately shook her head. She might not love it, but she certainly wasn''t going to be a party pooper. "It''s not often I get a night out without the kids. I was actually nning to have a few drinks with Winona and Blossom. Don''t you dare ruin my fun."


    Tarquin chuckled. Elysia nced at the dancer on stage again, curious. "Is this what all men like?"


    Without even looking, Tarquin said, "I only like you. Not just someone *like* you, but only you."


    Elysia felt a sweet warmth spread through her. She looked at the


    l.ne


    dancer one more time andplimented. She''s a real good dancer."


    Tarquin immediately replied, "Not as good as you."


    Elysia said, "You didn''t even look!"


    “I don''t need to. I already know my wife is the best dancer."


    Elysia pouted. "How can youpare without looking? You''re just blindly praising me."


    "In my heart, my wife is the most beautiful, the most exceptional, the pinnacle of everything. No one else canpare," Tarquin said.


    Feeling as if she''d been fed a spoonful of honey, her heart


    swelling, Elysia remarked. "You used to look down on me. You said I was dumb and foolish and that you''d never in your life make a move on me."  s?novels


    Tarquin''s jaw dropped. "I said that?"


    "Mhm, you did."


    "Impossible! I''m not blind. How could I have said something like that? You must be misremembering."


    Elysia pouted. "Not going to admit it? The readers all remember."


    Tarquin grinned. "I''ll bribe the readers with more sweet moments. We''ll get them to pretend they have amnesia right along with me. I was young and reckless back then, didn''t realize how powerful love is. If le knows I would fail this hard for you, you couldn''t have paid me to say those things."