He picks up another forkful of cake, but I move his hand toward his mouth. "Try it. It's delicious."
He bites into it and nods. I take a sip of water and then he does as well. "You're right. It's pretty good. Good call making me get this for you."
I wiggle my eyebrows. "You can still spread it all over me if you want."
He chuckles. "Maybe after you get some rest. I don't recall ever seeing you so exhausted. If Noah and Ears are working you too hard—"
"They aren't!" I interject, then yawn and say, "Tell me about the charity event. How did you get everything donated?"
The ego that I love so much washes over him. He leans his face toward mine, claiming, "Because your husband knows how to get things done."
I laugh, confirming, "I'm aware of this."
His face falls. "You and I have the same opinions on these events. I hate them just as much as you. But, if we can do something good with our status, then we should. So let's be the couple that does better."
Everything about his statement makes me happy. It's just another reason I love him so much. I curl into him and lean up to kiss him.
He returns my affection.
I retreat. "Hey, I-I wanted to ask you something."
He arches his eyebrows.
My pulse increases. I inquire, "Have you told my father we're married?"
A brief moment of anxiety fills his face. It disappears quickly, and he replies, "No, I haven't. Why do you ask?"
I should have considered it long before now. We've been married for over a month. But I've been so engrossed in Riggs and my career that it didn't occur to me. I admit, "Today, it crossed my mind that you and my father are business partners. At some point, he's going to find out. How is that going to work for you? Plus, once my singles get released, and the promotion begins, it won't be hard for him to figure out how to find me."
Surprise registers on Riggs's face.
I blurt out, "We should have thought about this."
"Why? Are you regretting marrying me?" he questions.
"No! Of course not! I hate for you to have to deal with my father's wrath, but I also don't know how we avoid it."
Riggs chuckles.
"What's so funny?" I question.
Arrogance washes over him. In his most confident tone, he answers, "One, your father and I aren't going to be partners much longer."
Shock fills me. "You're not?"
His eyes darken so intensely, a chill runs down my spine. He tightens his arm around me and affirms, "No. And two, there's nothing your father can do to hurt you or me. He's weak."
I don't doubt Riggs's strength, but I also know my father.
Riggs sees my worry. He strokes my cheek, insisting, "You have nothing to worry about, pet."
I hesitate, then ask, "What did he do to you? Will you please tell me?"
A few moments pass, with tension building between us. Riggs finally rolls onto his side, strokes the curve of my waist, and says, "This is between us."
"Of course," I reply.
Riggs studies me, then announces, "Your father stole from our client accounts and me."