Chapter 1
Zara
“Ma’am, I’m afraid we can’t serve you anymore.”
The tiny man spoke ruining my mood. He looked nothing older than 19 years old, maybe still in school. Could he legally even serve alcohol?
“Just one more for the road. No one has to know, our little secret.” I smiled adding a wink.
I know my own limits and I’m far from them.
I just need one more drink to keep me company. James had left me to my own an hour ago to talk to “an old friend”. On our anniversary, instead of keeping up our little charade, I was left alone.
To make matters worse, I couldn’t leave without him. Paparazzi was outside, just waiting to get a better shot of the happy couple.
This marriage had started out as a publicity stunt, my dad needed a way to clean his money that wouldn’t raise suspicion and James provided that with his real estate business. And so my marriage occurred, I would marry him, giving him American citizenship and he would give my father a way to clean his money, slowly legitimizing his income.
The only person who stood to gain nothing was me. I was stuck married to a man I didn’t love, pretending for tabloids while stalling my life.
It was somewhat okay when we lived in different cities, married only on paper, existing separately. That is until someone sold the tabloids the story of our deteriorating marriage, only together out of obligation and papers.
The first call was from my father’s advisors, asking I joining my husband in city of Angels as our issues were ruining his campaign for District Attorney. The next call was from James assistant, Aubrey asking I confirm my earliest availability for a flight to LA.
“Listen boy, just give me another drink.” Smile now wiped off.
Instead of moving to get my drink he stayed in place, opening his mouth to offer another excuse. A burly man in a suit much too loose approached with clasped hands.
“Miss, what is the problem this side? A lot of the other patrons are starting to complain.”
“I’m starting to complain too.” I tsked moving to the man, almost taking the table cloth with me, dishware clattering in my wake.
“This young man won’t give me another drink. A long island specifically.” I smiled leaning on what I assume to be the manager.
They shared a look before he dismissed him, gently pushing me off him.
“I’m afraid that’s my fault. We have a strict 4 drink policy. We could get you something else, maybe some water.”
The attention of the restaurant was definitely on us now. I don’t know why; I wasn’t being unreasonable. They have drinks, and I have money. Since when did restaurants have drink limits, I’m not even driving home.
“Get me my drink, it can’t be that hard.”
“I’ll make it myself.” he followed behind me as I headed to the bar. I worked at a bar in university. This shouldn’t be hard.
“Ma’am”
“Ma’am”
“Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
The manager stands in front of me now, blocking my entrance to the bar. The two of him can’t stop me.
It's only when the floor starts spinning and I lose my footing in my heels do I let myself be caught by the managers.
“What the hell is going on here?”
James, I smile turning in the hold of the managers.
A frown is set on his features, my purse in hand. I left that at the table. Good thing he got it.
“She’s drunk and has been causing a disturbance to the other patrons.” His hold has loosened so I slant off into James arms.
“I just wanted another drink. Surely that’s not hard for both of them to get it for me.” I whine.
“Let’s go.” James mutters, a tight hold my wrist.
“Aubrey, take care of the bill.”
The direction he moves is not of my drink but rather the exit.
I plant my feet into the floor, stalling movement. He looks at me suit unbuttoned. Phones have now come out, everyone was watching.
“You can’t get me another drink on our anniversary, oh, so powerful James Kennedy. Buy. It. now. I want it.”
Confusion fills his face. I tended to normally just listen to him in public.
“I want it now.” I repeat louder.
For a second he just looks at me.
Next he lifts me over his shoulder.
His strides are so quick, we’re outside the restaurant in a blink.
The cameras are flashing.
My head is spinning.
Then darkness.
