get in the way of something that could be genuinely beneficial to my organization in the long run. Because as much as I disliked her on a personal level, I also knew that she was a pro when it came to hosting fundraisers and galas. It was practically her superpower.
Sure, she’d probably use any opportunity she could to get back in with Ford, but she was probably going to do that anyway, fundraising or not. After all, she had the rest of the Malone family on her side. I should probably be grateful that she hadn’t been invited to dinner tonight.
The other (depressingly obvious) thing I needed to take into account was that my relationship with Ford wasn’t even real. Our whole marriage was a sham—a sham with a ticking clock attached to it. I had no right to be jealous and possessive about his exes. Especially since there was no doubt in my mind that the minute the ink had dried on the divorce papers, Claudia would be all over him, offering him her “support.” It was inevitable.
Even though I hated thinking about it, I had to be realistic.
Did I want to work with Claudia? Hells to the no. Did I know—in my deepest of hearts—that she would be able to bring money and attention to a cause I would give my right tit for? Yes. There were just so many people we could help with this.
Mid-turmoil, Munchkin let out a cartoonishly loud doggie snore from his bed across the room. Ford let out a chuckle, and then Munchie did it again, and before I knew it I was joining in with the giggles, Ford and I both laughing until we were gasping for breath.
“He sounds like the tiniest little chainsaw,” I said, which set off Ford all over again.
Once I had myself under control, I slid over to Ford’s side of the bed and climbed on top of him, nuzzling his neck as his hands came around to massage my back.
“Okay,” I said, sighing.
Ford paused. “Okay what?”
Judging by the growing bulge in his pants, he had no idea that I was referring to the fundraiser, rather than suggesting we have sex. Not that I was opposed.
“I’ll let the fundraiser happen. I’ll accept Claudia’s help,” I said. “Your parents’ too. If they’re willing to help with See Yourself, I’d be happy to have them.”
He took a moment before saying, “I’m glad. I think it’s the right thing to do.”
I wasn’t exactly sure about that myself, but I hoped he was right. While we were on the topic of his parents, however, there was one more thing I wanted to discuss.
“One more thing,” I said, just as Ford slid his hand down the back of my pj pants.
His hand stilled, mid-grab. “Yes?” he asked.
It was clear from his tone that he was done talking. But this was important.
“I don’t understand your relationship with your parents,” I said. “Why you’re so set on pleasing them all the time when it seems like nothing you do ever makes them happy.”
“That’s not true,” Ford said defensively.
“It isn’t? They were nothing but disparaging tonight,” I pointed out. “Your mom found something to criticize about everything—the deal you made, your new hire, even your headshot. And your dad, no offense, might be the most passive person I’ve ever met.”
Ford sighed, kissed my forehead, and then gently moved my body off of his. Apparently any possibility of sex was now off the table.
“My parents have high standards,” he said. “All Malones do.”
Then he rolled over, his back facing me.
“Why do you let them be so hard on you?” I asked, refusing to let it go so easily.
“I don’t let them do anything.”
“But—”
“You don’t know anything about my family,” he said harshly. “Let it go.”
“Well, I’d like to,” I said. “I’d like to understand.”
I held my breath, hoping he would talk to me. Confide in me. Like he used to back in high school. And for a long, long moment, I thought he might. But then he just let out a sigh.
“It’s complicated,” he said. “End of discussion.”
Feeling dejected, I stared up at the ceiling, listening to his breathing smooth out, wondering if I’d ever get the truth about his family. If I’d ever get the truth about anything from him.
Maybe it was time to stop hoping I would.
Emzee
Chapter 18
The last time I’d been called in for a private conference at DRM with my brothers, Stefan had told us that the Russian mob was threatening our family.