I stood silently next to my mother-in-law, listening to her tell an employee how I wasn't her first choice for daughter-in-law but that she'd had grown accustom to my presence. I smiled politely, enduring this disrespect for the man I loved. I promised him that I wouldn't argue with his mother during her stupid little party.
She threw cocktail parties for her employees every six months as a thank you for their hard work at her ad agency. Each time, she invited my husband and me so that she could show him off and remind them how much she despised me.
My husband must have sensed my pain as he suddenly walked up behind us, wrapping one arm around his mother and the other around me. "How are my two favorite Mrs. Saunders'?" he cheerfully asked.
I opened my mouth to respond smartly but he silenced me with a pinch on the ass. He smiled and I couldn't help but return it. He knew me too well.
His mother smiled happily and said, "Oh, we are doing just wonderful, Calvin! Samantha and I are getting along beautifully. Why I was just telling April that, wasn't I?"
She looked to April for confirmation who nodded her head uncomfortably. She was a newer employee and not used to this psychotic woman's antics.
"Good," Calvin said. He kissed his mother on the cheek and smiled at her again. He turned to me and moved in like he was going to kiss my cheek also. Instead, he bent his head and sank his teeth into the side of my neck. My knees went weak and I could barely stop myself from moaning out loud. He flashed me a mischievous grin, gave my ass a squeeze before walking away.
I glanced at his mother to see if she noticed her son's actions and the resulting flush on my face. She seemed oblivious as she continued talking as if Calvin had never been there. April, on the other hand, looked at me with a slightly raised eyebrow and look of amusement. I smiled at her and took a sip of wine to cool myself off.
"Samantha, dear, would you mind checking with the chef and seeing how much longer until more crab puffs are ready?" Mrs. Saunders asked me.
"I'm sure the servers will bring them around once they're ready."
"Yes, but you now how I adore those little puffs and I'd hate for everyone else to get to them before I do. Why don't you just bring me a few if they are ready?" She smiled sweetly and I knew she was enjoying sending me off to the kitchen as if I were part of the staff as opposed to her guest.
I forced a smile before turning on my heels and heading towards the kitchen. Calvin caught my hand as I stalked past him.