"Laurence, don't say I never gave you a chance. Apologize right now. Promise to get along with Noel from here on out. I'll forgive you, we'll sign the license like planned, and you'll still be the man of the Sanchez household."
Noel settled in close beside her, all smiles.
"That's right, Laurence. You already lowered yourself to being a kept man. What's with the pride all of a sudden? I'd quit while I was ahead if I were you."
"It's two in the morning, in weather like this. There's not a cab to be found out here, and the nearest hotel is miles away. You'll freeze to death on the side of the road."
The moment the words left her mouth, Lauren seemed to get an idea. She picked up her phone and dialed.
"Call every hotel and motel in Capital City. Laurence Henson is not to be given a room. Anywhere."
My heart plummeted.
This was Lauren's obedience test.
She wanted me to understand that she could dictate my life on a whim. She was training me to be docile, to swallow my pride and submit.
I drew a long breath, then slapped the bank cards down on the coffee table.
Without a second's hesitation, I pulled off the Canada Goose parka and tossed it into the fireplace beside me.