Page 9

After the news of Naseer’s nuptial, which has me reeling. I made the phone call. Since I’m integral in bringing him and Mariam into the same room. Mariam tried to hide it, but she was clearly shocked to see Naseer had I known of their marriage. I wouldn’t have agreed.

“Hi, I’m guessing you now know why I insisted he must be in the first meeting,” she says as soon as she answers the phone.

“Yes, I do, and you didn’t tell me she’s his wife,” I forcefully say.

“I just found out too. I didn’t know they got married. Neither of them mentioned it.”

“I’m not happy about being tangled up in this. Now, he’s going to be working in this building and he’s only here because of her. I hope he doesn’t mess up the work environment.”

“He won’t; his only focus is her. As long as she’s there, he’ll be good but if anyone does anything to remove or harm her then I can assure you the environment wouldn’t be pleasant.”

“Fine, I’m going to need to find out if she’s still willing to work on this contract.”

“I doubt she would back out.”

“Well, I’m not asking you, I will ask her, that way I’m not making things worse for her.”

“Fine.” She hangs up without saying goodbye.

I toss my phone and exhale. I feel like I have tangled myself into something that I shouldn’t be involved in.

nine

Jade

I fired up my laptop, but I can’t work. My mind is a tangled mess. Orion comes right on schedule to discuss our plans. I somehow got engaged in the conversation without showing or expressing how messed up I am.

After the meeting with Orion, I head to the provided lunchroom with my team. It doesn’t take long for me to realize this is a danger zone for me. Lots of avocado-eating people. It’s everywhere.

Lucy notices and manages to get a plate of food from the back for me without trouble. Just as I’m finishing my meal.

Kelan comes in happy, though that’s his usual default. He’s certainly a cheerful programmer. He pulls me into a hug and whispers, “Rose is pregnant.”

My eyes widen with joy, and I hug him tighter. In his excitement, he lifts me off the floor and kisses my cheek, then pulls off and dances twirling me around and we laugh. I laugh with joy and excitement with my half-Korean and half-black friend at the news of his wife’s pregnancy. They’ve been trying for a while now, and I’m so happy for them. My laughter dies when I see Naseer’s fiery eyes and clenched jaw honed at us. Kelan must have felt it too because he stops all the excitement and turns towards the table. I turn away from Naseer’s hardened intense stare and grab my plate for the garbage. I return to sit with my friends and we all quietly continue with the excitement of Kelan’s news.

Naseer doesn’t know Kelan and I are close. We were friends before we started working together. Rose, his wife, is my hairstylist and Kelan used to help in the shop before they started having money issues, I brought Kelan on board with my team since he was a programmer. We are a close-knit team. I wouldn’t like Naseer ruining my team with his possessiveness.

After lunch, I return to my office to try and get something done. Naseer this close is already messing up my mind and I need to find a way to stay focused.

Didn’t take long for him to show up. Shield, I mentally shout. We stare at each other, neither of us speaking for a moment; distance, I remind myself.

“Were you okay in that lunchroom?” Now, that’s unexpected.

“Lucy got my food from the back; I probably won’t go in there again just to avoid any accidents” he nods.

“Your assistant is efficient, that’s good.”

“That she is,” I answer avoiding his eyes.

“I’m heading to the palace, and I’ll see you later today.” I nod, not sure what to say to that considering I should be avoiding him. He leaves without a backward glance.

As soon as he’s out, Lucy comes in, closes the door, and takes a seat. Without a word, I know it’s the moment of truth and if I want to survive and put a distance between myself and Naseer. Lucy needs to be in the know. My tensed-up body relaxes once my mind accepts the decision.

“Please tell me what’s going on, so I can do my job efficiently. The rumor is that Prince Naseer never stays in this building after a meeting. They are currently setting up an office for him, which has everyone shocked, and he has stopped by to see you twice in one day,” she succinctly states maintaining eye contact with me.

“I want you to promise me that you won’t tell anyone what I’m about to tell you.”

“I promise,” she says, with unwavering eyes. I sigh.