A blonde woman from the accounting department has been glaring at me since two days now, ever since I started working here. It has started to annoy me now but I'm trying my best not to let it get under my nerves.

My first thought is to assume the worst, that she could possibly be one of the women James has slept with but we talked about, the list is much shorter than I imagined it to be and he promised me that there's one who's employed at the company, except Amy.

Amy! That woman is another disaster altogether. I've become way too insecure ever since James and I first slept together. There's this constant comparison that goes in my head about how inexperienced I am, and whether or not James is actually happy with me. I understand how a lot of it is irrational, so I've been indulging in positive affirmations as much as possible.

I also called Dr. Wilson to shift my Friday appointment to Saturday since I cannot excuse time from internship now.

"Hey, want to exchange?" Yash asks, interrupting my thoughts and I jump a little because of how distracted I was.

I look down at the file I had finished going through as he offers me the one he was reading and nod, passing it to him. He doesn't say a word, just gives me an amused look, clearly catching me lost in thoughts before he starts skimming through the documents.

David has been assigning us a lot of reading material, past investments and to draw out the review reports of the same. It has been fun so far, new learnings included but sometimes the figures get too much.

The blonde passes by our desk and narrows her eyes at me, making me look away as I sigh, wanting to shout at her because I really don't understand what her problem is.

"Do you know her or something?" Yash asks and I shake my head, rubbing my temples.

"No, is it that obvious?" I sigh and he gives me a pity nod. "God, I don't understand why people can't mind their own business."

He frowns a little but lets it go, not questioning me further. I feel the need to go meet James because of how annoyed I am. We got tested yesterday and the report is due tomorrow, which is under thing I'm a little nervous about even though I'm pretty sure we're both clean.

I pull out my phone and decide to drop him a text even though it's just an hour before my leaving time.

"Missing you a little."

His response is almost instant, which makes me smile. "Not very nice of you to use working hours for texting your husband, love. Missing you too."

I shake my head, grinning before keeping my phone aside and getting back to reading the report and making notes side by side. The next hour goes in a blink as I start discussing some pointers with Yash and he makes some very crucial points that I make a note of.

"Walk you out?" Yash asks and I shrug, gathering my things.

I drove myself here today, making use of the new car that I've absolutely grown to love. James had a breakfast meeting so he left a little early while I was still in bed. When we reach the elevator, it's just the two of us inside and I press the button for first floor.

"We have to go to the lounge tomorrow, it's definitely at twelfth floor because anything above that are for higher authorities." Yash begins, "I've heard the new CEO is an ass."

I can't help the laugh that leaves me at his words, covering my mouth with my hand and he gives me a questioning look.

"Yeah, I've heard so too." I grin, agreeing with him because I can already imagine James's amusement with this statement. Well, it is kind of true. "Have you met him?"

"Nope, can't imagine. I saw his photo somewhere and the man looks intimidating." Yash sighs as we step out of the elevator and make our way towards the door.

Just as we exit the building, my phone starts ringing and I frown, holding up a finger for him to wait as I look at James's name flashing on the screen.

"Hey." I speak into the phone.

"How lost are you to not realise my presence when I'm nearby, I thought I had an impact on you?" His tone is amused and I can't help but laugh, "Turn around."

I do as he says and he's exiting the building, his face filled with amusement and I can't help the grin that takes over my face as I keep the phone in the bag. He approaches me, his arm immediately going around my waist.

"A little self-obsessed, are we?" I look in his eyes and he smirks at me, shaking his head as he pulls me closer.

My eyes go to Yash who seems to be observing our little encounter with his jaw in the air. I bite my lip to stifle my laugh, feeling a little bad that this is how he's finding out about me because he's been extremely clueless since past couple of days.

"James, this is my co-intern, Yash." I turn towards him and he seems to snap back into his senses as I look back at the man who has left him stunned. "Yash, this is my husband, James."

Yash immediately extends his hand forward, looking between the two of us, "Great to meet you, Sir."

James smirks at me a little, as if asking me to be a witness of the impact he has on people, like I don't already know! I'm on the other end of it almost always.

"It's good to meet you too. She speaks highly of your work competence." He shakes his hand, his words making me smile because of how appreciative he's being.

"Really?" Yash looks at me, clearly surprised and I shrug in return. "Thanks, I guess."

He gives him a small smile and looks back at me, "Ready to head home?"

I nod and wave at Yash who smiles hesitantly at me, waving back as he starts to walk away. James turns to me, his smirk still intact as he looks at my face.

"What?" I ask, noticing the look I'm receiving from the other employees who are leaving from work.

"I like how you introduced me as your husband." He clicks his tongue and I blush a little because I didn't realise how I probably shouldn't have done that. "I'm serious, Lil. It's a good change."

I nod, smiling at him, "How did you even recognise me from behind? You didn't know what I wore today."

"C'mon, baby. Give me some credit, I can recognise this ass anywhere." His hands land on my hips as he gives it a light squeeze, making me gasp as I gape at him, making him chuckle.

My cheeks flame up as I shake my head at him, which only amuse him further as we start walking towards the car where Reece is standing and I turn to him.

"You know I drove myself, right?"

He must've forgotten it because he looks at my parked car in distance and then at Reece, "Anyway have to pick some boxes from the mansion. I'll ask her to make that trip, and I can drive with you?"

I nod, moving to the car as he moves to talk to Reece and I expect him to ask me for the key to drive which makes me pause and he arches an eyebrow when he approaches me, waiting for me to unlock the car.

"Are you going to let me drive?"

"Isn't this your car?"

"Yeah, but..." I trail off, shaking my head which makes me him laugh.

"I have faith in your driving skills, don't worry."

Ignoring his comment for the moment, I unlock the car and slide in the driver's seat while he occupies the passenger one. I put my bag in the backseat and start the engine and feel his gaze on me.

"I'll believe you have faith in my driving skills when you'll let me drive your car, you know which one." I grin and he smirks, shaking his head at me.

"One day."

I drive out of the parking space and James sets up the music in the car. "How was your day?" I ask, glancing at him for a second.

"Good, tiring, same old. Yours?" His hand comes down to rest on my upper thigh, the familiar warmth spreading through me and I narrow my eyes at him. "What?"

"If you don't want to end up in a hospital, don't tease." I warn him and he laughs, giving my skin a light squeeze before removing his hand. "I had a good day too."

"We've got a party to attend on friday evening." He informs me, scrolling through his phone with a scowl. "It's some client's kid's fifth birthday, and they are throwing it at a fancy hall. What hell is wrong with people?"

I notice the annoyance in his tone and decide to strike a topic that has never come up between us because it's too early to discuss it but I'd still want to know his opinion on it.

"Do you like kids?" I ask.

I notice the way his body freezes a little at my question and feel his intense gaze on me, "Depends. Are you pregnant?"

"Yes, that's what this is about." I joke, moving on the familiar road to our apartment building.

He must realise my sarcastic tone because he sighs, "I am indifferent to children, I have never been around any but I know throwing a formal evening party for a five year old is not the way to go about it."

I nod, agreeing with him as I park the car and we both get out. He immediately pulls me to himself, his body providing me warmth as we make our way to the elevator.

"What do you think about kids?" He asks me, pressing the button to our floor.

"Pretty much the same as you, but I know I'd like to have my own some day, if given the chance," I say, my voice a little hesitant because I had given up on such thoughts the day I got married to him.

"Okay." He nods, moving to step out and I frown at him.

"What does that mean?" I ask as he unlocks the apartment and he shrugs at me. "Yes, going to need more than that."

"It means alright, we'll plan when the time comes. I'm not completely closed off to the idea, but it's just too soon. I'm too young, and you're way too young. Like I said, we'll discuss and plan when the time comes."

His answer makes me relieved because that's exactly how I feel so I nod at him, moving to keep my bag on the couch as he removes his jacket and sits down. This feels extremely normal that married couples do — have conversations as they walk in after work.

"Come here." He motions for me and I don't say a word as I make my way to him. He pulls me to his lap and I sit sideways, knowing that straddling him wouldn't be very comfortable in the clothes I'm wearing. "Do you want to go out tonight?"

"On a weekday?" I arch an eyebrow and his smirk broadens a little as his hands roam around my legs.

"Yes. We owe it to Alex and Hale after we cancelled last time." His lips press on my neck and my breath falters a little.

I think I've lost count the number of times things have started with just a single touch here or there — a touch is stretching it at this point, one lustful look and we've ended up with our clothes on the floor. Yet I don't think I've got enough of him.

"We can cancel again and stay in, you know?" I offer, shifting on his lap and a very low grumble leaves him as his grip on me tightens.

He rests his chin on my shoulder as I lean forward to kiss him, my lips meeting his in a slow movement because of how much I've missed him. Every day my feelings for him grow, because every day James shows me a side of him I never thought could exist.

He really does have this whole new side of him that exists behind his intimidating aura. He does make me anxious with one wrong look but mostly it's been like wrapping a huge birthday present with many layers. I can't wait to win my prize because I know how badly I need it — his heart, because he already has mine.

My hand moves to his chest as he leans back in the couch and moves his lips against mine, the heat in my stomach beginning as our tongues meet, drawing a moan from me when his hands land on my blouse.

Within the next half hour, our clothes hit the floor as James continues to make me moan his name in the most desirable manners. He strokes my hair as I try to catch my breath, a grin on his face as he takes in my heaving chest as he lies beside me on the couch.

"You should work out more apart from the short morning run, you know?" He teases, wrapping the strand of my hair around his finger. "We can work out together."

I laugh, shaking my head, "Yes, I know exactly how that will go."

He smirks, uncurling his finger around my hair, "I'll make it worth your time."

"Mmm, will you be my personal trainer?" I ask, turning my body towards his and his eyes shine with amusement as he draws his finger on my belly, tickling my skin a little.

"Yes, ma'am. Will cater to your every need." He kisses me and I can't help but smile against his lips. "Hale really is going to kill me if we cancel it tonight."

I groan, parting away as I stare at him. "What have I told you about keeping your best friend's name away when we're naked?"

He grins, pinching my sides as he sits up, taking me with him which makes me shriek a little. He pulls on his briefs and gives me his shirt as he puts his hand forward for me to take.

"For the record, I fucking hate using condoms. Tomorrow this goes and I can't tell you how amazing you're going to feel after that." His words immediately make the already satiated heat rise in my stomach and he gives me an all too familiar look. "Later, tonight. I promise."

He kisses my hair and I nod as we make our way to the bedroom after I pick up our clothes and throw them in the laundry basket once we get in.

"Where are we going?" I ask, moving to the closet to pick out something appropriate to wear.

"For drinks."

"Should I wear a dress?"

"Yes, hon. I wouldn't want to break someone's nose for staring at you while you're naked."

His words make me snicker as I roll my eyes. As I pick out a violet strapless dress, my thoughts go back the woman who kept staring at me today. James picks out a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt and a thin black jacket for himself.

"You're wearing something that casual?" I grin and he gives me a side look. As I turn to him completely, I decide to ask him instead of messing up my own head. "Do you know a particular blonde from accounting?"

He frowns at my question, and I know I have his complete attention. "I know a lot of blondes, a name would narrow it down?"

"I don't know her name but she has been giving me the same looks that I receive from Amy. I know you told me that you haven't slept with anyone else at office, so..." I trail off, because I do trust him, but there has to be a reason that woman probably wants me five feet under the ground.

"Yes, I was honest about that. Find out a name, and we can figure out what the problem is. A lot of people already recognise you, so you have to understand people are shit, Lil." He says as we move out of the closet. "I've been given those looks because everyone believes that I was magically handed over the company. So it's probably something similar, if it gets too much, just talk it out."

I nod to his words because he's right. If the staring doesn't stop tomorrow, I'll ask her what the issue is, because it really makes me restless to have her glare at me like that.

"I'm going to take a shower, how much time till we leave?"

"You've got half an hour."

James uses the bathroom in the lobby for taking a shower as I do the same because I still haven't gotten around the idea of sharing one. After we're ready, we leave the apartment and Reece drives us to the river street because James plans on drinking, and I'm sure I'll take a drink or two.

"When you said drinks, I didn't assume we were going clubbing." I tell him and he smirks, bringing my hand up to place a peck as we surpass the waiting que.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine."

I have never in my life been to a club. James nods at the security in front as they let him pass. Sometimes I forget how popular this man is, and how much power he holds. Once we're inside, the different air hits me. It's not filled with the smell of the alcohol, it's just different with the dim lights and people dancing on the floor.

"Don't leave my side." James whispers in my ear, his breath hot against my skin and I nod, inching closer to him as his arm comes around my waist.

He leads us to a stairway and we make our way up, the sound of the music dying down a little. A waitress approaches us and smiles at James, her eyes roaming around his built and I can't help but glare at her while he gives her a nod, moving us to what looks like a private space.

I immediately recognise Alex and Hale who seems to be in a heavy discussion but stop when they realise our presence.

"Lillian." Alex greets with a smile as she stands to give me a quick hug which I return. She's dressed in a beautiful black dress that ends above her knees.

Hale is wearing a denim jacket as he gives me a very tight hug before parting away. Alex and James exchange a quick hug while Hale just pats him on the back and that's the end of their greeting.

"Drinks?" Hale offers and I nod.

"Bourbon for me, cosmopolitan for her." James tells the waitress who seems to be eyeing both the men now, annoying me but as his hand slips down my lower waist, drawing circles, I calm a little under his touch.

"You know I really don't know how the two of you met." I look at Hale, who chuckles, giving a sideways look to James who narrows his eyes at him.

"You don't wanna know." Alex tells me which peaks my interest even further.

"Tell me." I look at James who sighs, motioning for Hale to explain.

"He was sleeping with my girlfriend back then." Hale explains and my eyes widen as I look at James who's already staring at me to gauge my reaction.

"This was when you were eighteen?" I ask him, receiving a nod. The mention of a girl he was sleeping with is a little bothersome but not a lot because that's his past. I look at Hale, "How have you guys gone from there to here?"

He smirks, looking at his best friend, "I found out, punched the shit out of him only to realise that he had no idea she was in a committed relationship. So just to balance my guilt out, I cleaned his wounds and then we had couple of beers."

"Wow." I breathe, a laugh leaving me because I can't imagine James banged up like that. "And you forgave him?"

James shrugs, taking the drinks as he offers me mine. "It wasn't either of our faults. I mean, I couldn't understand his rage back then but now with you, I can."

I stare at him, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "No plans on cheating on you."

"Good." He squeezes my side and I grin at him. He turns to Alex and Hale, "If both of you are serious about this shit, you need to disclose it to HR, and it won't be a problem since you're literally the head of the department."

Alex blushes a little at his comment and I can't help but be a little amused at how direct he always is. Hale just rolls his eyes, his hand moving to hold Alex's and I can't wait to grill him with questions when it's just the two of us.

"We'll take care of it."

A very familiar annoying voice hits my ear and I turn towards the end of the table to see Chloe standing there with Amy and two guys who seem to be ogling both of them.

"Jimmy!" She shrieks and James's face splits into a smile as he looks at her. "My god, I requested this space and they said it was already taken so I asked who the hell was here, but then they told me it was you."

James chuckles, standing up to greet her with a hug, just nodding at Amy which satisfies me a little because I really would've lost it if she was anywhere near his body.

"C'mon, we just got our first round. Join us." Hale offers, looking at me when his eyes land on Amy but I don't give anything away.

"Alex, right?" Chloe asks, taking a seat beside her and I scoot in the seats a little, somehow ending up sitting between James and Hale with my husband sitting next to his ex-fling.

"Yeah."

"Oh great, I'm Chloe, James's step-sister." She grins, turning to the blonde guy by her side, "He's part-owner of the club."

"What?" I look at James, not being able to contain my surprise. "You own this place?"

He shrugs, "Co-owner."

I'm the only one who looks surprised by this new information, making the redhead bitch smirk. Her boy-toy is completely forgotten about as she discreetly scoots closer to James, but I notice her moves. God, please give me strength to bear this night.

Alex seems to be oblivious to everything while everyone indulges in a conversation. Chloe keeps eyeing James which annoys me further, Joan's words ringing in my head as Hale and him continue to converse while I sip on my drink.

He orders me another one which I finish in one go and he looks at me, "Woah, go slow, love."

I offer him a sheepish smile, knowing well enough that my tolerance level is pretty average. I move my body closer to his as Amy brushes her hand with his, annoying the hell out of me.

"Let's do shots." Hale announces and I immediately agree.

"Yes, tequila!" I grin and James smirks at me.

"If you get sick, I'll leave you here."

"No, you won't. Your possessive ass won't even entertain the idea of anyone touching me while I'm drunk." I tell him, making sure I'm audible enough to the bitches who have ruined my night.

"Drunk or not, no one can touch you, Mrs. Clark." He kisses my neck, his words low and meant only for me as heat rises in my body. He brings his mouth to my ear, his teeth nibbling my skin as he whispers. "Now be a good girl or so help me god, I'll take you in the restroom."

A gasp leaves me at his words, and I gulp, taking his words as more of a challenge than a punishment because suddenly my body feels the need for him.

"Can we go dance after this round?" Alex asks me and I nod, agreeing even though I'm not a great dancer but I don't go out much, so I might as well have a good time.

"Will you come along?" I turn to James and he nods, making me smile because I don't think James and I have ever danced together apart from the wedding day which was a huge disaster.

After we all down tequila shots, except James who sticks to his third drink of bourbon, I take his hand. "C'mon, time to dance."

"I didn't know you liked dancing this much." Hale comments, his eyes moving to Amy who seems to be sulking.

"I don't, but I'm a little tipsy, so I'm planning to have a little fun." I stick my tongue out at him, which makes him laugh.

"C'mon, I'll dance with you ladies till the time he finishes his drink." He tells me and I look at James who nods.

"Yes, go ahead. I'm right behind you."

Chloe and her boy-toy join us too as we make our way to the floor, and I notice from above that it's pretty crowded on a week night too. My nerves kick in a little as we descend the stairs but then Hale orders us another round of drinks so I drown the shot, calming my nerves that seem to be kicking at the thought of James up there with Amy.

When we get to dancing, I realise that Hale is worse than me at dancing, which is a great motivator as I laugh. "Hale, want to make a signature step?" I ask, Alex giving us both a look.

"Yes! C'mon babe, it will be our thing." He encourages Alex who shakes her head.

"Both of you are crazy."

She then follows us as we throw our arms in the air and then roll our wrists, intertwining them, moving them down to our knees, repeating the same and then interlocking arms with each other and moving in crazy circles, my stomach aching a little from all the laughing at Hale's crazy steps.

"Oh-oh." I hear Chloe behind me and I turn to her, Alex and Hale lost within themselves. "What do you think about that?" She smirks, her eyes moving to the upper level where James is standing with Amy.

Our eyes meet for a second and I can't seem to make out his expression from the distance but then I see Amy's hand coming to cover his. Fuck. I feel my breathing stopping.

"Yup, thought so." Chloe chuckles before disappearing, taking my smile with her.

I keep staring as James seems to pull his hand back from her touch and Amy steps closer to him, making him speak something. She talks back, making me want to hear what the hell are they talking about but then I look at James's body closely, he seems to be shouting at her. Fuck.

Amy takes a step back and James storms away from her side as he takes the stairway down and makes his way to the dance floor, his eyes searching until they land on me.

I make my way to him, my insides crumbling a little as both of us close the distance between us. "What was that about?"

"Nothing you need to worry about, love." He grins at me and I can't help but smile, knowing that he just turned down the woman who has lately become the reason of my insecurities.

I slam my lips against his, not caring if we're in public and he doesn't seem to mind either as his arms come around my waist and he closes the distance between us.

James Peter Clark officially has my whole fucking heart.

•••

next chapter in James's POV. what do y'all say?

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