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“Let’s just say I am a little concerned for them. Your style might make those boys panic.” A small smile pulls at his lips.

“They should have thought about that before going after my wife.”

“I promise I will make it very clear to them.” I scoff. “Please, Bruce.”

“Where is she?” I ask, ignoring his offer to handle it himself.

“Surprised you do not know. She should be at her desk or in the lunchroom by now.”

“Thanks, Dec,” I say, leaving his office.

I call Ice.

“Hey, boss,” he answers.

“Where is she?”

“In the lunchroom with the ladies.”

“Thanks.” I hang up.

I head straight for the lunchroom and find her there, eating and laughing with her friends. A few guys sit at the next table. My eyes scan the room quickly, assessing everything. Ice is watching them. He notices me the moment I step into the doorway, but my wife is still caught up in her conversation.

I observe quietly, and it does not take long to identify which one of the men keeps staring at her.

Jola and her friends finish eating and begin to rise from their seats. One moment she is laughing at something one of the women said, the next her expression shifts, her mouth parting in surprise as she sees me.

I walk toward her, closing the distance with purpose. Gently, I lift her chin. Her eyes search mine, confused, questioning what I am about to do. I pull her close, my hand settling firmly on her lower back, holding her against me as I kiss her.

It is not subtle. It is deliberate.

A clear, public statement.

The kiss is deep and insistent, carrying a controlled intensity that leaves no room for misinterpretation. I feel her respond, caught between surprise and something else I know too well. When I finally pull back, her cheeks are flushed, her eyes wide, still trying to process what just happened.

Without breaking eye contact, I slip my hand into my pocket and take out her ring. I take her hand and slide it back onto her finger, where it belongs. I lift her hand to my lips and press a slow, deliberate kiss against the ring.

“Make sure it is never removed,” I whisper.

I lean in and kiss her temple before straightening. I give a brief nod to the other women. One stands frozen, her mouth slightly open, while the other stares at us in stunned silence.

“See you at home, Mrs. Powell,” I say casually as I turn and walk away, as though I have not just made a very clear statement to everyone in the room.

I can feel her eyes on me as I leave.

I suppress a smile, knowing she will have plenty to say about this tonight. What she does not know is, I am not done yet.

Chapter seventy-two

Lexi/ Jola

I watch my husband leave after kissing me to the point that my knees feel weak, like we were about to make love for everyone to see. My co workers are gazing at me, their faces a mix of shock, curiosity, and maybe a touch of amusement. Tricia stares in wonder, as if she craves a dose of whatever Bruce has given me. Vivian’s gaze is fixed on me, as if I have committed a grave betrayal. My thoughts churn with the secret I hold, a secret my brother has yet to discover, all while Bruce openly reveals us to everyone.

The guys wear expressions of calm understanding, as if they are not surprised. I turn to Ice, and his shrug tells me Bruce did not confide his plans to him either. I am annoyed, and since I do not want to fight with him, I will be giving him the silent treatment for the next few days. I know exactly what to do.

I return to my desk and focus on my work, blocking out my emotions. No one is talking to me, and that is perfect, because I still cannot believe Bruce just outed us with that level of PDA.

You still enjoyed the kiss though.