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When I spoke with Naseer on the phone, he would have said something if he knew. Unless I didn’t say anything crazy, or Ken didn’t tell him. Either way, I’m going to play dumb but stay vigilant.

I have no idea how I made it home, but I remember throwing up this morning and Naseer giving me pain pills, just how did he get into my apartment? I might need to have a word with the building caretaker. I need my locks changed.

I called Lucy. Just to let her know my state and knowing her, she’ll spill right away if she heard anything about me.

“Hi, Mariam. Are you feeling better?”

“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry I texted you late that I’m not feeling well.”

“Don’t worry about that, Prince Naseer told me when he came to the office that he spoke to you and you’re sick in bed.”

“He did, that’s good. I had stomach flu. I must have eaten something that just turned my stomach. How’s work and everyone today.” Telling her I was out drunk with the company’s partner doesn’t look good.

“All good, feel better, and don’t think about coming in.”

“I won’t come in today but will log on soon to get some work done.”

“Don’t stay up too late and see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow, thanks, Lucy.”

I hung up with Lucy and headed back to my car. On our drive home, I changed my mind and told him to drive me to the market. At the market I buy a few local stuffs, that I know my dad would like. I picked up dinner. I don’t have any energy to cook.

I arrived back home a little later than planned. I eat, wash, and put my hair in cornrows so I can wear a wig tomorrow to work, I then call Knox and my children before going back to bed.

The word Work isn’t in my dictionary today, I’m never trying any cocktail drink again. Ever

Early night for me so I can start early tomorrow and catch up on lost time. I say goodnight to Mr Sam my driver and change into my sleepwear. I’m mentally tired, though I didn’t do anything. I have a low tolerance for alcohol. I need to remember that. I soon fell asleep.

My body stirs into strong arms that are wrapped around me. It’s gentle, caressing, and feels good. It’s been a while. I whiff the smell. I know this smell. I love this smell. I trace my hands on the body and feel the scars. My body relaxes more because this is home, my happy place. I spoon more into the body. This is a beautiful dream. Everything is acceptable in my dreams.

The masculine hands caressing my body, oh it feels good. I drift into sweet dreams. The loud alarm sound wakes me. I groan and try to reach my phone to snooze or stop the loud ringer, instead, my hand touches a masculine body. A scrambled sleepy brain is instantaneously replaced with deer in headlight.

I jump out of bed as I watch Naseer groggily turn off the alarm and go back to sleep. Reality dawns on me. I wasn’t dreaming. All my spooning and caressing was real, facepalm. I exhale. I want to scream but now is not the time. I need to pee is pressing.

I step into the bathroom and lock the door. Splashing water on my face, I stare at myself. Maybe I’m imagining things. The alcohol must still be in my system. After drying my face. I step back into my bedroom. Nope it’s not a dream, Naseer is in my bed, and I spooned with him last night. I’m upset that he used his key to get in and climb into my bed, but I can’t fight him in my sleepwear. I need my power suit. I had set up for today last night.

I returned to the bathroom, showered, dressed, wig on with the power suit and make-up, I left for the office like he was not there. No way am I going to fight with him half-naked in my bed.

I need neutral grounds and a word with the caretaker when I return this evening from work.

I expected to see his car with the royal plates and guards neither was outside my place, getting into my car like I wanted to scream at the world. I head to the office.

Ken and I arrive at the elevator at the same time.

“Good morning, Mariam. I see you are feeling better.”

“Good morning, yes, I’m feeling better.” I feign a grin. I need to grin to replace what I’m feeling which I’m not sure what it is right now. I wantonly caressed and spooned with Naseer last night.

All I have against him, technically, is the fact he crawled into my bed, but I didn’t kick him out. Now that’s the core of my anger and it’s eating at me. My subconscious craves him. My droughty vajayjay wants Naseer.

“Mariam, did you hear me?”

“Sorry, what did you say, I was busy logging my to-do for today.” I feel a need to cover up my real thoughts.

“Meeting at one today,” he says, looking perplexed at me.

“Yeah, sure, I’ll be there,” I responded with a grin again.