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The moment the elevator opens, I’m out like a rocket is up my butt. Luckily Lucy isn’t at her desk, making it easy not to fake any more smiles.

Docking my laptop and checking my calendar. Work is my focus today, nothing else matters but work. “Today is a regular day,” I remind myself; I know within me that it’s not another regular day. Naseer is going to stroll in soon. I need to start building my walls before he gets here. Lucy comes right in

“Morning, Mariam. We missed you yesterday, but I hope you are feeling better.”

“Thanks, Lucy, I’m much better.”

Lucy ran through the daily task speedily; I barely heard her. My mind is raving. The reality that I’m dancing with danger keeps nagging at me. I did respond to Lucy but I’m still on autopilot. My mind isn’t clear.

I get into my zone the only thing that can take my mind off Naseer. Lucy soon pops her head in to remind me about my meeting with the partners, Orion, and I need to be at the meeting.

Josh and Ken were already seated when we walked in. We do the talk shop dance. We discuss the project, where we are, and what they should expect in the coming weeks. I head back to my office and Naseer is sitting right there calmly like nothing is wrong.

“Shield up,” I mentally command. I attempt to ignore his presence.

“Good afternoon, Prince Naseer how can I help you,” I say the words, biting my tongue to not ask him why he was in my bed.

“Hi Mariam, just thought I check to see how you are feeling.”

“Much better, thank you for asking.”

“Good,” he says, rising. I want him to bring up being in my bed, “Okay, I’ll see you later in the day” he says walking out without a backward glance.

His actions mentally bitch slap me to shock, what’s he doing. I ran out, of my house to avoid speaking with him in my bed. I expected him to address my leaving without acknowledging him. He’s now acting like it’s not a big deal or he wasn’t in my bed, throwing me off. “Fine, two can play this game,” I seethe, feeling dismissed.

I had my power suit and my shield built for the fight, but he left quietly, almost playing mind tricks on me, but I know better. He was there.

I didn’t imagine him. I know what to do tonight but before tonight though, I willed my Thor armor to smash every salacious craving in my body for Naseer so I can get to work and be out of here. Yeah, that didn’t work, my traitorous body is still humming.

After lots of squirming and mind mantras, I focus on work, I’m able to get a lot done before Lucy asks about the meeting details, she always keeps me in line.

I detail the meeting that had gone off without a hitch. Josh and Ken are so happy with the work. The next meeting is scheduled with the marketing team in a few weeks, which will be after the annual ball, which is also meant to showcase the new designs. We can then start to wrap up the whole new look of LaBelle Jewelry. I can almost see the bold new look making waves in the world. She leaves once we are done talking and I return to my zone.

Lucy pops in again to remind me of my next meeting with our team. We let our team know the update, our employer is happy with our work. The day goes by quietly, with no Naseer stopping by to ask about my lunch or what I’m doing later.

Much as I hate to admit it, I miss his presence, no way am I going to admit it.

I leave work on time today and head home. I’m mentally tired. I talked with the caretaker about changing my lock. I call Knox and we talk briefly. I say a quick good night to the twins and go to sleep. Of course, I woke up again to find Naseer in my bed. What the fuck! I thought yesterday was a one-off. I’m so not ready to address these mind and body games. I quietly and briskly get dressed and leave.

Naseer always sleeps like a log because during the day he’s an energizer bunny.

I arrive at my desk, after taking my morning tea, I’m expecting him to show up, but he doesn’t stop by all day. I work late, till my laptop shuts down on its own. I speak with Knox on my way and shower, then get in bed.

Like a mind fuck, I wake up to Naseer’s back. Should I scream or push him out of my bed? I see the scars. I gently touch them, the way I used to. I was going to kiss the scars when my subconscious screams at me What the fuck are you doing? Pulling back, I get out of bed, dress, and leave again. How does he keep getting in?

The building caretaker had said that I couldn’t change just the lock, it was custom made that I might need to change the entire door, which is ridiculous, so I opted to put bolts and chains. I had two put in and this morning they aren't unlocked when I got to the door.

What crazy Houdini moves is Naseer pulling on me? I have a wooden rod blocking my back door, so I know it’s not open.

The third door is the adjourning door by the kitchen, which is built to give a man with two wives access to each quarter or children can go from one quarter to the other, something common in Rhanaz. I know a lady is living next door and you will need to have both keys to access the door and the door doesn’t look like it has been disturbed.

He’s playing mind-boggling games. I refuse to think about him or address the situation in my bedroom. We’ll discuss it when he shows up today. I’ll bring it up if he doesn’t. This has got to stop.

I get to work and focus on work. Lucy and Shay keep giggling like little girls. I finally had to ask, “What’s going on with you two?”

“Nothing but we are thinking about going out tomorrow night since it’s Friday, care to join us?” I wanted to say no but I could use a night out with all the crazy moves Naseer is pulling.

“Sure, I could use a night out. Where do you guys have in mind?”