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I get to work on everything that needs to be done. Just as I take a quick breath, my phone rings. Declan.

“Hey,” I say.

“Are you already in the doghouse?” he mocks.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, confused.

“Well, I heard one of the guys on Julian’s team talking about trying their luck with Lexi. She is not wearing a ring. They are pretty sure she is single. Guess you already messed up and she tossed her ring back at you.” He laughs.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, but I will call you back.” I hang up fast.

I call Ice right away.

“Hey, boss,” he answers.

“When were you going to tell me my wife has been going around without her wedding ring?”

“Sorry, boss. First time I noticed, I talked to her and she made me promise not to tell you. She does not want to wear it until Jonah knows about you two.”

“How long?”

“About a week,” he says, and I release a grunt. We have only been married for nine days, two of which we spent in Vegas. So since we got back.

“How did you find out?”

“Well, my dear friend Declan thought I was in the doghouse since some guy is making plans to ask her out.” I exhale. “Where is she right now?”

“In a meeting. I am looking right at her.”

“Good. Bring her straight home,” I snap. I cannot believe she would do this, but I know exactly how to handle it.

By the time I get home, Jola is already asleep, and her ring is on her finger. I chuckle and get into bed beside her. Two can play this game.

The next morning, I leave for work as usual, kissing my wife goodbye. Ice looks at me as I leave, probably surprised I am not addressing the ring situation. I smile and head out. Once I check with Malik and he tells me they are at work, I return home to look for the ring. I find it in her bedside drawer. I did not have to search hard. She probably keeps it somewhere easy so she can put it on before I get home.

I take the ring and head out to her office. I get a visitor pass and go up to Declan’s office. He sees me and starts laughing.

“I had a feeling I might see you here today,” he says, laughing harder.

“Who are the guys trying to pick up my wife?” I ask firmly.

He stops laughing immediately.

“Come on, Bruce. They did not know. They see a beautiful woman with no ring and no mention of a boyfriend. They just want to try their luck.” He explains

I nod and take a seat. He waits quietly for me to speak.

“So, you would not react if some guy tried to make a move on Anne?”

His scowl is instant.

“Sure. If he has activated his life insurance.” His voice turns hard.

I raise a brow.

“Fine. I get it. I will warn them off your wife,” he says.

“I can handle that myself,” I respond.