EX-HUSBAND'S BOSS FOR VALENTINE

POWER PLAY

MELANIA:

One might think I’m insane for making Brady pick out a divorce attorney, but I have him right where I want him. He’s a loyal dog to Royal, and winning this case is a must. Imagine hiring the lawyer who makes you lose seventy percent of your net worth—laughable.

It takes a moment for the shock on Brady’s face to fade, his lips pressing into a thin line. Being in control feels too good.

“Is there anything else you need me to do?” His attempt at humility is almost amusing.

“No, that will be all.”

As I finish speaking, Royal interjects.

“You heard her. Get us the best divorce attorney and make sure she wins the case. I can’t imagine what would happen if this ever got out. I know it’ll be bad enough that I married a married woman, but worse, to lose a case against an unimportant riffraff.”

Royal sounds furious, but the fact he’s taking a jab at Brady makes it more satisfying.

Brady clears his throat. “In the absence of any other duties, I’d like to take my leave, sir.”

Royal raises a brow. “That is, if you permit me,” he adds.

“You may leave.”

Brady walks off at once, and as soon as the door clicks shut, Royal turns to me, his gaze locking onto mine. How could I forget so soon that we were entangled in our little world of raw passion and, probably, lust?

He inhales sharply. “What we did is…”

“Normal between two adults,” I cut him off.

He presses his lips into a hard line, tilting his head slightly as I stare down nervously. I think he notices because he closes the space between us, making my heart pound.

“I understand this isn’t the best time to talk about this, considering your pending case, and I won’t put any pressure on you. I swear. You’re doing me a favor, and I’m grateful, so I’ll give you all the space you need.”

My breath hitches, and I look at him with a heavy chest. I don’t even know what I want at this moment, but I’m sure space isn’t it. I’m just scared to give myself to someone again, and Royal isn’t the type to be in a romantic relationship. If this is casual, and I end up falling for him, I’d be a fool.

“Thank you for understanding,” I finally say.

“So, we’re cool?” he asks, and I nod.

“Good. I need to get dressed and check in at the office. I need to see how things are running.”

“Sure. I’ll just be in the room until I feel like coming out for lunch or anything else.”

I turn at once, making my way upstairs. Once I’m out of sight, I pause, clutching my chest. I have to ground myself. Focus. I try to convince myself that I’m just seeking a rebound and couldn’t possibly be falling for Royal, but even I don’t believe it. He’s just so different. He’s gentle with me, even in private—something I’ve never experienced before.

**

I don’t realize I’ve fallen asleep until my eyes flip open. Looking out the window, I see it’s dark. Sluggishly, I sit up and let out a yawn as my stomach rumbles. I pat the silk bedsheets, searching for my phone, and when I find it, I check the time—six in the evening.

“f**k, how did I sleep for five hours straight?”

“Because the bed is very comfortable, and if you’re not careful, it steals the hours of the day,” a deep voice responds.

I look up to see Royal sitting on the chaise lounge, a newspaper in hand. Who the hell reads newspapers in this era? We literally have everything on our phones. Then I remember—he once said he doesn’t look at tabloids. Did he lie?

He folds the paper and stands. He’s still in the clothes he left in, and somehow, he looks even hotter than this morning.

“Your yawn tells me you’re famished, Melania.”

“Maybe,” I say with a shrug.

He extends his hand. “Well, dinner has just been prepared.”

I force a smile, still thinking about the newspaper in his hands. Regardless, I place my hand on his, and he pulls me out of bed, steadying me.

We make our way downstairs, where he leads me to the beautifully decorated dining table. It’s just the two of us, and I expect him to act indifferent, but he doesn’t. He pulls out my chair before sitting himself.

I inhale the aroma of the meal before us, my stomach twisting with hunger. Royal mutters a quick prayer before we begin. He sits at the other end of the table, separated by its width, and as he eats, I can’t help but watch him.

Everything about this man is hot. From the way he picks up his food to the way he chews—every damn thing.

He clears his throat, and I quickly look down at my plate before his eyes can meet mine. My cutlery clangs against the porcelain as my hands tremble slightly.

“Mel.” His raspy voice calls my name, making me pause.

“Brady got back to me earlier. He’s found an attorney to take your case.”

I sit up, nodding. “That’s great.”

“Yes, and while the case is ongoing, I’ve decided you’ll need a personal bodyguard.”

My brows furrow. The last thing I want is someone watching over me like a child.

“Royal, you—”

“I’m not asking, Mel. I’ve already decided, and I let you have your way with your ex-husband’s case, but if you don’t want me intervening further, then you’ll have to accept this.”

His tone is heavy as he makes a fist, and I glare at him without words..