Page 11 of Jade: Chance Are

I finish planning and setting goals before packing up for the day.

ten

Naseer

I placed a call to my PA informing him of the news that we would be moving offices effective immediately to the LaBelle Fleur building and he needs to start the arrangements for our move. A good thing the king has never been particular about where I work long as I do what is expected of me and keep all information secured.

I couldn’t get any work done with Jade, this close and a freaking force that I have no idea how to get past standing between us. I called Raheem to inform him of Jade’s return, he sounded just as shocked as Brian and encouraged my patience. A virtue I lack and seem to be in demand when it comes to Jade.

After making several phone calls to fill my day and my mind, I go in search of Jade. It’s like my mind can’t grasp that she’s here and can’t understand the frosty feeling surrounding us. I’ve always stepped into the building for meetings and left right away, never exploring.

The moment I step into the lunchroom all I can see is danger for Jade. That’s where my mind is as my eye rove in search of her. I find her getting hugged tightly and kissed on the cheek by a guy who I assume is one of her team. They are laughing and excited. Jealousy slams my heart instantly. I can’t hold her, and this guy is freely doing that as her boisterous laugh fills the air. It’s good to see her laughing and happy. I’ve missed that look on her face but I’m menacing at the thought of this guy being the source of her laugh. I want to fucking break his hands, but I guess my intense stare is a clear message to stop touching my wife.

They both stop and turn to the table with the rest of the staff. I leave as I reel in my anger and jealousy. I head straight to Josh’s office.

I found him on the phone with his wife. He’s giving me the look like I should leave, but I remain standing and staring at him.

“Let me call you back, dear. I have his annoying highness staring at me.” He hangs up as I smirk at him. I’m used to his mockery.

“What now, do you want, Naseer?” A poked Josh is always fun.

“I need a memo out that avocado can longer be served in this building and all powdered gloves removed.”

“What? Why?” His brows furrow like I’d just made the dumbest request ever.

“Simple. Jade is severely allergic to avocado and powdered gloves. Since you want me to be nice around here, having something that can harm her would not make me nice to anyone so what’s it going to be.” I give him a Cheshire cat smile that I know he dislikes.

“Who is Jade?” he asked, perplexed.

“Ms Diaz, my wife is Jade, that’s her middle name.” He nods. “Are you going to get the memo out and instruct the kitchen staff not to serve avocado and not use powder gloves.”

“Naseer, you are the one person I know that can eat avocado with …”

“I gave it up, the moment I almost killed her,” I interrupt, just as he stares shockingly at me.

“You gave up avocado?” I shocked Josh, something I didn’t think was possible, but guess I could because he stared at me wide-eyed with a quizzical look.

“Yes, and you can quiz me later but right now. I need catering staff to stop serving it in this building because it’s a danger to my wife.”

“People are not going to like this, they have it on every day because the staff loves it.”

“You pay them enough; they can eat it at home and outside of this building. I know Jade, she’s going to be here and dedicated to getting everything you agreed done and I can’t afford for her to be harmed and I’m sure you don’t want the project interrupted if she gets sick.” That latter finally connects to his brain.

“Fine, just so you know, the staff is going to dislike you.”

“I can live with that as long as their avocado doesn’t harm my wife.”

“I’ll have Traci draft it. You, Ken, and I would have to sign it to make it the new policy.”

“Thanks. Can you have her get it done right away and I can sign it before heading to the palace?”

“Fine.” I leave Josh’s office and then head to check on Jade to make sure she’s okay after being in that lunchroom. She tells me her assistant had her covered, food-wise, which is good. At least someone has her back when I’m not here.

I want to talk to her about the guy she was hugging, but I’ll leave it alone for now. I can’t get past this invisible thing that stands between us. There’s a longing in our eyes and an itch to touch and hold each other, yet something keeps her on the other side of me. That unknown thing is powerful enough to make Jade avoid looking at me.

I head out after texting Rilwan that I’m on my way down. Trying to make sense of what’s keeping Jade from me.

On the ride to the palace I say to Rilwan, “Jade is here.”