Page 134 of The Protection Agreement

“Time for me to go. I’ll see you at home,” I say, squeezing his hand. He squeezes mine back. “Ms. Debbie,” I say, walking past her. I need not be polite.

I get to Grayson’s desk to find Ice already waiting for me. Grayson and I chat a little bit about music and playlists, checking our Spotify account on our phones and adding new songs.

“We need to get going,” Ice interrupts.

“Bye, Grayson,” I say, following Ice.

We get on the elevator, and as soon as we arrive at the lobby, I notice my phone is still with Grayson. I turn to Ice.

“My phone is with Grayson,” I say. He frowns at me, and we get back on the elevator.

We get to the office in time to hear Debbie talking about my marriage. Grayson immediately turns the volume down.

“Sorry, boss always wants me to record his meeting with her. He doesn’t trust her,” he says, but I’m charging with anger, and I open the door to his office.

Chapter seventy-seven

Bruce

“You can’t possibly be intentionally married to that young girl,” Debbie says, like my being married is unintentional or some trap I don’t know about. I need this crazy bitch to state her business soon and leave.

“And if I am?”

“I give it a year tops, and you will come running back to a real woman. Ain’t no way a girl like her can handle a man like you.” I sense her and look up to see my wife at the door. I’m unsure what to say to her as she takes guarded steps into the room. I want to get up, but Jola’s laser beaming eyes have me stilled in my seat for fear of being sliced. I remain seated. She walks up to Debbie.

“Me again, I don’t believe Bruce properly introduced me earlier.” Her tone is firm as she puts her hand out. Debbie takes her hand. “Hi, I’m Debbie, Bruce and I go way back,” she sing songs, which upsets me.“I’m A J Lloyd, Bruce’s wife and I’m very certain I can handle him just fine.” Debbie’s mouth drops open as she quickly drops Jola’s hand. First time my wife introduced herself as A J Lloyd.

“I’m sure you can, I meant no disrespect. It was just a joke between two familiar friends.” Her voice shakes. “Did you say A J Lloyd? I believe the only A J Lloyd most people know passed, he was some rich old man.”

“Yes, that would be my dad. I’m A J Lloyd, and I don’t take kindly to disrespectful jokes.” Debbie gasps as Jola’s stance doesn’t waver.

“Ice,” she calls out. He comes right in like he was waiting at the ajar door.

“Please, see Ms. Debbie out,” Jola says with a hand on her waist.

“Excuse me, I have business with Bruce,” she snaps.

“Not anymore,” Jola sternly states. “Grayson,” she calls out and he also comes in right away. He, I’m quite sure, was waiting eagerly. I’m watching my wife.

“Yes, Mrs. Powell,” Grayson cheerfully says. He’s grinning, and I’m sure he hasn’t missed a beat of this conversation.

“Going forward, if Ms. Debbie chooses to continue business with the Powell Security, her point of contact will be anybody but my husband,” Jola commands.

“Duly noted, Mrs. Powell.” I hear the fucking humor in his voice.

“Bruce! Are you going to let her do that?” Debbie shrieks, her discomfiture apparent.

“Mrs. Powell has spoken, I cannot veto her,” I answer as I smile at my wife, who returns a stern gaze at me, the kind you give as a warning. She knew exactly what to do. Ice escorts Debbie out and Grayson follows behind with a big smile on his face.

“Jola—” Her hand is up fast, telling me to shut it.

“Don’t even think about it, and if I find out she steps foot in this office ever again, there will be hell to pay,” she warns. I nod even as my inside is happy at my bossy wife.

“Yes, Mrs. Powell,” I tease.

“Goodbye.” She starts to walk away.

“Can I get a kiss?” I call after her, but she doesn’t stop. I jump right out of my seat, chasing after her. I catch her at Grayson’s desk and pull her into my arms. Taking over her mouth, she tries to resist me, but I’m a determined husband. She soon opens for me, kissing me back.