“Why do you give a fuck about her?” He takes a step toward me. He’s really all over the place. I’ve never seen him show this kind of emotion. It’s way out of character for him.
Ivan and I have about the same build. It would be a fair fight, but I’m not looking for one. Not when I have a wife I’m still trying to win over, and a busted lip or black eye won’t help with that.
“I care because Julieta was willing to quit her job and drop everything to rush to Rae’s side. Rae’s well-being affects Julieta’s well-being. Anything that has an effect on my Julieta is my business.”
“I want Raegan,” he says through clenched teeth. I stare at Ivan in shock that he actually admitted that out loud. Honestly, I didn’t think Ivan noticed men or women. I’d often wondered if he was asexual.
“All right. I stay out of your way, and you stay out of mine,” I offer. “In fact, we could probably help each other. Rae and my Julieta are close. If you’re really doing this—”
“I’m doing it.” I can tell he’s serious from the determined look on his face.
“Then we’re going to have to get used to each other, old friend.”
Ivan nods. “She’s in your office now?”
“Yes, eating with Julieta and her brother.”
“She has to work in an hour,” Ivan says, glancing at his watch.
I don’t even bother asking how he knows that. I guess I know what Ivan’s been doing since his plane landed. Plus, who the hell am I to judge after the way I got Julieta to come to me?
“Then I’m sure she’ll be leaving soon and then I can take my wife home.”
“Wife?” Now it’s his turn to be shocked.
“I move fast.” I smirk. “You should take some notes.”
“You blackmailed her.” Of course, Ivan connects the dots quickly. He’s always been a smart fucker. Sometimes I think too smart for his own good. Logic can actually get in the way at times.
“I did what I had to. Don’t cast your judgment. I don’t think you’re far behind,” I say before I leave him standing in my conference room to get back to my Julieta.
When I enter my office, Julieta’s head turns my way, and she gives me a smile. I don’t think she sees it as blackmail. She’s not mad. Her smiles come easily for me.
“Come on. We've got to go. I need to go home and change before my shift,” Rae tells her brother before she hugs Julieta.
“Text me your schedule. I want to hang out soon,” Julieta says. She doesn’t look like she wants Rae to go anywhere.
“You’re always welcome at our home.” I extend an open invitation to Rae for Julieta. From the look at Julieta’s face at my words, I know I’ve won a few points.
“Good, 'cause I’ve still got some questions.” Rae tries to glare, but if I had to guess, she’s the type that catches bugs in her home and frees them outside.
“Any time.”
They finish their goodbyes, and soon I’m once again alone with Julieta.
My wife. My everything.