IMPECCABLE TIMING

ATLAS’S POV

“Mr. Knight!” Salem whisper-yelled the second we stepped into my office.

I released her hand and locked the door before turning to face her. “We are finally in a private space, Salem. What did I say about dropping the titles?”

My voice sounded stiff, but that was because I was one wrong move away from completely losing my mind.

I couldn't even begin to explain how pissed off I was.

My office was just across the hall, and she had allowed herself to be slapped and humiliated in front of everyone as though she weren't a fucking Knight.

Why was it so hard for her to ask for help?

My eyes remained fixed on the injury at the corner of her lip.

Salem turned a bright shade of pink and lowered her head. “Sorry, um… Atlas.”

I smirked, shaking my head slightly. “Come on.”

I took her hand again and led her toward one of the chairs in my office before pointing at it.

She stared at me, confused.

“Sit,” I said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

She squeaked and plopped down onto the chair.

So fucking adorable.

“What are you doing?” Salem asked as I walked toward the cupboard and pulled out the first-aid kit “why am I even here?”

“Your injury. I'm going to disinfect it for you.”

When I returned, she stared at me like a deer caught in headlights.

I knelt in front of her, dipped a cotton ball into the saline solution, and gently dabbed at the skin around her lips.

“Ahhh,” she muttered under her breath, flinching.

“Easy now Salem” I said softly.

I blew a little air over her face to soothe the sting before wiping her mouth again.

When I pulled back, she moved to speak at the same time, and our eyes met.

Salem had the most beautiful brown eyes. They were so dark and immersive that they reminded me of a gazelle—wide, captivating, and impossible to look away from.

Staring into them made the world seem to stand still.

Her mouth was slightly open, and I could almost taste her breath—warm and fruity—dragging me straight back to memories of that night…

“You didn't have to do this,” Salem said at the exact same time I asked, “Why didn't you come to me?”

She blinked once, then twice. “W-what?”

“We're married, Salem. Husband and wife. That means that if there's a problem, you come to me for help. Always.” My jaw tightened. “Why did you allow yourself to get hurt like that?”

“Sir—”

I cut her off with a pointed look.

“Atlas, our marriage isn't real anyway.” She shook her head. “I couldn't bear using your connections for something like this. I'm already indebted to you for so much. I couldn't possibly do that. It's not right.”

Right.

She was still thinking this marriage made her indebted to me because of that little bit of money.

It annoyed and frustrated me to no end.

Not just because she still talked down to herself and insisted on carrying every burden alone, but because I couldn't tell her the truth.

I wanted to.

So damn much.

If only it were that easy.

A few years ago, my family and hers had been business rivals. Then my parents won a business deal that put so much strain on Salem's family that they were forced to liquidate.

The day I'd planned to confess my feelings was the same day I heard her crying.

I'd never forget what she said.

I know it's not your fault. It's just business… but why do I hate you so much right now?

Naturally, every plan I had to confess my feelings went straight down the drain.

A few weeks later, I fell sick and had to travel to India for treatment. When I returned, I couldn't find her anywhere.

Not until she applied for a job at my company.

All those feelings came rushing back.

But this time, whenever Salem looked at me, all I saw was fear in her eyes.

Forgive me, but when I found a way to make her mine, I took it.

I never claimed to be a good man.

I wasn't.

I was selfish. Cunning.

But I was also hopelessly in love with a woman I couldn't tell how I felt about her.

Without thinking, I raised my hand and cupped her face.

“Real or not, you're still my wife, and I always take care of my own.”

She licked her lips. “What about Marylyn? You taking me away like that must have really upset her…”

“I don't care about anyone else, Salem.” My gaze hardened. “I didn't marry her. I married you.”

She went silent.

For a full minute, neither of us moved.

All I could do was alternate between staring into her eyes and at her lips.

“Atlas…”

My hand tightened slightly against her cheek.

I leaned down, closing the distance between us, ready to press my lips to hers when—

A loud knock sounded on my office door.

We both jerked away from each other.

Salem looked like an overripe tomato.

I glared at the door, mentally coming up with a million ways to commit murder without getting caught.

“Um…” Salem swallowed. “I think you should get the door, Mr. Knight.”

And just like that, the moment was gone.

I nodded once and stormed toward the door.

When I opened it, Michael stood there with that stupidly wide smile plastered across his face.

“As usual, asshole, you have impeccable timing,” I hissed.

He looked past me and smirked when he spotted Salem.

“Oooh. Is she the one who put you in such a sour mood this morning…?”

I cut him off immediately. I didn't want him talking to Salem.

Or even looking at her.

“What do you want?”

He rolled his eyes and waved a black flash drive in my face.

“Here's what you asked for, Boss. The mystery has been solved.”