Chapter 9

LENNOX 

A frown morphs its way through Ashford’s facial features and his lips paused into a thin line. “What do you want to talk about?” He asks, looking around my office, like it’s his first time coming over.

I heave out a sigh and cross my hands beneath the swell of my breasts. I’m gritting my teeth until he returns his gaze back to me.

“What?” His brows deepen. “Why are you staring at me that way? Like you want to eat me for lunch.” A playful smile stretches across his lips.

Can he ever be serious?

“Did you go to Joshua’s office to see him?” I ask, stepping closer.

“Why would I?” Ashford shrugs, making me throw my head backward. He lies so smoothly I am almost convinced he didn’t go to see Joshua.

I pin him with a knowing look, making him understand I knew he went to see Joshua and there’s no need lying. “You did, Ashford. Just tell me the truth.”

“Okay fine. I went over to his place of work, but I didn’t do anything.” This time, he avoids my gaze so swiftly, it makes me all the more suspicious.

“What did you say to him?” I ask, almost like an interrogation. 

“Nothing much,” He is reluctant to speak up. “I just told him to stay away from you, my fiancée.” The latter part of his words are barely audible.

He knew he was wrong here. 

I roll my eyes at him. I am about to tell him Liana just left, after screaming at me for being a coward and sending my fiancée to confront hers when I knew nothing about it.

But on second thought, I decided to keep it to myself because I am unsure of how he is going to react to that. Knowing the kind of person Ashford is, he will feel guilty for what he did, and for some messed up reasons, I don’t want him to feel guilty for defending me.

I plop on the chair and start to fiddle with my fingers. Another sigh escapes my lips. I’m nervous. I always fiddle with my fingers when I’m nervous or anxious.

“Hey.” Ashford’s soft voice pushes through every nervous system in my body as he reaches out to me. “Everything will be fine. I promise.” He grabs my shoulders, his eyes fill with assurance and it gives me instant relief.

This man….

“Are you sure you’re okay? Did I do something wrong by going to Joshua?” The latter parts of his words are basically for himself. He is asking himself if what he did was wrong.

“I’m fine, Ashford.” Despite shaking in my core, I tell him I’m fine. “And thank you for standing up for me. No one has ever done that for me.” I’m being sincere right now. 

I’ve always grown to tolerate people’s attitude without standing up for myself, but having someone who can do that for me makes me happy.

“You look… pale.” Ashford’s hands move from my shoulders to my face, holding it in place. “Have you eaten today?”

Shit! I haven’t!

I look away and take in my lower lips. “Yes. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“You’re lying.” He can see through me like a transparent glass. “Let’s go get you lunch.”

I’m about to decline, but the playful glare he sends my way has my mouth shut instantly. “Fine! You’re so persistent.” I roll my eyes and a smile stretches across his lips.

I stand up from my seat and make my way into the cafe with Ashford behind me. As I walk, I can feel the heat of his body brushing against me. 

“Nara, can you take care of the cafe? I’m eating out with Ashford.” I ask and before I can even continue, she cuts in.

“You don’t have to worry. Take your sweet time.” She winks at me and I smile.

“We will take our leave now.” I lead the way, while Ashford follows behind me.

  After a twenty minute drive, Ashford’s car stops at a five star restaurant. Once I’m out of the car, I let out a sigh. The restaurant has a floor to ceiling window and for some reason, I hate how exposed it is. 

I’m about to complain, but Ashford leads the way to a private suite. Once we settle in, the menu comes in and we both make our pick.

“I can’t wait for this to be over.” I say, rubbing my temple as we wait for our meal.

“What are you talking about?” Ashford, who is busy on his phone looks up, pinning me with a confused look.

“This thing between us. I need to get my life back on track. Get a boyfriend that loves me just the same way I love him, get married and have kids.” I let out a sigh, a small smile stretching across my lips. “This has been a dream of mine. A little family I can call my own.” I add.

Silence settles between us. Ashford doesn’t say a word, so I lift my gaze, only to lock eyes with him. He is staring at me. Intensely.

He quickly tears off his gaze, grabs a glass of water and downs it.

“Is anything on your mind?” I ask, reaching for his hand across the table. Before I can grab his, he takes mine, giving it a soft squeeze.

“Yeah…no…yes.” He paused. “I’m worried about you. I don’t want you ending up with someone like Joshua again.”

I throw my head backward in laughter, but Ashford doesn’t join me. There’s no trace of a smile on his face. Which means one thing; he is damn serious.

“The next time that asshole comes close, just let me know.” He adds, his jaw tightening.

“Never!” I cut in, chuckling lightly as the waiter comes with our meal.

Grabbing my cutlery, I’m about to start digging into the steak, but for some reason, the appearance of the roasted beef put me off.

Ashford notices. “What is it?”

“The beef, it’s overcooked…” I’m not done speaking when he pushes his chair backwards and picks up my plate.

Confusion morphs my face. “What are you doing?”

“Getting you another meal.”

I shrug. “I can manage.” I try to stop him, but he is already walking away.

“You don’t get to manage when you’re with me.”