Alex POV

Alex POV

I woke up the next morning agitated, Julienne was asleep and I needed to get to work immediately. I made coffee and breakfast and left her a quick note.

The office was busy with activities, the acquisition that had gone smoothly had put them in overdrive.

" Good morning, Mr Cross" Clara muttered as I walked into the room, I tossed my bag on the table as she handed me a few files

" We got this from the Hostler acquisition, financial statements and review" she said dropping them on the table I nodded taking them from her hand

" That's fine "

" Any news on the Donahue electronics" I asked and she shook her head

" No, although Mr Donahue has asked that I tell you to monitor all the events in the business " she replied and I nodded

" Ok ,give me five minutes and then alert me for the board meeting" I muttered and she nodded

" I will sir" she walked out of the room and I sat down pulling the files to myself and glancing over them once ,twice and again. I liked to be prepared for these meetings especially since my uncle was releasing the reins to me. Eyes would be watching, everywhere. My phone buzzed on my desk and I took it into my hand , a short text from Julienne, it read

Plan initiating, pick me from Lowell shelter if you can!

Straight to the point and sufficient like the sender,my gut curls slightly at the thought of her being alone with Corey Montgomery.

I continued working , trying to out things in order so i could actually go and pick her up.

The board meeting took longer than expected when some old fogies decided to argue on the fine point of things that were already too clear

" Look, you have five minutes left to make a decision, we can't be here all day " I muttered irritatedly at one of the men and they all settled.

" Let's vote" I offered and they all nodded amicably

" All in favor" someone muttered, hand went uo

"All against" someone else muttered another set of hands flew up

" That's settles it" I murmured rising from my chair

" We'll meet next week to discuss the retirement of Mr Trent Donahue and set an agenda in motion for the selection of a new CEO" I muttered getting on my feet , they followed but I was already miles ahead of them.

Clara followed me struggling to keep up

" Clara I have to go push anything that's not urgent to tomorrow and send what is to my mail box" I ordered and she nodded following behind me.

I got into my car and sped off on the highway, traffic was mild which was a big but welcome surprise, I walked in just as I heard his voice. Corey Montgomery's voice

" I was heartbroken when you left me" he mumbled and Julienne stopped him

" I'm sorry. But I couldn't forgive the affair and I wasn't sure if anyone else could". He hissed as if in pain, I tiptoed so as not to make a sound, he was sitting there his hand cradled by hers as she ran a cloth over the bruised skin.

He nodded

" I still love you Julie" he took her hand in his and my blood boiled so hot it was like I could kill somebody where I stood

" I love you" he repeated and I stilled

" I'm married " she replied and he said nothing else

" Let's join the others " she said plastering his cut. I pulled away unwilling to let them find me

He grabbed her hand just as we got to the courtyard

" I'll always be waiting for you" she gulped as if overwhelmed.

" Thank you" I hurried to their side and took her hand in mine

" I'm here, sorry I'm late" I said my breath escaping me in a soft huff, I knew all that he'd said to her had not been of any value but I couldn't help but feel jealous.

Julienne's immediate sigh of relief as she caught sight of me striding towards them. I pressed a kiss against her lips and she stifled a sigh, I would have deepened the kiss but we were playing a game at this moment and this seemed to be enough, I didn't want to make it too obvious I was staking my claim even though I was.

Corey was glaring daggers at me and the hand I had wrapped around her waist

" You made it " she murmured injecting forced joy into her voice and I grinned

" I got somethings done" I looked to Corey and I couldn't help but at h my brow at him as I pulled her into my arms. My conviction to not assert my claim was failing me and it was failing me fast.

" Why is he here. Is he bothering you"I asked and she nodded

" It's fine," Corey shoved towards me as if offended but Julienne stopped him.

" Let's go" she urged dragging me away by my arm

" How did I do" I asked once we were out of earshot, trying for as nonchalant as I could

" You did well, let see if you can live up to your name."

" Let me introduce you"she mumbled and I nodded

" Welcome, this is Mr Connelly the director and this is Debra and Mira" she introduced. I extended my hand

" Nice to meet you Mr Connelly." We both shook hands, I like the look of him for a place aimed at protecting women he seemed to be suitable to the task

" Well I'll leave you then" Mr Connelly said and hurried away.,Debra grinned as if someone had just said something

" You're quite handsome yourself" she grinned and I laughed

" Thank you" I turned to her again

" It's time to go" I mumbled and she nodded

"It was nice meeting you Debra" I murmured and led her away.

" Be a bit mean, grab my hand a little" she ordered

" What why" i asked a little alarmed

" He's watching us " she said and I hissed in annoyance

" Fine " I tightened my grip and she huffed

" You're hurting me" she hissed,

" Sorry" I muttered as I led her to the car, once we were in I slammed the door and sped off.

" How did I do" I asked again for the third time and she grinned softly

" You did very well considering all things" she laughed rubbing her tender arm. I looked to the red marks Mt fingers had left and winced

" Do you think he caught the bait" I asked and she shrugged

" It doesn't matter, I'll keep throwing until he does "

We arrived at our apartment and I led her into the house

" You have to be careful with him, he can't be trusted" I hissed and she sighed

" I know that" I ran some fingers through my hair frustrated with how lax she was taking this. I grasped her hand and pulled her to me

" What are you doing" she asked her voice hitched ,her brows wide as she stared at me

" I wish I knew but I don't" I whispered, my finger tips coming to run along the seams of her lips

" I wish to God I knew what I was doing but all I do know is that I want you and I can't stand the thought of you in his arms "

" What the hell are you talking about " she asked incredulously and I sighed. She was right what the hell was I talking about,we were not lovers, we were business partners at beat accomplices at worst. It shouldn't matter what happened to her but it did and so unable to explain but able to show her, I leaned in and kissed her.