Chapter 203

Chapter 203
Claire's POV

I walked alongside Daniel as we left the training field, still processing what I'd just witnessed. This was a side of my husband I rarely got to see—commanding, focused, almost intimidating. He moved with military precision even now, his body language different from the gentler way he carried himself at home.

Even though we were married, he maintained a professional distance between us, not reaching for my hand as he normally would.

"Everyone seemed surprised to see me," I said, glancing sideways at him.

"I don't usually mix my personal and professional life," he replied, his voice still carrying that authoritative edge from the field.

I thought about Dr. Megan, with her blonde ponytail and easy familiarity with Daniel. She fit into this world—his world—in a way I never could. She was his kind: disciplined, military-trained, comfortable in combat boots instead of designer heels.

"Your doctor friend seemed especially surprised," I said, trying to keep my tone casual.

Daniel glanced at me. "Megan? She's just a teammate."

"She definitely wanted to be more than that."

His lips twitched. "Jealous, Claire?"

"Should I be?"

We reached the edge of the field, approaching a cluster of red brick buildings. Daniel changed the subject.

"Claire, how did you get into the school? This area requires security clearance."

"Professor Briggs brought me in. I couldn't reach you on your phone."

"I put my phone in my office during demonstrations," he explained. "No personal items allowed during training exercises."

"Right," I nodded, looking around at the unfamiliar campus. Students in military uniforms walked past us, some nodding respectfully at Daniel.

"Did you miss me?" he asked, his voice softening as we moved away from the training area.

I avoided his gaze, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "I came all the way here, didn't I? Was I interrupting something important?"

Daniel sighed. "There you go again, answering a question with another question. Like we're in a business negotiation."

His words stung, but he wasn't wrong. It was a habit—keeping my emotions guarded, maintaining control.

"What is this place exactly?" I asked, gesturing to the buildings around us.

Daniel's expression shifted to something more patient. "This is the military science wing. That's the shooting range," he pointed to a long, low building to our right. "The North Quad cafeteria is over there, and this," he gestured to the large building ahead, "is the Military Sciences Academy."

I took a step and winced. My Jimmy Choo heels weren't designed for gravel pathways and grassy fields.

"Are your feet okay?" Daniel asked, noticing my discomfort.

"These shoes weren't made for military terrain," I admitted.

"Let's go to my office. It's in the Academy building. Third floor."

"You have an office?" I asked, surprised.

"It's temporary. Just while I'm guest lecturing."

We entered the building and took the elevator to the third floor. The hallway was lined with photos of military operations and framed medals. Daniel unlocked a door near the end of the corridor, revealing a small but neat office.

"Professor Brown," I read the nameplate on the door. "Sounds impressive."

The office was minimalist—a desk, two chairs, a small bookshelf filled with military history and tactical manuals. It was organized with military precision, everything in its place. Just like his apartment had been before we married.

"It's not much," Daniel said, picking up his phone from the desk and checking his messages. "But it gives the students a place to find me if they have questions."

I walked around, examining the space. "So this is where Professor Brown works his magic."

"Hardly magic. Just teaching what I know."

A knock interrupted us. Daniel called out, "Come in."

A young woman with auburn hair poked her head in. She wore jeans and a university sweatshirt, carrying a folder.

"Professor Brown, I have my paper on modern..." She froze when she saw me, her eyes widening. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had company."

I watched her face flush as she took in my designer suit and heels. I felt suddenly out of place, like a peacock in a barnyard. This was Daniel's world—practical, serious, purposeful. What did I look like to these students? The trophy wife?

"No problem, Taylor," Daniel said easily. "You can leave it on my desk. This is my wife, Claire."

The girl's eyes widened further. "Oh! Nice to meet you, Mrs. Brown."

"Stanton-Brown," I corrected automatically, then immediately regretted my tone.

"Right, sorry," she mumbled, placing her folder on Daniel's desk. "I'll just... I should go."

"I'll have feedback for you by next week," Daniel told her.

"I should use the restroom," I said abruptly. "Where is it?"

"Down the hall to the left," Daniel replied, watching me curiously.

"I'll be right back, Professor Brown," I said, my voice deliberately formal as I slipped out the door.

In the bathroom, I stared at my reflection. Why did seeing Daniel in his element make me feel so... insecure? I wasn't used to feeling like the one who didn't belong. In boardrooms and charity galas, I was in control. Here, I was just... what? The distraction? The visitor?

When I returned to his office, I didn't enter immediately. Instead, I leaned against the doorframe, watching Daniel sorting papers at his desk. He looked up, his eyes questioning.

"Everything okay?"

I pushed the door closed behind me, my lips curving into a smile. "Everything's fine, Professor Brown."

He stood up, moving toward me. "You keep calling me that."

"I like it," I said, stepping closer. "It suits you."

Daniel's eyes darkened as he caught my meaning. "Claire..."

"Professor Brown," I purred, "are you going to give me a private lesson now?"

His hands found my waist, pulling me against him. The air between us changed, charged with electricity. All my earlier insecurities vanished as I felt his body respond to my touch.

"This is highly inappropriate," he whispered, but his hands tightened on my waist.

"Isn't that what makes it exciting?" I reached up and ran my fingers through his short hair. "Professor?"

Daniel's control snapped. He kissed me hard, backing me against the door. His body pressed against mine, firm and urgent. I forgot about Megan, forgot about feeling out of place. In this moment, I belonged exactly where I was—in my husband's arms, driving him crazy.