Page 82 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“She did, and it’s the talk of the building, and I didn’t know about it. I just don’t want her out in the pouring rain without an umbrella. I need her protected. Her safety is important to me. It’s either a device or I have a guy following her around. You and I know she won’t like that idea.” Though I may win, the fewer issues Dele and I fight about, the better.

“I hear you, but you’re still a tad bit worse than Declan.”

“Declan has guys watching Anne every day, I don’t,” I argue. He laughs at my argument. “Whatever. What do you have?” I say to cut off his laugh.

“I can get you something for her: a watch or a necklace, so it’ll always be on her. Should her phone go missing, we can still have eyes on her.”

“Do both—the necklace and the watch.”

“How soon do you need it?”

“Like yesterday.” He chuckles.

“Two days is the best I can do.”

“Fine, two days it is.”

We talk for a few more minutes, and I hang up. After he called me obsessed with my wife—which I’m not, just very protective of her.

I return to the living room, turn the TV on to watch a game, but not really watching. I keep checking the time. I check Dele’s GPS; her car is still parked at the same location—the stylist’s shop. I must have slept off, because I woke up to Dele kissing me.

“Hi,” she says when we break from the kiss, her makeup flawless and the cornrows showing off her face.

“Hi, beautiful,” I reply, just looking at her, smiling. She turns her face for me to see her hair. I’m just mesmerized looking at her. The doorbell rings.

“Are we expecting someone?” she asks. Before I can answer, she’s already on her way to the door, swinging it open, and there stands the Levi guy. My mind wakes up fast.

“Hi, can I help you?” Dele asks, and the guy is just gazing at her. I clear my throat.

“My mom mentioned you were beautiful. I think she understated how beautiful.” He flashes a salacious grin at her, not realizing that it makes Dele uncomfortable.

“Do I know you?” Dele asks. She’s already taking a step back, and I stand behind her, wrapping my hand around her waist. I feel her body relax.

“I’m Levi Grayson. You saved my mom last week.”

“Oh, hi! How’s Mrs. Grayson? I wanted to check on her, but I’ve been busy with school and work.”

“She’s much better and wanted me to thank you in person.” He puts his hand out to Dele, and she shakes it. He lifts her hand to his lips. “Thank you for saving my mom.”

“You’re welcome. I just happened to be there when she needed help.” He doesn’t let go of her hand, and I’m getting close to knocking his hand off. It is almost as if he can read my mind, or maybe my scowl communicates that. He drops her hand.

“I’m thankful you were there and knew what to do. It made a lot of difference.” She smiles.

“You’re welcome.”

“She would like to see you, so if you have a minute to stop by this week, that would be great.”Motherfucker.

“Dele and I will stop by tomorrow,” I immediately answer, and he nods. If he is disappointed and hoping to have Dele alone, he hides it well. No fucking way are you getting any closer to my wife. I smile at him.

“Great, I’ll tell mom to expect you and your husband tomorrow,” he says. “Have a good night.”

“Goodnight,” Dele answers, and I close the door.

“Oh my god, what a crazy week. I forgot to mention Mrs. Grayson to you,” she says as we head back to the living room. Paula took the flowers. Good.

“No worries. I heard all about my superhero wifey. Levi brought that basket of sweets for you earlier.” She has a sheepish smile. Sweets are her Achilles' heels.

“I just happened to be there when she needed help and knew what to do,” she answers, admiring the basket of sweets.

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