HER

Part Twenty Five

Asa

I was just getting out of the shower after coming home from work when Kieran walked into our bedroom, startling me.
I hadn't heard him come in.
This will be my second night here in his home as Mrs. Preston, and it was still taking some getting used to.

"Kieran..." I said
"You're back" I muttered quietly when he didn't say anything.

Of course, he was back! I was so fucking awkward

"Yeah, I'm back" he chuckled as he walked up to me. His eyes ran up and down my body leisurely, making me grip the towel I was wearing self-consciously.

His intense gaze put me on edge and made me feel like a deer caught in the headlights, but he just bent his head to place a soft kiss on my cheeks before stepping back.

Ok.

"How was work?"He asked turning away from me, as he loosened his tie.
"Oh...you know," I laughed moving to my vanity "just the usual, it was ok"

I sat down in front of the mirror to do my nighttime skincare routine

"Although, we have just been facing some issues" I added a few seconds later while staring at him through the vanity mirror as he pulled off his dress shirt
'Oh?' He murmured turning back to me.
My eyes couldn't help but run over the toned muscles of his body
The sight of his uncovered skin always made me want him.
He was too fucking sexy.

"What kind of issues?"He asked pulling me right back to reality.

"It's nothing major really," I said as I picked up my toner "I'm sure all will be resolved in time"

I didn't think it was fair to bother him with my work problems when he has his own business to take care of. He was probably just trying to be cordial by asking anyways.

'Tell me," He said, his tone was firm and brooked no argument, "tell me"
A sign that he wasn't giving me an option.

"It's just..." I started before taking in a shallow breath "A major boutique here in manhattan that ordered from our latest collection is suddenly pulling out of the deal. We've been doing business with them for more than a year now, it is just odd to me that they decided to drop D'orleans so suddenly without prior notice"

I didn't understand why celestine decided to pull out just like that, she swore she loved the collection when it was unveiled at new york fashion week. So what changed?
"What's the name?"Kieran asked

"Huh?"
"The name of the boutique," he repeated.
His hands went to his belt buckle, and I swallowed.

"Oh...uh" I stuttered, which made him give me a knowing look.
"It's called xeleste, at fifth avenue" I answered blushing.
I hate him so much.

"Well then," he said casually as he turned towards the direction of the bathroom.
"I'll give them a call later" he added dismissively

Give them what?... Was he mad?

"What? No!"I said standing up from the vanity
"You're not calling anyone Kieran"
'Why not?' He asked turning back to me, his voice tinged with confusion.
"Because no" I replied, trying to be calm "I won't have you solving my problems for me Kieran, I built D'orleans. Let me handle this myself."

Tilting his head to the side, he studied me for a moment without saying a word. Which unnerved me.
He was so fucking weird.

"Ok," he said suddenly
"Ok?"I repeated
"Yeah," he said shrugging, "D'orleans is your business, and I shouldn't interfere with it. I should let you handle it"
"Right..."
'Yeah, right.' He said, giving that killer smile of his before walking into the bathroom.

Ok...Seems he was starting to get the hang of it.
He was slowly learning to respect his partner in a relationship and he's putting in the effort to be less controlling.
We're getting somewhere.
We might actually make this work after all...

But why do I still feel a twinge of unease?

"Oh, and Asa?"Kieran called suddenly from the bathroom doorway. He was now wearing only a towel around his waist.
"Yes?"
"We'll be attending a charity gala tomorrow night"
"Who the fuck hosts a gala on a Thursday night?"
"The rich," he answered laughing.
"It'll be our first appearance in public as a couple. Aside from our wedding ceremony that is" he added, his voice low as his eyes ran over my body caressingly.

He was insane.
I wanted him so much.

"You should get some new stuff tomorrow, I'll arrange for some money to be wired into your account in the morning"

"I don't need your money, Kieran," I said throwing up my arms in frustration," I've told you this a million times"

I didn't need or want anything from him.
Well, nothing...except his affection and body...

But he just ignored me and walked back to the bathroom.
Asshole.