She didn’t know how much time had passed before Xavier came out of his office, and rested against her desk.
“Success, we have the Brian account.”
“He caved?”
“It would seem the old man doesn’t like the thought of working for companies that simply break them down, and change them. He likes companies that thrive, and are willing to invest to produce the best for their clients.”
“Congratulations.” The urge to hug him was strong. She stopped herself, and simply smiled at him.
“No hug?”
“Not here. Rumors have started to stir up again.” She looked around to see if anyone was staring. Fortunately, no one was. She let out a sigh.
“You’re my wife.”
“I know. It’s just … you didn’t have to deal with this last time. I did. I found it really hard, and right now I don’t want to start it up again.”
“You really need to learn to trust me. I wouldn’t let anyone talk shit about you.”
She sighed. “Can we not talk about this here?”
“Fine!”
She watched as he stormed back into his office. Feeling like a total bitch, which she was, she got to her feet and rushed inside. “I’m sorry,” she said.
“Close the fucking door.”
Anya quickly closed the door, wishing she hadn’t upset him. She wasn’t afraid of him, far from it.
“Look, I know we’re a little bit unconventional here. I get that. I know it’s a struggle. We’re married, and I don’t want to spend the rest of our lives hiding this. I won’t.”
“I know,” she said. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Just tell me how to get you to fucking accept this, Anya. Do you want to be my wife?” he asked.
Her heart started to race. “It’s not like I can just stop being it.”
“That’s not what I asked. We can divorce. It’s simple. I don’t want to divorce. I’ll do it for you.”
“I don’t want a divorce.”
“Then I want you to head down to human resources with me right now, and let them know that your name has changed.”
Biting her lip, she nodded. “Okay.”
He moved toward her, taking hold of her hand, and locking their fingers together. “It’s going to be okay.”
“Wait, erm, my parents. They wanted to know if they can stop by on Saturday. Get to know you at the charity event where you help raise money?”
“They do?”
“You like meat, they considered that a bonus.”
Xavier threw his head back and laughed. “I cannot wait to meet them.”
“They feel the same way about you.”
“Anya, babe, you’re going to have to learn to trust me. I know that’s hard to do, but put a little faith in me. I’ve not steered you wrong, have I?”
“I guess not.”
“Come on then, let’s go and do this.”
Squeezing his hand, she smiled. She would rather face the future with Xavier, than alone. Even her feelings for him were changing. She didn’t know what she felt, only that it was getting stronger every passing day.
****
Later that night, Xavier was waiting for Anya to finish in the shower. He would join her, but he had plans with her, and he intended to carry them out. After he’d escorted her to the human resources department for the two of them to change their marital status, and also her name, his building was humming with gossip.
Martha and Lottie took the time to stop by her desk to ask about the details of what was going on. When she had looked toward him, he’d gone to help her, letting them know that they couldn’t stop love.
Xavier stared at his reflection in one of the mirrors, and then stared down at his wedding band.
Love.
He’d never felt it before in his life. The people in his world didn’t deserve love, and he didn’t really believe in it either. At least, he hadn’t.
No, he didn’t love Anya.
Love was just an element of control that people used.
He believed in sex.
Anya came out of the bathroom dressed in a towel. “Why did you take my nightshirt?”
“Why would I want you dressed?” He ran his hands up and down his cock. The tip was leaking pre-cum, and he spread it all over the head, moving down the sides of his shaft.