Kaden's face darkened. He said nothing, but motioned for her to answer. Lina shakily glanced from the hand in between her legs, and then, back to her phone.

  "Hello?" Lina picked up hesitantly.

  Kaden didn't feel the need to be jealous. He was confident in his abilities. Confident he'd keep her. Thus, he showed no shame in fingering her during the phone call. Again.

  Kaden's lips curled upwards. She was such a darling for wearing a dress today. He slowly stroked his hand up her skirt……

  "What?" Lina whispered in disbelief.

  Kaden paused.

  "Of course I won't listen to her," Lina told him. "But what exactly has Elaine done?"

  "It's not certain that Elaine is the one who started it, but rumors are spreading amongst the circle that we dated in high school," Atlantis stated. "Apparently, the rumors began before the speech, meaning… I dedicated the speech to you because we're in love."

  Lina's breath hitched. "Not another dating scandal."

  Kaden changed his course. He rested his hands on the edge of the countertop. He needed to be focused for this conversation.

  "But rest assured," Atlantis told her. "No one is believing the rumor. However, it'll reach the media soon."

  Lina gritted her teeth. "It'll be slander."

  "Not if they classify it as allegations," Atlantis muttered. "I wanted to inform you before you learned it from the media."

  "Thank you," Lina curtly told him. "I'll keep the media under control."

  Lina was going to ruin Elaine. She was going to payback the bullying back in tenfolds. By the time she was done, there would be no pristeem woman left.

  "We should catch up," Atlantis told her. "There are some things that just can't be said in person."

  Lina frowned at this. She glanced at Kaden. Her heart nearly stopped. This whole time, he was watching her. His eyes were dark and terrifying. Briefly, they flashed red like a blood moon. He was displeased by the course of the conversation.

  Suddenly, Kaden nodded.

  Lina blinked.

  "Your husband can come too if he wants," Atlantis finally said.

  Kaden scoffed in disgust.

  "He's busy," Lina eventually responded in a curt voice.

  Kaden snorted at this. He didn't feel the need to get mad. He'd have people watching over her. The security in this life was about to get better. Tighter, even. How many sips of water she got, how many times she smiled, how many times she'd frown—he'd know.

  "We can schedule a time when he's not busy if he'd like," Atlantis courteously said.

  Lina subconsciously smiled. He was ever the gentleman. This time he was respecting the boundaries she had set. He had taken her words and status into consideration and was respectful of her wishes. This pleased her deeply.

  "Quite the gentleman," Kaden murmured as if he had read Lina's mind. He didn't sound like he meant it.

  Lina wryly smiled at her grouchy husband. She rested her hand upon his and didn't comment on his word.

  "Enjoy," Kaden said to her. He bent his head, kissed her on the forehead and went back to his coffee.

  Lina was beyond stunned. After what transpired in their first life, she thought he would be more protective and possessive. She turned her head. He was leisurely making his coffee. She saw the lack of milk and sugar. He added in ice and drank the coffee like it was a shot of vodka.

  Lina blinked. Was he serious? She couldn't look away from him. His Adam apple bobbed up and down as he drank. Even his throat looked impressive. Long and lean.

  "……today…"

  Lina jumped back to reality. She was startled by her ogling of Kaden. He knew. The corner of his mouth twisted into a sly smirk. He went back to the machine and pulled out another espresso cup.

  "Today works," Lina managed to say.

  Lina hoped Atlantis didn't realize she was spaced out and watching Kaden.

  "Oh, your husband is available today?" Atlantis asked.

  "No, it'll be just the two of us," Lina said.

  "Bummer. I was hoping to reveal all of your embarrassing childhood stories," Atlantis mused.

  Lina let out a laugh.

  At this, Kaden raised his head. He frowned deeply at the sight of her happy face. Her eyes twinkled. Her shoulders relaxed. There was a nostalgic look on her features. She was reminiscing the good memories with Atlantis.

  Kaden felt his heart burn. He didn't like it. Not even one bit. A sudden surge of anger overtook him. He only wanted her to laugh at his jokes. Only wanted her to smile in his direction.

  Lina tucked strands of hair behind her ears, like a shy teenage girl. Kaden's expression grew murderous. He approached her, grabbed her by the waist, and yanked her towards him.

  Lina was startled, her hands flying to his chest. Her head snapped up.

  "Y-yes, that spot is fine," Lina managed to say.

  Suddenly, Kaden snaked his arms around her. She was confused by his sudden action. Immediately his lips found her hair. He kissed her head, then, her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, and everywhere he could get his mouth on. She stifled a groan. Her body grew molded against his. They fitted each other perfectly.

  "I'll be there in the afternoon t-then," Lina trailed off.

  "Are you alright?" Atlantis asked.

  Lina tilted her head back to look at Kaden, but couldn't. He buried his face against the crook of her neck. Breathing in her scent, he kissed her sensitive spot. She jumped.

  "Perfect," Lina told him in the calmest voice she could muster.

  "Oh, alright, then see you there," Atlantis said.

  "Goodbye."

  Lina instantly hung up the phone. She placed it down just as Kaden raised his head. His eyes were like a beast, one who hadn't eaten.

  "Suddenly, I want you all to myself," Kaden gritted through his clenched jaw.

  "There's your possessiveness," Lina mused. "I was wondering where it went."

  Kaden let out a scoff. He gripped her waist tighter and stole a kiss from her. She was surprised, her eyes going wide. He tasted bitter and rich. The strong espresso lingered on his tongue. So much, she felt a boost of energy from it.

  "Kaden," Lina murmured against his wet lips. "Or was it Eden?"

  Kaden laughed under his breath. He embraced her tighter. Her cheeks became stained with red when she felt his hardening member. He wanted her so desperately. Preferably against the kitchen counter.

  "Or maybe Hawk," Lina said.

  "Hawk?" Kaden deadpanned.

  Lina nodded. "You call me dove, so I'll call you by a predatory bird—"

  "A Hawk's favorite food is mourning doves," Kaden told her.

  Lina was stunned. "O-oh—"

  "You chose correctly," Kaden whispered upon her mouth. He pecked it. "You're my favorite dessert, dove."

  Kaden rested his forehead against hers. "I enjoy eating you out very much."