Page 10 of The Oath Operation
Surveying the scene, he noticed Jules at the far end of the bakery, arguing with a contractor. Her voice was raised in a rare display of frustration. He walked over, his footsteps heavy on the cracked tiles.
"Is there a problem here?" he asked, his deep voice cutting through the clamor of the worksite.
The contractor, a burly man with a clipboard, glanced at Fish and hesitated. "I was just explaining to Ms. Chou that what she’s asking for isn’t practical. It’s too costly and complicated."
Jules crossed her arms, her eyes flashing in irritation. "I know what I want, and I know it can be done. I’ve seen it done in other bakeries."
Fish stepped closer to Jules, coming toe to toe with the contractor. He wasn’t shy about using his size to his advantage. The contractor's throat worked as he tilted his head back to peer up at Fish.
"If Jules says it can be done, then it can be done. I suggest you find a way to make it happen."
The contractor shifted uncomfortably, glancing between Fish and Jules. "Well, I suppose there might be a way... It’ll take some extra work, though."
"Good," Fish said, his tone brooking no argument. "Then get started."
The contractor nodded quickly, muttering under his breath as he walked away to relay the new instructions to his crew. Fish watched him go, satisfaction bubbling in his chest. He turned to Jules, who was looking up at him with a smile that made his heart skip a beat.
"I was handling that," she said softly, but her eyes shone with gratitude.
"You shouldn't have to handle things like that. If you tell him"—Fish jutted the thumb of his uninjured hand to the contractor—"you want it done, I'll make sure it gets done. That's how partnership works."
She looked up at him, wide-eyed. Fish's gaze dipped to her mouth as she tugged her lower lip into her mouth with her teeth. He clenched his teeth together so that he didn't gulp and give away his desire. It was a secret he was still trying to keep from her while he worked out how to make her come to care even just a little bit about him in comparison to how she had captured his whole heart.
"We have an appointment with my cousin Birdy this afternoon. She’s a lawyer, and she’s going to help us get the prenup in order before we head to city hall this weekend."
Fish nodded, trying to suppress the mounting excitement in his chest. He didn't mind giving Jules the prenup. It would never be needed because he had no plans to annul this marriage or ever divorce this woman.
Jules narrowed her gaze at him, looking Fish over as though she was scrutinizing him. Had she guessed his intentions? Was she having second thoughts? He was sure his feelings for her were written all over his face. He had no idea how no one had noticed over the last year. Well, no one except Noah and Jacqui.
"Are you sure about this? I mean, you don’t have to do this. Marrying me... it’s a lot to ask."
Fish smiled, feeling the warmth of his affection for her radiate through his whole being. He wanted to reassure her, to make her understand that this was more than just a business arrangement for him. But now was not the time. He would have the rest of his life to convince her to take a chance on him.
"I know what I’m doing, Jules. I’ll be honored to be your partner."
Jules ducked her head, her smile shy. Did she guess that he meant he wanted to be more than a business partner to her? Could she see the plans he had to expand their partnership into something personal?
"There's my girl."
The creak of the front door opening preceded the nails on a chalkboard sound of Amari's voice. His presence inside the smoked-out bakery brought a slight chill to the warm atmosphere. Then he made the mistake of reaching for Jules.
The only excuse Fish had for his actions was his training as a soldier. He stomped on a piece of wood in the floor that he'd noticed earlier was weak. The floorboard came up between Amari and Jules, bringing the doctor to a halt. Amari hopped back, lest the soot mar his fancy leather shoes or tailored suit.
Amari cocked his head to the side, looking from the floor to his shoes, and then at Fish, before lifting his gaze, which landed on Fish's hand at Jules' waist.
"You have to be careful in here," said Fish, not removing his hand from Jules' side. "It's a construction zone."
"Right." Amari cleared his throat and stepped around the board. "Right. Which is why I came to take my girl out to lunch."
"Lunch?" asked Jules. "We didn't make any plans."
"I came to surprise you."
"I can't. I have an appointment with Birdy about the prenup."
If Amari were a better man, he would've stared down the man who was about to marry his fiancée. Instead, the doctor looked at the construction workers hammering and banging in the periphery. No doubt his concern was on keeping the farce of a marriage a secret. Fish couldn't wait to relieve this fool of the treasure he didn't even try to guard.
"Fish, just give me a moment to get my purse."
