Heeriye

Twelve.

Sidharth

"... that model is too small. Let's go for the bigger one. They've got a ton of books already and they'll need the storage space."

As Kanan jabbers, I rap my fingers against my desk impatiently. But he doesn't seem to notice; he paces in front of me, listening and talking rapidly.

When he finally puts his phone down, I glare at him, waiting for an explanation. He calmly takes the chair opposite me, a sheepish expression on his face.

"Should we talk about the security footage from alcazar? There were a few anomalies—"

"What the fuck was that about?" He tilts his head to the side. "What do you mean?"

I hate it when he plays dumb. Scowling, I narrow my eyes. "Kanan."

He sighs. "Just getting some furniture in for Shehnaaz. She chose to camp out one of the guest bedrooms instead of the master. It needed furniture, so she ordered a couple of things. I'm just coordinating with the delivery team."

I run a hand over my stubble jaw. "Glad to see she's making herself comfortable."

"Hey, it took some convincing on my part. I'm the one who told her to order whatever she wanted and said I would have it delivered."

I glower at him. "Aren't you ever-so-fucking generous with my money?"

I don't know why I'm being a dick. The truth is, I don't like the familiar way in which he refers to Shehnaaz. I don't like the fact that he's attempting to make her feel comfortable in my home as though it's his. I don't like the fact that he's talked to her more in the last twenty-four hours than I have.

If this is what jealousy feels like, I want no fucking part of it.

"It's not your money."

My eyes snap to his. "What does that mean?"

"Exactly what I said. I wouldn't use your accounts without your permission."

"Then whose money are you using?"

"Mine, of course."

What the fuck?

"You're using your own money to get Shehnaaz settled into the penthouse?"

"Kids need stuff, Sidharth." He doesn't look apologetic in the slightest. "They're gonna be cooped up in that apartment for fuck knows how long. I wanted them to be entertained."

"They've got three TVs to do the job."

"They need books, toys, puzzles. They also need storage space for those things. I'm just making sure they have everything they need. I believe that order came from you."

It did; I just didn't think Kanan would run with it the way he has. "There's no need to use your money. Use one of my accounts."

"It's fine," Kanan replies flippantly. "I've got it covered."

He's got it covered. The beast inside me roars possessively. No other man should be taking care of Shehnaaz's needs but me. Even if it is as inconsequential as bedsheets and extra towels.

"If anyone's gonna cover the cost of Shehnaaz's needs, it's me."

He's quiet for a moment, face neutral.If he smiles, I'm gonna fucking punch it right off of him.Lucky for him, he doesn't. "Alright. Whatever you say, boss." He whistles under his breath as his gaze sweeps around the room and he twiddles his thumbs in his lap. When his eyes finally meet mine again, he exhales. "Brother, if you stare at me any longer, you're gonna bore a hole through my face." He uncrosses his legs. "Something bothering you?"