The next three weeks are a blur.

I didn't see Marcus for three days after our lunch together. I hate how much I missed him, often catching myself thinking about his laugh, his smile, or his smell.

On the fourth day, he called for my help with some translations. They were nothing major. Then, in the weeks that followed, we spent some sort of time together nearly every day, either working on translations or going out for some sort of casual meal.

He's also there during Mr Salt's many visits. Clarkie also joins. I don't even bother trying to place a listening device. Even with Marcus there, Clarkie watches me, his cloudy eyes unblinking.

Sometimes, I see him hanging around as I leave for my shift. I pretend not to notice him watching as I leave the building. He sulks in the shadows, his pale skin ghostly in the low light. Luckily, he hasn't followed me home. Yet. It is only a matter of time. I know what he's doing. He's gathering information about what route I take to the stations, what time I leave and who I'm leaving with. He's planning something and though I know deep down what it is he wants to do, I refuse to even think about it.

My phone buzzes beside me and I reach for it. It's a message from Marcus, who gave me his number a few weeks ago. I groan as I read it.

Mr Salt has arranged another meeting at the restaurant tonight. We'll be there at six.

Great. I reply.

I know. I would like to talk to you before then. Meet me for lunch again?

And suddenly my bad mood has lifted. I smile and reply quickly.

Excellent. I'll come to your office at midday, Marcus responds.

I put my phone down with a giggle and go to shower, using my favourite body washes and perfumes. Then, I dress in a fitted navy dress, pairing it with some black platform heels. A confident smile lights up my face as I look at my reflection in the mirror, admiring how the material sits over my curves.

When I go back to the second realm, I will really miss the fashion here. I sigh sadly and reach for my coat and handbag, then leave.

***

"You're looking very sharp this morning," Leo says as I walk in. I roll my eyes.

"I wear dresses like this every day," I scold him.

"Oh, I know. But I can smell that expensive perfume you're wearing, missy," he says, raising an eyebrow. I laugh and nudge him lightly.

"So, is Mr Mysterious and Dangerous coming to get you for one of your little lunch dates today?" he asks.

"It's not a date," I argue, taking off my coat and hanging it over the chair.

"Ha!" Leo shouts, "Keep telling yourself that."

I laugh and bite my lip subconsciously.

"I saw that," Leo laughs.

"Leave me alone," I pout.

"Ivy. You are the source of some of the juiciest gossip in this place. I mean, you're being picked up and taken to dinner by Marcus Kaiser. The Marcus Kaiser."

I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow at him.

"Oh come on, please, I'm your work bestie. Give me some details."

"What, so the rest of the fucking building knows by the end of the day? I don't think so Mr."

"I won't tell," he promises. Now it's my turn to laugh.

"We both know that's not true," I say.

"Ugh, fine," he huffs. "Just seeing Serena's face every time he comes for you is the highlight of my week."

I let out a snort of laughter.

"I bet she regrets getting the job now," Mia chimes in as she walks up to us.

"Why do you say that?" Leo asks, frowning.

"Not that he'd go for someone like her anyway, but he would never date and sleep with someone who is his low-level employee. I mean, the risks for lawsuits, especially in this industry, would be crazy."

"Oh," Leo says.

"Why do you think he's pursuing Ivy now that the interviews are done and she's not working for him?" Mia asks.

"Okay, can we stop talking about this now?" I ask.

"So, you didn't get the job of your dreams. But you have scored one of the hottest men to walk the realms. Tall, beautiful, dangerous, mysterious. I would say that's a fair trade." She sighs. "You are so lucky."

"Alright, that's enough. Get to work, both of you," I laugh, and lightly push them away from my desk.

"You're no fun," Leo pouts.

"And you're a pain in the arse," I reply, sitting at my desk and shaking my head. They are right though. If I had gotten the job, I wouldn't be as close to Marcus as I am now. Unfortunately, a romantic relationship doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to be able to have access to everything I need. I still need to find a way into his inner circle, into the action.

I lean back in my chair and pick at my fingers, trying to think of something that would work. How do I get myself a high-ranking job in the Ministry of Defence?

I sigh and start up my computer, my head starting to ache already as I draw up blanks.

"Think about it later," I mutter to myself and get to work.

Time passes quickly as I absorb myself in my project. I don't even notice Marcus walking in.

"Are you ready?" he asks beside me. I jump, gasping and sitting up quickly. He raises an eyebrow in amusement and I smile shyly.

"Just give me a minute," I say, turning back to the computer. He nods his head and leans against my desk. I try not to be acutely aware of his presence beside me. The smell of his fresh, citrusy aftershave doesn't exactly help me concentrate.

I save the document, both onto my computer and onto a drive I carry with me, not wanting a repeat of last time, and then lock my computer.

"What are you working on?" Marcus asks.

"Classified," I joke. He chuckles and hands me my drink.

"Thank you," I say, taking a sip of the hot chocolate before standing up and grabbing my things.

Just before we walk out, I catch Serena's eyes and smile at her. The buzz of joy I get seeing her expression sour is like getting a high. By the time we've left the office, I'm giggling to myself.

"Ivy, you're not using me to get back at your office rival, are you?" Marcus asks.

"Me. No. Never," I reply. He laughs and I join him.

We don't go far. There is a small café near the MOD building that we walk to. The walk is pleasant and the chatter is easy. When we arrive, we both order some food, before sitting down in a quiet corner.

"Okay, let's get the nastiness over with. What did you want to talk to me about?" I ask.

Marcus lets out a long sigh, his expression turning sour.

"Clarkie."

I stop mid-chew.

"I know," Marcus says.

"I was enjoying my sandwich, Marcus. Why did you have to ruin it for me?" I ask, putting it down and crossing my arms.

"I apologise," he says, smiling.

"Come on, spit it out, let's get this over with."

"I don't like the way he watches you," Marcus says.

I raise my eyebrows. "I don't like the way he watches me," I tell him.

"I've done some digging and..." he trails off.

"Nope. Don't tell me. Trust me, I know what kind of man Clarkie is. I know he is ex-military. Mr Salt told me. I can put the pieces together about his military history and potential war crimes. I don't need the details."

"Very well," Marcus says. "But he is a problem."

"What can we do about it?" I ask, rubbing my temples as a dull ache begins to form. "I mean, Mr Salt is obsessed with him. It's like Clarkie is his rabid hound, frothing at the mouth and ready to be unleashed on anyone Gareth doesn't like. He loves the power that it holds. He loves having a man like Clarkie around to scare anyone into submission."

"That is a very vivid picture," Marcus comments.

"I've thought about this situation a lot," I mumble.

"I'm figuring out a way to get rid of Clarkie," Marcus says.

"Please do it quickly," I say. Then, my voice goes quiet and I look up at Marcus shyly, wincing slightly. "I think he watches me as I leave work."

"And you're telling me this now?" Marcus asks, raising his voice slightly.

"Sorry," I say quickly. "You're a busy man with a lot more important jobs on your plate than babysitting me."

"Ivy," Marcus says through gritted teeth. "You need to tell me these things, especially when it comes to a man like Clarkie. There is a reason why he's watching you."

I shudder, my stomach twisting with a mixture of revulsion and fear.

"Okay, I will. I'm sorry," I say again.

"No, don't apologise," he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "We're just going to have to be careful tonight."

"So, do what we have been doing?" I ask.

To try and keep Mr Salt off my back for a little longer, we've been doing everything we can not to provoke him. Marcus and I practically act like strangers during those evenings. We aren't sure what he may do in a jealous rage or a bitter one. As I've already found out, nothing is too far for Gareth and his cruelty when it comes to pissing off Marcus and if he sees me as a weakness for Marcus, it is one he will surely exploit.

"Yes," Marcus sighs, "but be wary. Tonight's discussion may grow heated. Tempers could flare. I don't want that being taken out on you."

"So what should I do?" I ask.

"Try and stay somewhat in my eyesight at all times and keep your phone on you."

"Okay, I'll do what I can, but I still have to get my job done," I say.

"Just try and stay in public places and where other people are watching at all times."

"Will do."

"And I'll try and make sure Clarkie and Gareth stay too preoccupied to even think about you."

I scoff. "Good luck with that. They're both fucking nuts."

He smiles calmly. "Trust me, Ivy. I know how to keep Gareth occupied."

"I don't doubt it," I chuckle and pick up my sandwich. "Well, that was a fun lunchtime conversation. Can we change the topic now?"

"Sure," he says and smiles. I almost melt at how genuine and beautiful it is. I can't help but smile back.

A thought comes to me then, and I say it absentmindedly, not really thinking about it.

"It's a shame I can't get some sort of official translator job," I say casually.

Marcus freezes and opens his mouth, then shuts it again. "What?" he finally asks.

"Oh, no, nothing. It was just a passing thought. It wouldn't work anyway because I like the investigation part of my job. I wouldn't want to be just a translator. Plus, I don't think being a translator would help me rise through the ranks. Ignore it," I shrug and finish the last bites of my sandwich.

***

Clarkie stares at me. I hide my shaking hands behind my back as I try to ignore his gaze and talk to Mr Salt. It doesn't work. I can feel it. It's like a sickly poison seeping into bones. It's a strange feeling, knowing someone is watching you, knowing that they want to hurt you.

"Thank you, Ivy, dear," Mr Salt as I take his empty plate.

"Not hungry today?" I ask, my voice somehow remaining polite as I pick up Clarkie's almost full plate.

"I'm not in the mood for steak," he says, his smarmy voice sending chills running down my spine. It takes all my strength not to look to Marcus for comfort.

"My man, it's the best steak in the city. If you're not hungry for that, then what are you hungry for?" Mr Salt laughs.

"I have a very specific appetite," Clarkie replies, his eyes still not leaving mine.

"Well, I'm sure the chefs could whip you up something," I say, trying not to let my voice shake or to show any sort of discomfort. "Just let us know what you fancy in advance and we'll get it sorted for you."

"Thank you, Ivy," he says, his cracked lips pulling into a revolting smile.

"You're welcome," I reply and pick up Marcus' plate.

"Thank you," he says, barely looking at me as I pass.

Fuck Cobalt and fuck Mr Day for not letting me kill Clarkie.

After I've put their plates in the kitchen, I walk back toward their table, making sure to take the direction where I can't be so easily seen approaching. I come to a stop as I hear their conversation from behind the wall.

"That's why I keep my head shaved. Keeps Skin Thieves from being able to find me," Clarkie says.

"It won't stop a Skin Thief if they were in the same room as you, Clarkie," Marcus says, his tone bored.

"I'd like to see one of those fuckers try and get into my head," he laughs. Mr Salt joins him.

"We aren't here to talk about skin thieves," Marcus says, clearly exasperated. I step out from around the corner, not wanting to be caught listening by Clarkie again. Immediately, their conversation hushes.

"Are you ready to order dessert?" I ask.

"That depends, Ivy. Are you on the menu?" Mr Salt asks.

I laugh and pat him on the shoulder. "You couldn't afford me, Gareth," I joke, hating that I have to join in with his vulgar remarks.

"What's your price, Ivy? Tell me and I'll pay it. It doesn't even have to be money. I've heard you've got a promising career ahead of you. I could always call in a few favours."

I sigh and shake my head. "Now now, Gareth, since when were you so direct? You've got to play the subtle game," I scold. "You're getting sloppy."

He roars with laughter, his face turning pink.

"I love that quick wit of yours, Ivy." He turns to Clarkie. "Don't you?"

"Yes, she's quite special," he replies.

"Thank you," I say, "Now, your orders."

They give me their orders and I go and place them into the system before serving some other tables around them.

Having a short break, I head to the small room behind the bar where my drink rests. The cold, icy water is bliss as I gulp it down, my mouth dry.

The door squeaks behind me and I turn to see who it is, ready to make a joke about Mr Salt. The words die with a horrified gasp as Clarkie grins at me.

"You can't be back here," I say, stuttering slightly. My heart starts to race and my veins burn with fear-fuelled adrenaline as he smiles at me.

"Can't I?" he asks, stepping closer to me. Immediately, I am hit by his musty, almost rotten stench. I gulp and try and step away from him. Unfortunately, my back hits the cold, tiled wall.

He inches closer, walking slowly, his eyes not leaving mine.

"You have Mr Salt convinced you're some silly, naive little girl," he says, his voice ice. "But I see what you really are."

"What are you talking about?" I ask, gulping.

He stops right in front of me and I cower, shrinking beneath him. Suddenly, the air feels suffocatingly thick and hot. A bead of sweat dribbles down my forehead, especially when he places his hand on the wall beside my head and leans into me.

I squeeze myself as tightly against the wall as I can, tilting my head away as he lowers his face down to mine.

"Girls like you are parasites, using your charm, and your bodies to sleep your way to the top."

"Please leave me alone," I whimper, hot tears welling up in my eyes. He laughs, and the sound sends bolts of fear rushing down my spine.

"Not so witty and charming now, are you?" he whispers, and then lets out a long, trembling breath into my face. It reeks, and I almost gag.

My eyes find his throat. It would be so easy. He wouldn't see it coming. One good strike, and he'd be lying on this ground and gasping for air.

But I can't.

He leans in even closer, his lips tickling the skin on my ears.

"Women like you are dangerous. You are manipulators." He reaches out with his other hand and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. I tense beneath his touch, shutting my eyes tightly. His fingers stroke down my cheekbone as he continues. "You use your beautiful, perfect bodies to get what you want," he says with a trembling voice. "Then, once you're done, and you feel nothing but shame, suddenly, they weren't your choices anymore."

My lips quiver and I clench my body tightly. He laughs and steps back. "I protect Mr Salt, even from himself. He can't see you for the power-hungry, conniving seductress that you are."

"Please, leave me alone," I say.

"I'll leave you alone once you are no longer a threat," he says, then smirks, turns around and walks away.

I remain pressed against the wall as I watch the door swing shut. My whole body trembles violently and I can barely breathe.

What do I do? What can I do?

I reach into my pinny and pull out my phone, pulling up Marcus' contact. Just as I'm about to type the message, I stop. Then, I smile to myself.

Calm fills my body and I let out a long breath as an idea comes to me.

I don't have to deal with Clarkie myself.

Not when I can get Marcus to do it for me.

I push myself off the wall and sip my water once more. Clarkie wants to attack me. He may not be planning on acting tonight, but it's coming. For now, he's biding his time, enjoying the build-up of the hunt. But I need him to act today. I need him to be reckless.

I just need to make sure Marcus is close enough to come and "save" me.

So, as I walk back to Mr Salt's table, I compose myself and act as though nothing has happened. When Clarkie catches my eyes, he frowns slightly. Then, with my back to Marcus, I smirk at him, challenging him. Making him know he does not scare me.

His eyes spark from the challenge and I know he's taken the bait.

Game on.