Page 130 of Prickly Romance

She leaves, stalking down the hallway like a woman on a mission.

Dejonae purses her lips as she stares in Nova’s direction. “I like her. She’s a boss lady.”

“She, technically, works for Adam, but yes… she is quite boss-like.”

Dejonae scrunches her nose. “Be careful, Sazuki. Your age is showing.”

“You’re quite confident, aren’t you? Making jokes after causing such a stir.” I reclaim the seat beside her because I am not yet ready to leave her presence.

“I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Besides, you already rejected my resignation. I don’t need to hold my breath anymore.”

I chuckle, but it is broken up by a yawn.

She gives me an alarmed look. “You worked all night, didn’t you?”

“I did.”

“I’m sorry.”

“If you’re sorry, then don’t move,” I grumble.

“What?”

Without explanation, I lean down and rest my head on her shoulder. She makes an audible sound of surprise. Her shoulders are small and a little bony, but I get comfortable.

Dejonae holds herself completely still. I open my eyes to check that she’s breathing.

She is.

Satisfied, I close my eyes again.

It feels good.

My heart settles. My anxiety calms.

I needed this.

Needed to be close to her.

This scandal unraveled what was left of my resistance. I do not wish to run from the truth any longer. No matter what anyone says about our age, our cultural differences or any obstacles that may come our way, I want to be the one protecting her and finding rest in her as well.

Sleep comes for me quickly, but I fight it as best as I can. “Dejonae?”

“Hm?”

“Do the performance with me,” I mumble. My eyelids are heavy. Sleep is winning the fight.

“What? Why?”

“Because I do not want anyone else beside me,” I mutter.

I do not hear her response. My exhaustion catches up with me and I fall fast asleep.

CHAPTER13

IMPERFECT HARMONY

DEJONAE

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