Page 210 of Prickly Romance

When I turn to walk away, Jordan stops me with a hand on my shoulder. Stunned, I glance down at where his pale fingers are wrapped around my suit jacket.

“Remove your hand if you do not want to lose it,” I growl.

He pries his fingers off one by one. “I know you and Dejonae are dating.”

I give him a warning look.

“Most of the office has no idea, but I was with Dejonae for a long time. She’s always tough and determined, but it’s obvious when she likes someone. She gets soft with them. She can’t hide it.”

I face him fully. Tilting my chin up, I snarl, “What is your point?”

“Dejonae was talking to someone in the office before she suddenly declared that she wasn’t feeling well. Lady’s tall, long black hair, pretty. Says she’s your ex-wife.”

Frustration tugs on my heart so sharply that my entire body jolts with it. “How long ago?”

“About five minutes.”

Jordan blocks me when I try to sprint away.

“Look, Mr. Sazuki, I haven’t said anything to you or to Deej about your relationship. I lost to you. I accepted that the moment I saw Dejonae smiling at you during that last meeting. I thought you made her happy and I was willing to keep fading into the background so that smile would stay on her face. But now?” He shakes his head slowly. “You’re hurting her the same way I did. Deej doesn’t deserve that.”

“Who areyouto lecture me?” I fume.

“I’m the guy who couldn’t let her go but couldn’t choose her either. I messed her up. I know that. I’m an idiot for letting her get away. But I’ll be damned if I sit back and watch someone break her heart the same way. Twice. Deej deserves better than both of us.”

“You have no idea what you are talking about.” I push him out of my way and rush outside. The sun is blinding. Pedestrians stalk past, determined to get to their next destination. A car honks as it speeds by.

I do not see Dejonae anywhere.

Running past the foundation, I turn the curve and keep looking for her.

She is nowhere to be found.

With shaking hands, I call her.

The number goes straight to voicemail.

Gripping the phone tightly, I return to the foundation and take the elevator. The man slumping in the reflection of metal and stainless steel does not look like me. My hair is a mess from how often I’ve scrubbed my hands through it. My shirt is peppered with sweat. My eyes hold a sheen of panic.

What did Ashanti say to make Dejonae retreat? Why can’t my ex-wife stay out of my personal life?

I storm into my office and find Ashanti sitting in the wingback chairs facing my desk. She rises slowly, a bright smile on her face.

“What are you doing here?” I huff, marching past her.

“You’ve really done it.” Her eyes jump around my office. “The foundation you’d been talking about for years is finally here. And it’s impressive. Who was your architect? That lobby is just… amazing.”

“Ashanti,” I growl.

“Did I come at a bad time?”

“If this is not about Niko, then I don’t want to hear it.”

“Itisabout Niko.” Ashanti smoothes her dress. “She wants to know why Dejonae isn’t coming around anymore.”

I freeze. My eyes slowly swerve to my ex-wife. “She discussed that withyou?”

“Well, she certainly can’t discuss it withyou.” Ashanti gestures to my face. “What with you wearing that ‘I hate everyone’ scowl all the time. Niko is a very sensitive girl, Ryo. She knows there’s something going on.”

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