Page 79 of Prickly Romance

The screen is completely green.

The little timer at the top is faithfully adding up the seconds.

I didn’t hang up.

Yaya sees the screen. Her eyes widen when she realizes what it means.

“What are you going to do?” she gestures.

“I don’t know!” I flail.

“Do something!”

I toss the phone at her. “You do something.”

She throws it back.

“Miss Williams?”

I cover my mouth to make sure Sazuki can’t hear my harried breath and smack the ‘end’ button. Then I smack it again, making sure the phone cuts off this time.

My sister gives me a terrified look.

I stare into her eyes. My insides are twisting and folding into themselves.

Please let this be a horrible dream. I’ll wake up tomorrow and none of this was real.

But Yaya’s hand on mine and the concern in her brown eyes is all the evidence I need.

Sazuki heard everything.

CHAPTER8

DO NOT CROSS

SAZUKI

I scanthe office the moment I walk in. The receptionist jumps to her feet and dips her head in greeting.

I wave a hand to her, a silent indication to relax.

My eyes land on Dejonae’s desk. Apart from a computer and a small succulent, there are no personal effects cluttering the space. The chair is empty.

“Has she not arrived yet?” My voice climbs in surprise.

The receptionist sees where my eyes are pointed and straightens. “Miss Williams called HR. Apparently, she has an important group project today. She may not be able to come in.”

I fold my arms over my chest, my gaze hardening.So, the kitten is trying to run away from me?

“Please contact Miss Williams and let her know that she will not be graduating if she misses a day of work.”

The receptionist gives me a wide-eyed look. “Uh, yes, Mr. Sazuki.”

Satisfied that my order will be carried out swiftly, I march into my office and settle in my chair. From my perch, I can see Dejonae’s desk through the blinds.

Do not think you can get away so easily, kitten.

With a smirk, I open a document.

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