Page 26 of Soul Food

He crossed his arms. “I think it’s the other way around. I’m here to find out what I can help you with.”

My mouth dropped. I had absolutely no idea what this guy was thinking. “Huh?”

“You’re not happy.” His forehead creased as he frowned down at me.

Now I was really confused. “What does my happiness have to do with you?”

“It has a lot to do with me.” He looked at Jayne. “Give us some time alone.” Alex shuffled out of the room quicker than Jayne did. At least, she gave me a small smile before she left the room.

I calmed my nerves as Amit stepped between the table and me and parked his ass beside me on the loveseat. I felt extremely weird, incredibly flushed,and crowded by his presence.

Jesus, this guy was big. And damn, he smelled good—not like any cologne I’d ever smelled before. Whatever it was awakened parts of me that were better off sleeping.

I grabbed my plate of food from my lap and placed it down on the coffee table. When I did, I noticed how wet my panties were. Stiffening, I tried hard not to squirm, but I did anyway just to feel it again. I clasped my hands in my lap because they were suddenly trembling, and I didn’t want him to see how much his presence affected me. Instead, I sat taller and concentrated on The Oppressorsplaying through the glass in front of us.

His knees hit the table as he tried to spread his muscular legs to make himself more comfortable and the fact that he was still trying to look natural, told me there was no way that was happening. Finally, he pushed the table back with an unpleasant sigh. Then what did he do? He just sat there. Nothing else. Heat pricked the side of my face. I had no doubt he watched me but after ten years of absenteeism—not by my choice—and then he's here. This was awkward as hell.

Unable to take it any longer, I faced him. “What?” I clipped out. My horniness was making me hateful. “Is there something you wanted? You made them leave the room, but you’re just sitting here.”

“See, you’re unhappy,” he grunted, his steely eyes piercing mine. He inhaled sharply. “It’s all over you, and I don’t like it.”

“I’m not unhappy.” I glared at him, spine stiffening. “I’m uncomfortable. You’re making me uncomfortable by sitting here.” Scrutinizing his words, I gave him a scowl. “And my mood is none of your concern, Mr. Kingston.”

“If you say so,” he said dryly. “Now you know how I felt knowing the famous rapper SoulGoddess was going out of her way to try to meet me over the years.” Like a vulture, he watched and waited for my reaction. Those strange eyes were unnerving—flicking over me like he was possessed with greed. For what? I wasn’t sure. I couldn’t explain it, but it felt entirely too personal to have him glaring intently at me.

His words made my body tense, and I was sure he saw it. “I just wanted to thank you.”Liar, liar, Ruth.That wasn’t the only reason, but it was the only one I’d admit.

“You could have done it by phone.”

I crossed my arms mimicking his posture. “I don’t have your number,” I hissed. “The one time you did call, you made it private,” I sounded offended because I was. Like an adolescent, I made a humph sound in the back of my throat as I crossed my legs for a second to regain my composure.

With his arms still crossed, he puffed out his chest as if his posture could get any more rigid. “You could have sent thanks through the secretary.” Even his voice was snooty.

What an ass.

I ground my teeth as I looked to the ceiling to ask God why I was both highly annoyed and aroused when Amit was around. I stood, tightening my fists at my sides for my sanity’s sake. My anger and lust felt like the same entity right now, both breathing fire into my veins. “You are very arrogant.” I gripped my forehead and glared at him. “By acting so secretive, you garner this kind of attention. I’m not the only one curious about you. I know for a fact that there’s been several paparazzi trying to snoop you out.”

“Is that what it was with you? Curiosity?” he asked extremely unruffled while I was pissed. Those arms were still crossed though.

“Yeah,” I muttered. “Imagine my disappointment.”

His jaw jumped. It soothed me to see that I wasn’t the only one becoming frustrated. He rubbed the side of his jaw, stared at the ground, and sighed before scowling my way. “You’re even more upset. I thought you wanted to see me?”

This man was impossible.

I waved my hand in the air. “Not anymore. Curiosity vanquished.”

“Well, what is it you want?” he dared to ask.

“For you to leave me alone.”

Silence stretched between us. He seemed to be reviewing me, dissecting and overanalyzing all my actions, with those intense eyes. “Fine. I’ll leave you alone,” he finally said. He stood, and I swallowed as he towered over me once more. He walked by, and I swear I could breathe easier knowing he was leaving.

He stopped by the door. “And Ruth.” I glanced up. “Get happy. I didn’t work this hard for you to go to waste.”

He left and Jayne darted into the room. “What did he want?” she asked.

My pulse thundering in my ears and the roaring of my heart prevented me from speaking.

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