Page 54 of Crossing Lines

NINETEEN

That asshole has me worrying about Davia since I left her spot hours ago. I’d probably be upset if I were in his shoes and another man drove my woman home. But he didn’t have to be such a moron and grabbed her arm. If he hits her, I’ll make him pay for it.

Too worked up to mingle with patrons, I escape to my office to block out the music and call Iree.

She answers right away. “Hey, I just finished making lemon cake with Gran. Want me to save you some?”

“I’m good. Jamir ever put his hands on Davia?”

“Huh?” She snorts at the question. “That’s her man. Of course, he puts his hands on her.”

“You know damn well what I mean,” I grumble, falling into the leather chair.

“Geez. No, I’ve never seen her with bruises. They seem to have a good relationship. Why do you ask? Did something happen when you dropped her off?”

“He was waiting outside.”

“What happened?” she urges.

“My presence pissed him off. I hope he doesn’t hurt Davia for it.”

She sighs. “I can see how it looks to him, but I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“It’d better be. If I see so much as a scratch on Davia tomorrow, he’ll be unrecognizable when I’m through with him.”

Iree stays quiet for a beat, then says, “Tomorrow? Y’all made plans?”

“Davia’s coming to the youth center.”

“Oh, okay,” she murmurs. “Um, I’m sorry about your mom.”

I rub the back of my neck. “Cairo told you, huh? Did he say anything to Mama G?”

“No, and we won’t,” she promises. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m cool. It’s nothing new. I’m used to her letting me down.” There’s a knot in my chest, but I don’t want to discuss it.

“I’m here,” she reminds me. “Always here for you.”

“Thanks, sis. I’m good, though. I’ll catch you later.”

“Okay. See you Sunday.”

I drop the phone on the desk and slump back in the chair. It’s not easy pushing Davia from my mind, not after those phone calls from Paris, and especially not after hearing her sexy moans while falling apart to my voice. That only made me desire her more. And the way that man neglects her makes me want to swoop in and show her better.

Knocking drags me from my thoughts. Pushing up from the chair with a grunt, I stride over and open the door, recognizing the woman from the gallery. She’s posed in a skimpy dress with a suggestive look on her face.

“Hi, Kross,” she flirts, her breath laced with alcohol.

“Something I can help you with?”

“Yeah.” She glances past me into my office and touches my chest. “Let’s chill in here, away from the crowd. I noticed you seemed a bit stressed when you showed up.” She lowers her eyes to my crotch, looks up again, and flashes her tongue piercing. “I can help relieve that, Daddy.”

I’m not interested. Davia has placed a spell on me, and I can’t steer my attention to other women. “I’m all set.”

She cringes and screws up her face. “Your loss. If you change your mind, I’ll be at the bar.”

And I’ll be in a corner in the VIP, drowning in my endless thoughts of a woman I can’t have.

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