Page 101 of Crossing Lines

I sniff and push to my feet. “Try that dumb shit again with my business, and I’ll show you how dangerous I could be, Jamir Bartley.”

With that, I leave the restaurant and head to my car. I’m going to comfort my baby.

FORTY-ONE

“Damn,” Trishell fumes after I tell her about the mess. “I’m so sorry. Any idea who could have done that?”

I shake my head even though she can’t see me. “Everyone atLa Monte’sbeen so supportive and happy for me. It could have been a system hack. I don’t understand. Chavonne has people investigating, so we’ll see how it turns out. Right now, I’m trying to think up new designs.”

“Ugh,” she fumes. “I hope the motherfucker never gets another peaceful night of sleep. I hope that pussy bitch gets a serious case of diarrhea and shits their tripes out.”

That manages to make me laugh. “Not the tripes.”

She chuckles. “It’s what Reeve calls intestines and such.”

“Ah, man. Thanks for the laugh. Between you and Kross, I have a bit of calm.”

“So you’re with him for real? It’s over with Jamir?”

Hearing his name makes me shiver at the memory of him grabbing me. “Yeah. I think Jamir and I have been over for a while. Neither of us wanted to admit it because our relationship felt safe, you know? I’m in a different place now.” I smile while thinking about Kross and our deep connection. “This setback is temporary. I’ll be okay.”

“That’s the spirit, sis,” she cheers for me. “I still want the culprit to suffer, though.”

“Whoever it is, I want them to look me in the eye and tell me why. What made them hate me so much to sabotage me.”

“Jealousy. But karma comes around.”

“Yeah.” I glance at my desk and all the unfinished sketches. “Well, I’ll let you go, sis.”

“All right,” she sighs. “Love you. Keep me posted.”

“I will. Love you too.” Getting off the phone, I place it on the desk and lower into my leather chair. I pick up the pencil and start outlining. The look I end up with isn’t as edgy as any of the stolen ones.

“Ugh!” I drop the pencil and hold my head, feeling the hurt rush back. I’m on the verge of tears when light knocking snaps me out of it.

I walk to the door and open it after seeing Kross on the camera. He gives me his heart-melting smile.

“Hey, baby.”

“Hey.” I kiss him as he enters with a bag.

“What you up to?” he asks.

“Trying to design, but nothing’s hitting.”

“You eat?” He places the paper bag on the island. “Brought you some food.”

“Thank you. I haven’t had dinner.” As he takes out the containers, my mouth drools at the dumplings and veggie stir-fried rice. “That from the Thai restaurant nearby?”

“Mmhm,” he hums while scooping some food onto the plate. “I saw the takeout menu at the side of your fridge yesterday morning.”

I smile at him. “You really are observant.”

He winks. “Fill your stomach. You’ll work better.”

“I don’t know,” I exhale, sitting on the stool. “My mind’s out of ideas. I’d poured damn near everything into those stolen designs.”

He squints at me. “Pack some clothes after you finish. We’ll go out, and you’ll spend the weekend at my place.”

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