Page 113 of Crossing Lines

“I don’t know, baby. But here’s the proof.” He hands me the papers. “This man has done so much shit over the years.”

My eyes widen as I read the details. “Oh my god!”

“This motherfucker sold your work and tried to set Iree up to take the fall. I won’t let him get away with it.”

“Chavonne will handle it, Kross. Don’t do anything crazy. Promise me.”

He huffs, meets my gaze, and nods. “I promise.”

I wave the papers. “How’d you even get this?”

“A friend,” he says. “Just trust that it’s legit.”

“I’ll bring it to Chavonne in the morning and try to get Iree’s job back. Also… Guess I should apologize for fighting her.”

“Can’t believe y’all fought.” He drapes his arms around me. “I didn’t think you got down like that.”

I snort. “Been in a few fights as a kid, mostly with my cousin, Shanae.”

“Speaking of Shanae. She’s the nurse who tended to my mama.”

“Hmm,” I groan. “She suspects we’re together.”

“I didn’t reveal anything to her.” He squints at me. “You hiding me from your fam?”

I shake my head. “Just don’t want her gossiping. I’ll introduce you to them in time.”

“Whenever you’re ready. It’s cool.” He takes my hands and places them on his chest. “You good, baby?”

“Mmhm. Areyougood? It’s been a hell of a day.”

“I’m all right.”

I quirk my lips in a flirty smile. “I’m sure we’d both feel so much better if you take me to bed and—”

“Say less.” He captures my mouth for a heated kiss, lifts me into his arms, and carries me to my bedroom.

FORTY-EIGHT

Gripping the papers Kross gave me, I walk briskly to Chavonne’s office. Once I show her the proof, we’ll handle Wren and get Iree her job back.

I knock and enter without her response. “Sorry for barging in, but you need to see this.”

She looks at me with a scowl. “What is it?”

“Wren. Chavonne, he’s been doing some dirty shit behind your back.” I place the papers before her on the desk. “An anonymous source sent this to me.” That’s the best way to leave Kross and his tech friend out of it. I’m sure they’ve pulled some illegal strings.

“Oh my god!” she blares at the details. “Is this real?”

“It is,” I confirm.

“My fucking accountant!” she yells, her hands shaking with the papers. She drops them and presses a button on her desk phone. “Wren, come to my office now!” She continues looking through the details until he hurries into the office seconds later.

He appears shaken up while looking from me to Chavonne as if he already knows it’s over for him.

“You son of a bitch!” Chavonne screams.

“You stole my work,” I grit through clenched teeth. “And don’t even bother lying, you asshole. The proof is right there.” I point to the papers on Chavonne’s desk.