Page 58 of Emergence and Ascendance

"Jhorie needs to focus on her foundation and not my personal life."

"So there is something personal?"

"Cress, mind your damn business."

"Fine. At least tell me if she's someone I'll get to meet."

Movement across the kitchen had me turning toward the entrance. Scotlyn dragged in dressed in sleep shorts and an oversized t-shirt. She froze when she saw me leaning against the island. Her hair all over and her eyes still lazy from having just woken up. It took a minute before her brain caught up, and when it did, she turned to leave.

"Don't leave."

"Hold on, Cress." I muted the call and pointed to the corner.

"Coffee's over there. Help yourself."

Scotlyn's eyes darted between me and the machine. I couldn't help but smirk at her hesitation.

"You need to make yourself at home while you're here."

She grunted something unintelligible and moved to the counter. I chuckled, assuming she wasn't a morning person, then unmuted the phone.

"I'm back."

"Who was that?" Cress asked.

"No one."

"I heard you talking to someone."

"A member of the staff."

"When have you ever told your staff don't leave?"

I watched Scotlyn fumble around the kitchen, opening cabinets until she found a mug. "I have to go, Cress."

"You didn't answer my question about meeting her."

"Goodbye, Cress."

"Christian!"

Scotlyn poured coffee, added cream and sugar, then leaned against the counter. She pulled her phone out and began tapping the screen like she was typing a message. When she smiled, I got annoyed. It fucking irritated me because who the hell was she texting and smiling at this early.

"Cress, I have to go."

"Don't you dare hang up on-"

I ended the call and set my phone down. "Sleep well?"

Scotlyn looked up from her phone. "Yes."

"Who are you texting?"

She arched her brow. "Excuse me?"

"It's early, must be important."

"It's James trying to figure out why I wasn't in my suite last night."

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