Page 47 of Divine II

“Yeah? Well, your number two priority just walked in.”

My heart sank when I looked up to find Zane sauntering in. His arrogance was like smog almost choking me as he entered our space. I wanted Liam to pull me into his arms and tell the man scanning the room looking for me that I was off limits. I knew that would never happen, though. I’d made this bed, and now, I had to lie in it.

I rolled my eyes but didn’t comment on what Liam said. It didn’t matter anyway because he walked away. Deciding to greet Zane before going to the bathroom, I walked out to the counter.

“Good afternoon, beautiful,” Zane said, greeting me from across the room.

“Um, hey,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“You ready? I know I’m a little early, but I figured it didn’t matter since you were already here.”

“It’s fine. Let me just wash my hands,” I told him.

When I turned around, Liam was standing behind me. I mouthedI love you.His face was emotionless, but he nodded anyway. I hated what I had to do, but I would try to make it up to him later. It was heartbreaking to think of Liam having to watch me pretend to date someone else, but I still felt most comfortable with him around. Plus, I wanted to prove to him that it was all pretend. I wasn’t interested in Zane whatsoever.

That was beside the point. I’d made a promise to my family to carry out this ridiculous plan. They had done so much for meover the years that the least I could do was have a few meals and take some pictures with the man. Besides, it was all my fault for getting involved with Sherrod in the first place.

I was more obligated than anyone to rectify this situation. I walked back to my office and straight to the little bathroom. Once I was in there, I washed my hands and splashed some water on my face. As I dried my face, I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

“You can do this,” I said, giving myself a little pep talk.

With those words, I painted on a smile and headed back out to have lunch with Zane.

Twelve

Liam

Fuming.

I had never used that word in my life, but I was absolutely sure that was what I was doing as I sat there like a fool and watched Divine smiling and giggling at another man. I knew this shit was supposed to be fake and all, but she was doing a damn good job of making it look like she was having a good time.

I actually wanted her to have a good time. If she was being forced to spend time with somebody, the least she could do was enjoy their company. Me, on the other hand, I wanted to twist the nigga’s head off and punt it across the counter.

“Relax,” Leslie, one of the girls who worked in the store, said as she nudged me.

“Hm?” I looked over at her, waiting for an explanation.

I heard her, but I was curious if she would repeat herself, and even better yet, how much she already knew.

“You have to relax. I don’t think she really likes him like that. Your time is coming. My girl is in love with you. I can tell. Just be patient, grasshopper.”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but I don’t relax while I’m working.”

“Well, your laser vision might set ol’ boy on fire. I was just telling you to relax before somebody else notices how you’re mean mugging them.”

“That’s my job too.” I smirked.

“Mm hm.” Her pursed lips showed that she didn’t believe me.

“I have to make sure any and everyone knows I’m nothing to play with.”

“I’m sure they can tell just by looking at you.”

“Well, just in case they can’t…” I replied.

The most important thing that Leslie had said was that she could tell Divine was in love with me. She didn’t say that Divine had told her. It didn’t sound like Divine had discussed anything about our situation with her employee. There was something about our dynamic that gave away just how madly in love with her I was, and apparently, there were people who could tell that she loved me too. That didn’t stop me from wanting to rip Whitmore’s head off.

He didn’t deserve to be here with Divine, and she damn sure didn’t deserve to have to put up with him. This was all my fault. Not only did I drop the ball on asking her brothers for permission to be with her, but I let my anger drive me to make the decision that put her in this situation in the first place.

---