Page 142 of River & Crown
I did the same, blinking back tears that probably weren't even worth crying. Ten minutes or so later, the cop came out of the room, flashing Chosyn and me a faint smile as he walked past.
"You can leave." Walking back into Honor's room, I got right to the point.
Choyce glanced at a sleeping Honor, then brought her devious stare to me. She sauntered in my direction, her curvaceous hips leading the charge. I frowned, annoyed by how, even when upset, Choyce still possessed sex appeal. I didn't even think she was trying. It just oozed out of her.
"I'm not leaving."
Choyce stopped maybe a foot away from me, and only because Chosyn positioned herself so Choyce would have to get past her to get to me.
"We don't need you here."
"And what happens when another cop shows up? What are you going to tell him... as his sister, of course, who wasn't there?"
Her snobbish tone caused my fingers to curl until my nails dug into my palms.
Choyce's gaze flickered downward.
"Navy, I don't fight. Balling your fists is a waste of our time. Any problem we have will be resolved with words or... I'm shooting you," she gave a nonchalant shrug, then turned to Chosyn.
"Hey, sis! Long time no see. I've been texting you, but I'm sure you know that already."
"Please don't speak to me." Chosyn frowned.
"I'm not surprised by your little attitude. You hate me because I forced your hand. I get it. But our differences shouldn't be the reason our daughters don't know each other." When speaking to Chosyn, Choyce's voice softened. It still held an edge, but that wall of hers wasn't all the way up.
"Choyce, I'm not here to discuss our family drama."
"Of course not." She grimaced, her tongue poking the inner part of her cheek. "You only show up for yourchosenfamily."
"I show up for those who show up for me. What you did was wrong, Choyce. All you had to do was ask—" Clicking her tongue, Chosyn scoffed, then held her hands up in mock surrender as she backed away. "We're not doing this here."
"Then give me a time and place."
"Fine. If you want to have a sit-down, we can do that, but please leave."
"Did you not hear me say?—"
"Oh, I heard you. I also know a relationship with me means more to you than staying in this room where you're not wanted."
The friction between the sisters was too sharp to miss. Their glares held years of unspoken resentment.
"You're right," Choyce gave in. "A chance to mend our relationship means more to me than watching Navy cry over spilled milk."
"Bitch," I murmured as Choyce walked past me.
"Speak louder next time. Nobody hears a mouse when it dies." The door clicked shut a moment later.
"She's not wrong," Chosyn said. Catching me off guard, I grimaced in her direction for agreeing with her sister. "Fix your face and just hear me out. Honor isn't just some guy you met. Maybe that's how it was in the beginning, but you've been with him long enough to knowwhohe is and the power that comes with it. Most men will never be shown the same respect as Honor. His power is yours, Navy. You gotta learn to carry it. Move like you know it belongs to you."
"I don't want it? Not for myself or Honor."
"That's a conversation for you to have with your man. As far as everything else, find the woman who had all the attitude in the world for me when we first met. That Navy made it clear without speaking she wasn't to be fucked with but respected. Not finding her means women like Choyce, who already have the power you want to be free of, will step all over you."
"I hear you."
"Don't hear me, feel what I'm saying, Navy. I'll give you some time with Honor. I'm going to check on Wolfe and River."
"Okay."
