Page 175 of River & Crown
"Whatever."
As I moved forward to reach for the doorknob, Kage's frame shifted in front of me, blocking my path.
"Excuse you," I snapped.
"It's not personal, Navy. I was instructed not to letanyoneinto the room."
"I'm not anyone!"
"I know, but that's what I was told by?—"
"I'ma fucking kill that bitch," I gritted.
"It wasn't Choyce who gave the order."
"Honor?" I shook my head slowly, trying to process what Kage was telling me, but it wouldn't click. "Why would Honor tell you to keep me out?"
"He didn't say you specifically, so get out of your head. He said anyone, so I assumed that meant everyone," he shrugged.
"Wha... what are they doing in there?"
"You don't hear moaning, so they're not fucking." He chuckled.
My eyes narrowed. "For a nigga who almost died, you really thought it was okay to say that out loud?"
"Man, ease up. The shit was a joke."
"I don't care. Watch your mouth when you're speaking to me. You know who my?—"
"I don't give a fuck who your pops is. I don't work for that Italian muthafucka."
"I wasn't going to say my father. You know who my man is, so I suggest you tread lightly. Now get the fuck out of my way."
A mirthless laugh was his response as he moved out of my way. I opened the door and walked inside with only Honor's eyes falling on me. Choyce didn't bother turning in my direction. She remained seated in the chair she pulled close to Honor's bed.
"What's this?" I said evenly, voice void of the anger bubbling in my chest.
"A conversation, but it's done now. Choyce, I'll get up with you when I'm out of here."
Choyce rose from her seat and sauntered past me like I was fucking invisible.
"Navy—"
I held my hand up, stopping him until I was sure Choyce and Kage were gone. Another lesson courtesy of Lucian Mancinelli.
Never let an enemy know they have gotten under your skin. Wear your calm like armor, carry silence like a blade. Let them wonder if they touched you at all because those who show hurt bleed the longest.
I've shown Choyce one too many times just how annoyed I am by her presence, but that ended today.
"She's gone Navy," Honor said, breaking the silence.
"How did she get up here? I was by the nurse's desk, so I know she didn't take the elevator.
"The staircase."
"The one that's for hospital personnel only?"
"I had Killian get me a key?—"
