Page 16 of Trial of Deceit

“You come up with a better answer since last night,” Ashari teased.“It’s my first time hearing that one… So, do you want me to know about you?”

He waved his cigar around the restaurant.“I got you out to dinner, didn’t I?”

Ashari chuckled.“Okay, Just Jed.But, you still don’ answer me question.”

“I sell cars.”

“That don’ call for so much security.”

“Cars that are special, Ari,” he said.

“How?”

He grinned.“They’re custom-made for the highest bidder.”

“I see,” Ashari said, leaning back with a smile after realizing that was all he’d say.She reached for her bag she’d laid next to herself.“It’s getting late, and I had a long day, so…”

Jediah nodded, placing the cigar in the ashtray, then helping her to stand.They walked back to the car and Jediah opened the door for her.They made small talk until Cameron slowed before her apartment, making Jediah’s brow raise.“A could never here so yu live.”

“What’s wrong with it?”she asked defensively.Sure, the apartment needed a repaint and the shrubs could use a trim, but all the amenities were up to par.

“It’s a shit hole.”

She fought the urge to roll her eyes.“Yes, Just Jed.Not all of us have security and chauffeurs.”

“Wan’ lock yu down fi mek yu have it too, but yu don’ seem interested.”

“Show me that yu wan’ do more than tear off mi draws, and maybe I’ll let you spoil me,” she suggested, and he licked his bottom lip.

He was about to respond when the slam of a door captured his attention.He looked over Ashari’s shoulder, then narrowed his eyes.“Boyfriend?”

Ashari looked over her shoulder.Her eyes narrowed on Romar.Jediah wouldn’t be able to see his face clearly because he stood in the shadows, but Ashari knew that stance anywhere.Her eyes returned to normal as she looked at Jediah with her most believable smile.“No.Big brother.”

“Ah… ’Cause mi don’ join the sharing thing, My Ari.”

She leaned toward him, and he yanked the cigar from his mouth.Jediah puckered his lips and leaned forward.Ashari smirked as she locked her fingers beneath his chin, the hairs of his beard pricking her fingers as she turned his head to the side.Her heart slammed hard against her chest as she leaned forward.Jediah’s cologne was more alluring from that proximity as her lips faintly traced his cheek, trailing upward until she was at the shell of his ear, making him shiver.

“Not your Ari yet,” she whispered, then pulled away with a smirk.She winked at his shocked expression before exiting the car and sashaying toward the apartment.Her eyes narrowed on Romar as she approached him, but he didn’t notice because he was too busy glaring at the car.

When she was close enough, he uncrossed his arms and held the door open for her.“Well?”

She smirked as she stepped into the apartment, spotting Lyssa sitting on the edge of the sofa.“I’ve got him.”

“Yes!”Lyssa cheered, jumping up and down as Romar closed the door.

Romar tugged Ashari into a hug, and she smiled as she wrapped her arms around him.“Good job.”

She pulled away to look at him.“No thanks to you.Why were you outside?”

Lyssa chuckled.“He was worried ’cause Sanjae and Jaia lost you.”

Ashari shrugged as she sat on the sofa.Lyssa sat beside her while Romar remained by the door.“I told Senior that security won’t be very effective.Cameron is a great driver.He knows how to dodge tails without realizing it.Besides, I wasn’t expecting Jed to show up there.”

“We know.You didn’t have your tracker on?”

Ashari shook her head.“I messed up, but it won’t happen again.”

Romar pursed his lips.Watching Ashari gulp hard, his eyes softened at her.“I’m glad you’re okay.I’m gonna leave now… Lyssa, come.”

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