Page 10 of Treason's Temptation
Yassah used my arm to spin in front of me as a distraction from her flushed cheeks.
“I know that Treason is waiting for the right woman, butTrecan’t commit to save his life.”
“Where’d you get that bullshit?”
I grabbed two glasses of champagne from the server and handed one to her.
“Credible sources,” she replied coyly.
I chuckled, handing her a glass. She quickly swallowed the pear-flavored mixture as fuel to get through her spiel. I just couldn’t decipher whether it was voluntary or if Jaleb had put a battery in her back.
“Just because Idon'tdoesn't mean Ican't. Never confuse the two.”
“Then what’s stopping you? I know damn well it’s not a lack of offers.”
“Only a fool would rush in where angels fear.”
Ignoring the one on her shoulder, Yassah gave in to temptation, asking, “What does that even mean?”
“The next woman I give my heart to will be the closest thing to God I’ve laid my eyes on. I’m a business, so I can’t give that shit out freely. ‘Gotta move smart. You should know, Miss CEO of Langston Media.”
Her gaze slid downward, mirroring the thoughts stirring in her pussy. Usually, Yassah could disguise her feelings, but tonight she was powerless. Jaleb joined us, offering a reprieve.
“About damn time.” His hand hitting my shoulder snapped Yassah out of her lustful trance.
“We were in the middle of a conversation,” she complained.
“Now you’re not. Treason’s on the clock, and we have work to do.”
“Sorry, playtime’s over, Princess,” I apologized, winking to soften her scowl.
Yassah stormed off while Jaleb mumbled under his breath about how she was still a spoiled brat. Then he led me to a mixed group that didn’t mind us interrupting their conversation. It wasn’t like they were discussing anything important anyway.
I turned toward the showstopper across the room that had Jaleb ignoring Zora Taylor’s comment. The backless dress had everyone hooked, but it was the effortless grace that held my attention.
“Pick your jaw up. You’re a married man,” I joked, causing Jaleb to smirk.
“I’m not blind, motherfucka,” Jaleb retorted, weighing his options, “and that dress might be worth the alimony.”
A man in his position getting married without a pre-nup was unheard of. Some days, I couldn’t believe it. Even the wives who had one were trying to figure out who she was and why she was here. I’d been to enough of these events to know when someone didn’t belong. Or at least when they didn’t come to play the same game as everyone else.
Her toffee-colored skin moved across the room, looking as sweet as the candy tastes. With her natural sheen, she was born to stand out. Her body pulled you in, but her deep-set eyes kept you there. Every man in her path shifted, and every woman took inventory.
Including me.
Madison Pointe was my city, and I knew everybody in it, except her. It wasn’t until I circled the mezzanine that I saw her in conversation with Abdul Hampton and his wife, Daige. Abdul had a reputation. He was a self-made man who couldn’t be bought, unlike most in this city. He was selective about the causes he gave his money to, and he damn sure didn’t make polite conversation with strangers. Not with Daige standing at his side, grinning like she was watching a magician’s trick from the front row.
She smiled, polite and controlled, giving just enough to keep them on the hook.Miss Temptationwasn’t just beautiful, she was dangerous, too. I was itching to touch the stove to find out if it was as hot as it looked when Thandie grabbed it, pulling me into her.
“Come with me to the bathroom.” I could feel Thandie’s excitement through our laced fingers. She was usually all business at events like this, but not tonight.
“Can’t. I need to handle something.” She was disappointed that I took my hand back, noticing Gerald Whitmore, alone, sipping his overpriced scotch. “Gerald, good to see you.”
“Likewise, Treason. Enjoying the event?”
“I will be when you give up that building on 115th.”
Gerald almost choked on my bold statement.
