Page 11 of Treason's Temptation
“Why would I do a thing like that?” He asked because there was no way in hell he’d give me prime real estate for nothing.
“That or the city finds out you’re profiting off people’s pain.” Gerald’s brows furrowed, refusing to admit anything, but I didn’t need him to.
“You’re way out of your league, Westbrook.”
“I know about your hustle with Mark Davis.” I stepped in front of him, now face to face, “Thediscretionarygrants from the city to aid tenant relocation. You funneled them through shell LLCs, and all those displaced residents never got their money.”
“I don’t know where you’re getting your information, but you’re playing a dangerous game, boy!”
“I am danger motherfucka. Life-threatening and most of all, uncontrollable. If I don’t get the building, a zip drive might end up in the hands of a reporter itching for a legacy exposé.”
“This is blackmail!” he raged, his face beet red. “They thought hiring you would make a change in this city. You’re just like the rest of them!”
His below-the-belt jab didn’t hurt my feelings. It wasn’t shit he hadn’t done or worse to pad his own pockets and all the people who looked like him. Those tables always turned, and tonight he got a dose of his own medicine.
“If that comes out,” I smirked, kneading his shoulder, “it kills any chance of that nomination going through. Luckily, I care more about STEM programs. I want the lease for that building by noon, and not a second later.”
I could feel the heat from Gerald’s eyes as I walked back to Jaleb. He could call me whatever the fuck he wanted, but I’d beat him at his own game. The high from my victory was short-lived, watching a man who didn’t know how to read a woman’s body.
I pushed off the wall and strode toward him, caressing her arm.
“That’s not Braille. You don’t need your hands to see she’s not interested,” I said, cutting between them. Over my shoulder, I could see relief etched betweenTemptation’sbrows.
He tried to answer for her, but I gave him the kind of look that made grown men find something else to do. He was no different, staggering away muttering.
She turned to me, expression unreadable. “Do you make a habit of inserting yourself in other people’s business?”
“I don’t believe in letting shit slide, especially disrespect to women. My mama would kick my ass if I didn’t come over here.”
“Mama’s boy.” Intrigued, she crossed her arms, probing, “So now I owe you a dance? A kiss? My number?”
I chugged the rest of my whisky while shaking my head, “But I won’t turn it down if you offer.” I stepped closer, gauging all the eyes on us. “Shit, you did me a favor making me look like a hero.”
“And an attention whore too.” She raised an eyebrow. “I’m charging the next one to your campaign.”
“A futuristic thinker. I like that. What’s my good luck charm’s name?” I asked, offering her a grin.
“Relax, I didn’t mean it that way,” she blushed, shifting her weight, “I’m Navie.”
“Should I stand at attention or just follow orders?”
“That was so corny,” she claimed, but her infectious laugh said otherwise.
“You smiled, so my ego isn’t too bruised,” I replied, acknowledging her flushed cheeks at mycornyjoke. “I’m Treason.”
“I know.”
“That smirk tells me that’s not a compliment.”
Before Navie could explain, the event coordinator grabbed my arm.
“Mr. Westbrook, we need to get you mic’d up for your speech.”
“Good luck up there, Treason Westbrook.”
Our brief exchange had me yearning for me. Navie’s calm confidence sauntered away while I was ushered backstage. Not before I saw the glint in her eye. I wasn’t sure why, but I was drawn in.
Chapter 4
