Page 135 of Treason's Temptation
After dinner, everyone migrated to the terrace, while I drifted off to the restroom. It felt like heaven compared to more menial small talk. Everything in here screamed luxury, from the warm toilet to the knobs on the faucet I used to wash my hands. Pulling the door open, I walked into a muscled chest that didn’t belong to Treason.
“Sorry about that,” Jaleb smiled as I caught my balance.
“It’s no problem.”
“How much?” Jaleb’s words spun me around. “To get rid of you and your mother. How much?”
My mask slipped. “I’m not for sale.”
“Let’s cut the shit, hmm.” He paused briefly, “Treason is blinded by your smile and whatever else you’re doing to him. Sloane taught you well, but I can’t let you bring him down or complete whatever scheme she has you involved in. So, how much?”
“Fuck. You,” I gritted, looking him up and down. “And to be clear, you need to be worried about your own relationship. Not mine!”
“Oh, come on Navie. I’m being more than fair. You don’t deserve shit, but out of love for Treason, I’m willing. Give me a number so you can be on your way. That’s what you want, right?”
Jaleb showed his hand, and Treason was much safer with me than he’d ever be with Jaleb Langston.
“I’m not leaving until I’m good and fuckin’ ready. If you want me gone, do it yourself,” I dared.
“Don’t tempt me,” Jaleb warned. “Treason didn’t have a mother lying, stealing, and scheming to put him through privateschool and college. He’s worked his ass off for this shit. You won’t fuck this up for him.”
“You know what would fuck it up? Racing to him cryingveryconvincing tears because you just offered me a blank check to leave him alone after he’s repeatedly told you to get on board.Especiallynow that I’m pregnant.”
His eyes widened with suspicion, falling to my stomach like there was something to see. Staring at the war of emotions in Jaleb’s eyes made my smile broaden.
“Bullshit.”
“We just found out. Go ask him,” I suggested.
“You wanted out. I’m offering that,” he gritted.
“I think I’ll stick around since you’re not shit either. Someone has to look out for Tre, and I don’t think you’re the man for the job. I’ve got it from here.”
A pat on the chest ended the conversation, and I strutted back outside. Treason wasted no time signaling me to his lap, while explaining to Russell Sr. that his campaign was in good shape.
“Let the woman breathe. Save that for home,” Jaleb joked, joining the conversation, holding a glass of brown liquor to his lips.
Treason ignored Jaleb, tightening his grip around my waist, his fingers discreetly stroking my stomach.
“Oh, leave them alone. They’re in love. It was a time when you and Michelle were the same way,” Josephine boasted.
“You would say that. Daddy still can’t keep his hands off you,” Yassah groaned.
“That’s what love is supposed to be. A fire you can’t help but touch, even if it’s bad for you. Not a chore that youtolerate,” Sloane said, in jesting quips.
Jaleb seethed, detecting the censure in Sloane’s tone. Likely because every time Sloane opened her mouth, Michelle shot himthe nastiest look I’d ever seen. She was only still here because she couldn’t give Sloane the satisfaction. That kind of torture and hatred could only be reserved for a woman who wanted your man.
“How long have you been married?” I asked, trying to move the conversation past Sloane’s loaded rebuttal.
“Coming up on forty years. We’re having a big celebration and renewing our vows. Of course, you’re invited,Navie,” Josephine offered.
“Forty years is a steep hill,” Treason added, as I lay against his chest.
“Looks like you’re well on your way,” Russell Sr. pointed out.
“Slow down, Pop. Let them get to know each other first,” Jaleb smirked.
“I like what I see so far. Maybe one day,” There was a hint of laughter to my words that forced Jaleb to gulp the rest of his drink.
