Page 153 of Treason's Temptation
“Well, somebody is looking out for you, so don’t be in here starting shit. I’ll do what I have to do, but make this easy on both of us.”
“What’s in it for you?”
Most people didn’t do shit for free. I was one of them, so if I made a deal like this, it would have to be something in it for me.
“Your man is helping my mom get custody of my kids. They’re in foster care,” she admitted, lowering her gaze like it pained her to admit it.
“What’s your name?”
“Golden. Big Goldie around here.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Goldie.”
She nodded, rolling over on the hard cot, and I did the same. That was the only positive aspect of being pregnant. I was exhausted all the time, making it easier to fall asleep until it was interrupted.
“Special visitor for Dixon. Let’s go,” The officer announced, unlocking my cell.
“Your man just can’t stay away,” Goldie smirked as I turned around to be cuffed again.
Treason wasn’t due back until tomorrow. If he were here again, something had to be wrong, and that made each step feel heavier than the one before it. The door creaked open, and the air shifted how it always did when Treason was near.
. . . But it wasn’t him creating more confusion and anger.
“What the fuck is this?” I asked, staring at Winston’s older, broad frame sitting at the table.
“Have a seat,” he motioned, but I wasn’t staying.
Regardless of how I felt about Treason at the moment, I wasn’t about to let Winston use me.
“Take me back to my cell.”
“Five minutes,” Winston insisted, standing up. “For family.”
“You are not my family.”
A self-satisfied smile appeared. “I guessyour familyhasn’t told you everything. Please sit, so I can fill you in.”
Curiosity pushed my feet forward, but I regained control, refusing again.
“Five minutes and tell them to uncuff me?” I demanded.
Frustrated but obedient, Winston signaled the officer closer.
“Be a gentleman and uncuff the lady.”
“Are you sure, Mr. Calloway?” he asked.
I was the one in danger, but to them, I was just another number.
He nodded, reiterating, “We’re family. I’ll be fine.”
The officer complied and left the room, and I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.
“We’re not family.”
“Sorry to disappoint, but DNA doesn’t lie. I thought, as smitten as my son is, he would’ve told you, but then again, I’m his best kept secret.”
“If that’s true, it’s you keeping the secret. Not him.”
