Page 21 of Treason's Temptation
“Good morning, Mr. Westbrook,” Yassah called out, stalling my stride through the rotunda. That allowed her high heels to catch me and lean in for a quick hug and smooch on my cheek. “I’m on my way to lunch. Care to join me?”
“I can’t,Princess. Packed day.”
Her neck fell to the side, refusing to accept my excuse, “Even the future president has to eat.”
“When you put it that way.”
Yassah straightened up, and her eyes grew as wide as her smile.
“Great. I have a car outside.”
Yassah spun and strutted toward the exit while I texted my assistant. Yassah’s driver took us to the Gilded Fox. It was a nearby restaurant where backroom discussions were held in hushed tones, thanks to its private dining facilities. The Langston name carried weight in Madison Pointe. It was the kind that could pop up here, request the best table, and be seated within seconds.
“So, Treason, what have you been up to?” Yassah asked once seated.
“Work.”
She playfully rolled her eyes.
“Cut the political bullshit. How haveyoureally been?” She leaned back in the seat and sipped the champagne she requested before even sitting down.
“Nothin’ poppin’ over here. Your brother has me busy with campaign shit.”
“You know what they say about all work and no play.”
“Nah, what do they say?”
Yassah licked her lips, so my eyes could follow. “Nothing good comes from it. You need to unwind andreleaseall that pent-up stress.”
“Since you’re so well-versed. How do you release stress, CEO of Langston Media Group? Congratulations, by the way.”
“Thanks, Tre. You know me, I find ways to entertain myself.”
“One of those young boys is going to turn your ass out.”
I hung my head, shaking it while Yassah giggled, “My days are filled with boring ass board meetings and micromanaging employees. I need something for myself. You should try it. I’m sure there’s an endless list of women who would have you.”
“I’ve never been short on offers, Yas, but that’s not what I’m looking for.”
“I can help. I know every eligible bachelorette in this city. So, tell me what you’re looking for.”
“According to Jaleb, it’s you, but I think I found it.”
Her brows shot up in shock. The more she talked, the more I realized this was a setup. I was still deciding who the guilty culprit was between Fallon and Jaleb.
“It's impossible to have found it and not be having fun.”
“Can’t rush the process. Things worth having take time to come together. You should know that.”
“Jaleb’s ideas usually irk me, but I have to agree. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Apparently, being a single female CEO isn’t a good look either. We could’ve killed two birds with one stone, but you already found it.”
“You don’t wanna be stuck with a nigga like me, anyway.”
“And why not?” She asked, folding her arms across her chest. As the youngest and only girl in a prominent family, Yassah always felt like she had to prove herself. Prove that she could do what the boys could. She hated being doubted, as she stared at me with fire in her eyes and pinched brows.
I didn’t want a relationship that looked good on paper. I wanted substance and some form of authenticity. As a Langston, Yassah represented everything safe. She’s familiar, polished, and respected, just like the women in that portfolio. She just came with a fancier last name.
“You’re fine as hell, but the fight that would end us isn’t worth the headache, Princess. Plus, how would Danielle feel about that?”
