Page 23 of Treason's Temptation
Jaleb didn’t even look surprised. “We can’t afford a scandal right now, Tre. We’re too close. Victor’s people are waiting for you to fuck up.”
I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly. I knew this would come. Hell, I expected worse. I looked into Navie’s eyes at the gala and saw it clear as day. She was a survivor, not a saint.
“She’s a hustler, but so am I. The difference is, I wear a suit and call it politics.”
Fallon gave me that look, half warning, half weary. “This could ruin you.”
“She had a meeting with Abdul Hampton. Even you can’t get me that. She also got Barbey to double what I asked for. Navieknows how to make a lie feel like a dream. She’s the solution to our funding problemandthe relationship optics.”
Jaleb muttered under his breath, “You’re playing with fire.”
I smirked. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“It’s my job to call you out when you’re slipping! Right now, you’re slipping, Treason. It was fun, but we need to focus on winning this election,” Fallon’s tone softened, as if that would make me nod and agree.
“Slipping and not doing what you want aren’t the same.”
“In this situation, it is. I understand the attraction, but she’s not the girl you marry. What is it about her? Do you know her from somewhere?” Jaleb probed.
“Get on board or we can all get off and get back to our regularly scheduled program.”
Fallon and Jaleb shared a look before she announced, “I have errands to run. We need to get a meeting with Abdul Hampton.” Before mumblingthis shit is stupid, on her way out.
She knew better than anyone that I did things my way. That’s why we worked because she was the same way.
“Talk to me, Tre. You said you were looking for yourMich.I can assure you, Navie is not it.”
“Some shit you just feel, and this is one of them.”
“Is it the thrill of the chase?” He asked, refusing to accept my decision. “The allure of the forbidden? Her pussy can’t bethatgood, you’re willing to jeopardize the whole campaign!”
The thought of this being about pussy made me laugh. That and Jaleb was beet red trying to rationalize my decision. It was risky, but I learned early that no risk, no reward. My mind was made up, and every excuse he laid out went in one ear and out of the other.
“You need to go home and relax. If we’re the best in the game, we can make Navie work.”
“I can’t fuckin’ calm down! You’re going to give me fuckin’ heart attack. ‘Might not even live to see you get elected at this rate!” Jaleb snapped, shooting up to his feet.
“Can I get back to work since this campaign is so important?”
Jaleb’s eyes narrowed, questioning his own gut for taking me under his wing. Then, snatched the door open and stormed out. If he kept it up, a heart attack wasn’t far off.
Riding the high of pissing them both off, I replied to emails and confirmed meetings until the sun went down. Saying good night to the few interns still lingering, I left headquarters and climbed into the car. Usually, Ward came to scoop me, but tonight I had plans with my girlfriend, who didn’t know she was mine.
The key slid into the lock like it belonged there. Technically, it did. I paid for it. Letting myself in, there was a jacket thrown over the armchair, and a blanket on the couch. It looked like she jumped up and rushed out the door, but the kitchen was the most meticulous space. The counters were clean while the scent of lavender lingered. There wasn’t anything in her apartment that gave context to her background or personality. No family photos, only printed artwork and a tennis racket by the door.
Moving the blanket aside, I sat on the couch, turned on my favorite jazz playlist, and used the quiet time to finish a few tasks. The lock finally jiggled, and the door opened, Navie kicking it shut with her foot. She paused, unable to see me, but hearing music, prompted her to drop her bags and grab her gun.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Navie blared, inching closer until she made out my face.
“Put the gun down.”
“Why would I do that? You’re an intruder.”
“Because you’re smart enough to know killing the Executive Liaison in your apartment would bring unwanted attention tothat fake ass nonprofit you’re running. Put the fuckin’ gun down now before I pull mine.”
She hesitated, primarily out of irritation that I was right, before tucking it in her back. It was close enough to retrieve if she changed her mind, but I wasn’t worried.
“Why are you here?”
