Page 42 of Treason's Temptation
He sighed, backed into a corner, “Tell me about these responsibilities you have.”
“It’s personal, so can you just trust me?”
“That’s not a point I would push,” he said firmly, no smile or charm in sight, before continuing, “Two, no strangers or random people in my crib.”
“There is no one else. Just me, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
“Then what is Rayven?” Hearing her name from him felt too much like a threat, and the gloves came off. “That’s the responsibility you don’t want to tell me about, or something else?”
“It’snothing,I’m not prepared to do behind my sister. Absolutely nothing, including prison,” I said firmly, one brow hiked, the other stubborn in place.
“If I wanted her snatched walking back to Height Hall from her chemistry lab, I would’ve so pipe that flip ass mouth down.”
As the words rolled out, Treason’s facial muscles relaxed, his grin back like it never left, stretching the grey whiskers peppered into his beard.
“Two seconds ago, it was just you, which leads to my next point. No secrets. No lies. I’ve got you, but that has to work both ways. I’ve already seen the worst. You tried to take me out, remember?”
“That’s only the tip of the iceberg.” The pulsing knot in my stomach was hard to deny. I think Treason felt it too, moving the conversation along.
“No public embarrassment, so don’t make me have to show my ass. Most importantly, when I tell you to do something,trust meand listen.”
“Trust is a two-way street, and I believe that directly contradicts my non-negotiables.”
“It’s my job to provide and protect. Shit can get spooky around here quick, and not listening could cost us both.”
Treason’s magnetism was so potent that I believed him. The revelation made me bite my lip while my eyes roamed relentlessly around the room. Then the sincerity in his voice faded, replaced with humor.
“Bend over and pick up my napkin for me. It might create some compensation.”
“Fuck you,” I groaned at his wide smile, watching him pick it up himself.
“Real shit, if you can do those things for me, I’ll find it in my heart andmywalletto cover yourresponsibilities.”
“Thanks, Tre.”
Treason winked. “I preferStink,but you’re welcome.”
“I’m not calling you that.”
“Why? I don’t look like aStink?” he asked, subtly striking different poses. Treason was a true chameleon, able to blend in seamlessly, yet you couldn’t take your eyes off him. “It’ll make for a good story in interviews.”
“Better than the story Fallon came up with. I’m not putting myself through this to lose.”
“I thought it was to keep your ass out of jail,” he corrected, “but I’m glad. I’d be sad as fuck making those visits.”
“Oh, please, I’d be forgotten the second the door closed behind me.”
“You’re selling yourself short. People don’t forget Navie Dixon.”
“Anyway,” I rolled my eyes, “You put my business on the hot seat. They won’t forget that. How do I know I won’t pay for it later?”
“Your man took care of it. When I say don’t worry, that means it’s handled.”
Treason and I made it through dinner without using our knives as weapons. He seemed okay when he wasn’t having me framed and moved into his home. After dinner, Treason covered the check, and I enjoyed myself until we left. The sidewalk was filled with people shoving cameras in our faces.
“I got you,” Treason reassured me.
He offered me his hand again, and just like before, I accepted it, trying not to squeeze too hard. I was used to having eyes on me for a limited time. Being with Treason meant someone was always watching, fearing they saw the baggage I carried. Holding my head high, I let Treason guide me to his car, ignoring everyone shouting questions about our relationship.
