Page 52 of Treason's Temptation
“Jury’s still out on that one.”
“Damn,” my hand hit my chest, and Navie laughed. “It’s like that?”
“I guess so.”
“Trust is built on honesty, right?” Navie nodded. “Wassup with Lorenzo?”
“Nothing,” she replied.
“You gave me your word. No secrets that could hurt the campaign, Blue.”
“It won’t hurt the campaign. Just me,” Each word came out with a pause, like she was in a minefield, carefully picking her steps.
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“It’s not important. Goodnight, Treason,” Navie dismissed herself, running from Lorenzo like she did earlier in my office.
I sat on the couch, elbows on my knees, still reeling from how fast the energy shifted. One second, we were chilling and joking, then she heard his name, bringing out another side of Navie. The bedroom door shut a few seconds later, and I didn’t chase her. Not because I didn’t want to, but poking the bear would only make her lash out.
Me: I need everything you can find on Lorenzo Strathmore Jr.
Ward: I’m on it.
Breaking News
Chapter 12
Treason’s plan was working. Admitting it to my subconscious made me want to vomit, but numbers didn’t lie. Social media consumed everything we posted. According to Fallon, visibility helped because politics was a game of brand awareness. Our relationship had become the brand, shifting the momentum in Treason’s favor. That made him attractive to donors and PACs, meaning money for both of us.
For every five stories labeling us couple goals, there was a crusty ass person behind a keyboard bringing up Lorenzo. I prayed his family was as good as they claimed. People were digging, and there was a lot to find. Things I tried to warn Treason about, but he was too arrogant to listen. It didn’t help that his plan was working. Every rally and town hall meeting was packed to capacity, showing support.
So I smiled through the apprehension, in a soft gray skirt suit tailored to perfection. The real star of my outfit was Treason’s tie, a deep navy with a lightly textured finish. His grandfather gifted it to him for his swearing-in ceremony. Since I was such anamateur, I borrowed it from his closet, waiting for himto notice the silk fabric complementing my outfit. He hadn’t noticed before we left the house, or now, standing backstage waiting for our cue.
“Stop fidgeting,” Treason whispered in my ear, tapping my ass. “Don’t fail me now, Pippen. Lock in, I need you.”
His eyes were so convincing, I swallowed my nerves. Taking his hand, the crowd cheered so loud I could barely hear myself think as I walked onto the stage.
We took a seat, hands still locked because I was too nervous to let go. The camera couldn’t tell, and neither could the host, Tamera. I was too good at pretending, while she smiled like we were old friends.
“Navie, you never come to play! The outfits are always on point,” she said with a wink. “We’re dying to know who you’re wearing today?”
“Suit is by Marcotte, a local designer, Black-owned, of course. Heels are vintage Stuart Weitzman.” I gave a slight tug, just enough to draw attention. “The tie is from Treason’s closet.”
I felt him shift beside me while the audience found the gesture romantic. They gasped, laughed, while Tamera lived for the chaos.
“You stole my shit,” he whispered.
I nodded, leaning into him for a romantic shot. “Guess you’re not asobservantas you think.”
“You have to admit, Treason, it looks good on her,” Tamera complimented.
He smirked, flashing his palms. “I have no complaints. I can’t wait to take it off later.”
Treason looked at me, wearing that unreadable expression he reserved for interviews. It was a good mask, but I could see his irritation bubbling beneath it. He was more curious and frustrated that he didn’t notice sooner.
“Let’s get right to it. Navie, your relationship with Treason seems to have come out of nowhere. What would you like to say to those who now question your presence in Treason’s life?”
“There’s nothing for us to say. It’s news for the city, but it’s just another day for us.”
