Page 73 of Treason's Temptation
“No, he’s working,” I replied.
“Hm,” Jaleb nodded. “If you have time, join me for lunch.”
My brow shot up, and Ward almost let his laugh slip out. It was evident from the beginning where he and Fallon stood. I wasn’t their top pick. I didn’t wanna be here either, so I didn’t take it personally, but all the more reason we didn’t have shit to discuss over lunch.
“Go ahead, I have a few calls to make,” Ward urged.
Jaleb smiled, his arm leading the way to a table reserved solely for the Langston bloodline.
“So, how are you? I know all of this can be a lot.”
“I’m fine.”
“How’s Tre treating you? I love him like a son, but he’s a handful. I imagine it’s an adjustment going from nothing to living together overnight.”
“Why does this feel like an audition, and instead of lunch?”
“No audition needed. Treason hand-picked you for the role, sweetheart.”
“But you didn’t,” I replied.
He’s worked very hard to get here. I don’t want anything oranyoneto derail where he’s going.”
“This sounds like a conversation you need to have with him.”
“I’ve tried, but once Tre gets something in his head, there’s no changing it. He claims your past with Lorenzo won’t be a problem, but what about Sloane?”
“What about her?”
Jaleb shrugged, searching for the words to wrap his question in a pretty bow.
“There are rumors of a client list that could upset a lot of people if it came out. Is there any truth to that?”
“Don’t know. Sounds like a question for Sloane.”
“Where is she these days?”
I shrugged. “She has her life and I have mine.”
My vague answers irritated Jaleb. He was used to people foaming at the mouth over his last name or being so intimidated by it that they conformed. Then there was me, refusing to give an inch in this pointless conversation.
“We’re on the same side. Tre wins, and you’re free to go. That’s what you want, right?”
“Right,” I mumbled, reading another text from Treason.
“The spotlight can be a lot, but my sister Yassah’s been around it her whole life. If you ever need help navigating all this, I can connect you. She’s good at keeping things in perspective.”
Jaleb had an angle. I couldn’t figure out if this were concern for Treason or something else. Either way, I wouldn’t be taking him up on his offer. I used Treason, calling my phone to escape, because there were better ways for me to spend my time than talkingshopwith Jaleb Langston. Reuniting with Ward, we left,and I was one stop closer to a hot bath when I noticed him stealing glances at me.
“You down to roll with me or ready to return to thetower?” Ward joked.
“Depends. Where are we going?”
“Errands.”
“That’s it?” I scoffed, hoping for something more exciting.
“I can take you home,” Ward threatened, sounding too much like Tre.
