Page 180 of Treason's Temptation
Navie didn’t even take a second to lie. “Him.”
I snapped my head toward her, eyes wide. “Me? Navie, stop lying to these people.”
The Yard was filled with students drinking and having a good time. I stepped closer, getting right up in her face, mic low. “You’re bold, lying in front of all these people. I have ten minutes to get her food when she says she’s hungry, just for you to finish half your plate, and sayI’m full.”
“I can’t help that I get full fast.”
“Then slide your fork on my plate.”
Navie tilted her head at me, eyes gleaming, refusing to back down. “And you let me every single time.”
That set the Yard off—chants of“Oooohhh!”bouncing across the grass like a wave.
I laughed, shaking my head. This wasn’t staged, wasn’t scripted. It was just us, and the Yard could feel it.
“Who’s more likely to catch an attitude in public?”
I tossed my thumb toward Navie while she lowered her chin, laughing, “Don’t matter where we are. If that attitude hits, it’s a wrap.”
“That’s not true. He’s just had more practice at controlling it.”
“Okay, last one. Who has to have the last word?”
We both looked at each other, but Navie turned to the crowd in disbelief.
“He’s a politician, of course, he has to have the last word! Ladies, be careful with those political science majors!” she warned.
I put my hand over my heart, leaning into my mic. “See how she does me in public? On my own campus?”
Navie grinned at me, eyes soft even while she clowned me. “They deserve to know the truth.”
Usually, I was the one in control of the narrative, shaping every angle. But here, letting her joke on me, making me human to these students—it didn’t weaken me. It made me real.
The Yard enjoyed the game and immediately went back to turning up when the DJ dropped the beat. It must’ve been the hCG because Blue didn’t have two left feet at all. She had rhythm and endless energy, hyping all Rayven’s friends to the point they wanted her to stay. I hated to tear her from her happy place, but it was time for our next obligation.
Ward volunteered to get the car because his social battery died an hour before, but even he couldn’t deny Blue’s request to tag along when she asked, ‘What if the baby needs you?’ I’d get on her for using my baby for personal gain later, but for now, I enjoyed the view of her dropping to her knees while Rayven’s friends hyped her up.
Blue announced our departure but promised to come back for homecoming, turning their boo’s into cheers. While I was the guest of honor, Pippen was the star of the game today. I didn’t have to do shit but show up and follow her lead.
“We’re heading out. I love you, and be safe,” Navie hugged Rayven after reminding everyone to vote in the upcoming election before leaving the stage.
“I will. I love you too.”
“Have fun, but not too much, and if you do use a condom,” I fussed lightly, plucking Rayven’s forehead.
She scowled, leaning in to whisper, “You didn’t use one.”
“I’m not in college either. Don’t let some nothing ass nigga trick you out of our dream for a quick nut.”
“Oh my God! Please go,” Rayven groaned, covering her ears.
“That’s what you better tell his ass too,” I replied, pulling her in for a hug next.
“Yes, because no babies until after med school,” Blue added.
“Alright, it’s time for y’all to go. It’s been fun, but see ya!” Rayven waved, pushing us in the opposite direction of where we’d been posted up.
“We’re out, but if you need anything, put that number to use.”
