Page 33 of Treason's Temptation
“Of course she didn’t. People who have don’t share it with the first friendly face. I can just tell. She’s in defense mode,” he said, his voice lower now, “and for someone who talks a good game about protecting people, you’re doing a terrible job of taking care of home.”
I arched a brow, lips twitching. “And you know all this, how? You don’t evenlikewomen.”
“I have a sister who’s done enough crying about nothing ass nigga’s to learn a thing or two.”
“Don’t lump me with those losers your sister fucks with. This ain’t that.”
“She’s got the same hurt on her face, so maybe this is that toher,” he scoffed, delivering a pointed look, “and I don’t need tolikewomen to know you need to get in the field and fix shit with your woman. Act like you know what to do with a bad bitch.”
Rylo walked to the elevator and paused for the doors to separate before adding, “Y’all look too cute together to let it go to waste. Maybe try asking her what she needs instead of bossing people around. Just a wild idea.”
I flipped my middle finger at his sarcastic statement just before the elevator doors closed. After a shower, I locked myself in my office like Navie did the guest room. It was a lot harder to focus with the sound of Rylo’s husky voice in my head, so I detoured to making a dinner reservation for tomorrow and spent extra for a long-distance delivery from the Indian restaurant near her old place.
When it arrived, Rylo brought it up wearing a cocky grin that made me rush his ass back downstairs.
“Vie, open the door.”
I knocked again, and still nothing.
“Give me something before I let myself in.”
One of her belongings hit the other side of the door, letting me know she hadn’t found a way out of the twentieth floor.
“Dinner is in the kitchen when you get hungry.”
Since I had a girlfriend, I relaxed on the sofa, reviewing briefs to prepare for the next day. I’d lost track of time when the door finally opened, the light from the guest room illuminating the hallway. Navie crept out in black shorts, a tank top, and a scarf, tying her hair up.
“How did you know I love this place?” she asked, realizing that nothing was by coincidence. Despite my extreme methods, this partnership could work if she calmed her ass down.
“You don’t want me to answer that. Just know you’re worth the trouble.”
“I know.”
“Damn, I ordered your favorite food and can’t even get a smile?”
“It’s not my favorite,” she quipped, sitting at the table. “But thank you.”
“It was better fresh, but you were too busy throwing shit to come out of the dungeon.”
“What are you doing up?” she asked, looking disappointed.
“Can’t sleep. What are you doing up?” I countered.
“I got hungry.”
“Food helps your attitude. Noted.”
“Not being moved around like a chess piece also improves my attitude. Write that down, too.”
“I have to work in the morning, but Rylo will come up before I leave. He’ll finish adding you to the security system.”
“Then what? I sit in the tower all day, playing with my hair, and wait for your return.”
I tossed my notebook on the coffee table and walked around the couch to give her my undivided attention.
“I didn’t take you for the Disney Princess type.”
“I’m not, but unfortunately, you seem to be following their script. I guess that makes you the evil witch.”
