Page 66 of Treason's Temptation
Navie, who’d been quietly sipping her drink, occupied with Sharon, chimed in.
“Treason would be a great fit for something like that. His educational work already focuses on science and innovation. Sorry,” she added quickly, her tone light and teasing. “Force of habit. I’ll stay out of men’s business.”
Sharon grinned like she’d just heard the best joke all night. “Oh, please. Who do you think gave Reggie the idea in the first place?”
“Not a bad idea,” Reggie agreed, nudging me with his elbow. “You’ve got yourself a good one, Treason.”
Navie drank his complement while Sharon insisted they catch up somewhere outside of this event. The night ended, and Navie slid into the car, eager to take off the mask. The quiet ride home mirrored the ride here, only this time, she wasn’t on her phone. Navie stared out the window with her elbow propped on it. Then she turned, as if she had something to say, but Ward’s call interrupted.
“Yo,” I answered, his tone shifting so quickly it made my back straighten.
“You need to leave that fundraiser. We have a problem.”
“Hold on.” I disconnected the call from the car. “What kind of problem?”
“K-Low. He called a meeting with OG Renny tonight.”
“Where’d you get that?”
“June. Meet me at the old brewing company off MLK in fifteen.”
She went back to staring out the window, but I knew her nosey ass was listening.
“Navie’s with me.”
“Figure out something. You don’t need this shit getting out of control.”
The conversation paused while I pondered my options, but there weren’t many.
“Fuck, I’m on my way.”
Surprisingly, she didn’t ask any questions as I switched lanes to turn around. Most women would’ve been on the edge of their seats, trying to piece together what the fuck was going on. Her calmness softened my own attitude.
We pulled up along the curb and parked behind Ward’s car.
“Remember that conversation about listening so I can keep you safe?” Navie nodded, “This is one of those times. Get in the driver’s seat and go straight home. Text me when you’re home. Not walking in the building.Upstairs.Safe. You got me?”
I pushed the door open, and Navie climbed out, meeting me in front of the car, where I slapped hands with Ward and June.
“Figured you’d need this,” Ward said, handing me the gun, “Wassup Navie?”
“Preciate it,” I mumbled.
I took it and checked
“Hey,” she half smiled, watching me check the chamber like second nature. Navie didn’t say a word, but I felt her eyes taking mental notes on the way I handled it. “Where’s mine?”
“You don’t need one if you do what I say,” I replied, before Ward did.
“Who is this?” June licked his lips, rubbing his hands in a way that almost got him shot.
“A death wish. Back yo’ ass up,” I warned.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sweetheart. I’m June,” he introduced, disregarding my warning.
Ward and I shared a look. Mine was a lot more rigid than the half smirk on his face, finding entertainment in June crossing the line. “My name is Navie, not sweetheart.”
He delivered a dramatic mock salute, standing upright and biting his bottom lip.
