Page 72 of Treason's Temptation
“Tell me again what you’renotgonna do?” I taunted, enjoying the sweetest juice I’d ever tasted.
Chapter 14
Ihad already been trying to figure out Treason before. What’s real? What’s not, and since our vulnerable conversation, I was trying to figure myself out, too. A wild turn of events, considering I knew myself better than anyone. Now I wasn’t sure I knew anything at all.
The lines were blurring, but I didn’t know how to stop it. Treason had become my vice in dealing with all the bullshit that came with his job. Victor Jackson’s campaign was desperate, attaching my name to Lorenzo and Sloane, too.
I was dressed and ready in my white pleated skirt, baby-blue fitted tank, and sneakers. Treason was back to the hustle, which meant long days and longer nights between his day job and campaigning. He was called in for an emergency, but he still promised to take me.
Stink: I can’t get away right now. I’ll make it up to you.
Society wanted us to believe men were so innovative and superior, yet Treason couldn’t even balance a job and arelationship. There was no point in texting back. I wasn’t even mad, just tired of feeling like I’d been forced into a deal that benefited everyone except me.
I heard the elevator, then Ward’s deep baritone voice followed.
“Wassup, you staying out of trouble?” he asked, because we hadn’t seen each other since I dropped Treason off in a dark alley.
“About to get into some if I don’t see a tennis court soon.”
“Meeting ran over?”
“So heclaims.” I just stood there for a second, fingers tightening around the grip of the racket.
“Tre’s a busy man being pulled into a million directions.”
“And I’m supposed to feel bad that it’s full when he asked for more on his plate?”
Ward nodded like he got it, then volunteered, “So go hit the court. Tre gave you the green light.”
“We were supposed to go together.”
Ward smiled, and I rolled my eyes, stepping into his trap.
“So that’s what you’re mad about? You miss Tre.”
I did, and I hated it.
“I’m not into empty promises. He told me he was going to do something and didn’t.”
“I’ll take you.”
“For real?”
“Yeah,for real. Hurry up, I have some other stuff to do too.”
Ward grabbed whatever he stopped by for, then held the elevator open, and I stepped inside. I was still annoyed and frustrated, but thankful. I didn’t say much on the ride there. Neither did Ward. I let my fingers trace the strings of the racket, feeling a sense of familiarity. Tennis had always been my thing. Sloane spent a lot of time scanning fancy country clubs lookingfor her next mark. I found solace on the court while Rayven passed time in the pool.
Ward sat nearby, scrolling through messages, while I let off steam, swinging my racket. Two sets in, sweat slicked my back, but my mind was clear. By the time I walked off the court, with a towel around my neck, Ward handed me a bottle of water.
“You’re decent.”
“Thanks. Not just for that, but bringing me out here.”
“No sweat, my dog would’ve been here if he could.”
One thing I knew about Treason Westbrook was that if he wanted to, he would. My presence in his life alone was evidence, but he wasn’t here, and that spoke volumes. Tossing my items in my duffle, Ward and I discussed lunch options because I was starving.
“Wassup, Ward?” They slapped hands, and Jaleb turned to me, “Good to see you, Navie. Is Tre around?”
