Page 80 of Treason's Temptation
“Aww, Blue must really like me. She’s getting soft.”
“Excuse me for trying to be a good girlfriend.”
“I thought you were off the clock when the cameras stopped rolling,” Treason said, looking around the empty room to make a point. “But I’m cool. Mom never cried about it, and she raised me not to either. There’s no sense in crying about a nigga that’s not worth shit.”
“Of course, Treason Westbrook isn’t bothered that his father isn’t in his life. Your ego’s much too big for that.”
“An absent parent isn’t always a bad thing.” Treason dragged me by the hand to the living room. “Fuck nigga might’ve done more damage sticking around anyway.”
“Do you want kids?”
“Nah, I’m good on that. Kids are like the woman you meet at the club. Fun for a night, but nothing anybody in their right mind would commit to long term.” Treason’s finger tilted my chin at him, “I know how fucked up this world truly is, and I’d burn this shit down behind mine. It’s better this way.”
“Wow, that’s the nicest thing I’ve ever heard you say.”
“Does Blue want babies?”
“I barely want a man.”
“Here you go with this lying shit again.”
I watched him fall back on the couch and pull me down with him. Treason positioned me straddling his lap, with his arms wrapped around my midriff. I could barely form a sentence with his fingers stroking my skin.
“Why does it get under your skin so bad?”
“Being treated like a piece of meat doesn’t intrigue me. It’s annoying.”
Treason laughed because he was so rooted in his beliefs that he didn’t think there was another way to internalize his physical affection.
“Touching you isn’t about fuckin’. Of course, I want that too, but it’s about you. What you need. What relaxes you so you stop expecting the worst from a nigga all the time? Until then, affection is just how I show love.”
My heartbeat felt too loud as he kissed my shoulder. I wanted to say something smart, something sarcastic to keep the wall up, but I couldn’t. His words sank into me, spreading warmth and ache in the same breath.
I nodded, while my brain scrambled to find the strength to be honest and vulnerableagain. “I missed you today.”
“I know.” Treason smirked before leaning into my lips, “I missed you, too. Do you like the bracelet?”
Chapter 15
Helping Miss Dot find Shira housing had gone from a favor to unwanted expectations and no compensation. Not only for me, but also for poor Milaya, who was burdened with relaying the messages she left for me.
The rec center is still closed. How do you expect kids to stay ‘outta trouble when they ain't got no outlet?
They shut down the free dance class at the rec center. That was the only thing keeping that wild girl sane. Now she’s running around with men my age.
Boys ain’t the only ones joining gangs. These girls are out here fightin’ like they’re in Mortal Kombat.
There’s a woman in building 12 whose boyfriend beats her like a drum. You need to send somebody over there and knock his ass around.
That new liquor store by the daycare ain’t right. Kids shouldn’t walk past drunks to learn.
Niesha’s cousin came out and the family got her on the street. Now that baby’s livin’ in a car. You claim to help women—help all of ‘em.
I don’t know how Treason did it because campaign season was kicking my ass. His schedule was nonstop, filled with something to do or fix. Always on the go from appearances to interviews, all while doing his day job. I don’t know what Treason would do when I wasn’t around to make him put the iPad down.
Treason had been a lot less irritating since eating my pussy, going against everything my brain told me would happen if I were honest. The unfamiliar peace made me crave my old life with no expectations and solitude that felt safe.
What if we... then I’d cut the thought at the knees. Treason might not be the monster I thought he was, but there was one still inside of him. After all, he was a politician through and through, making it hard to trust his soul-baring confessions.
