Page 41 of Playing with Temptation

Nate clenched his teeth. “Look, Vi, I know you’re just trying to look out for me, but you are completely out of line. Now that you’re back we can talk about your concerns, but at a more appropriate time. Like tomorrow morning.”

Vi gave Kendra her evil stare before returning her attention to Nate. “We need to talk now. Before things get worse.”

“I messed up with that video, but I do not need you to babysit me.”

“So you don’t trust me to look after you, but you and Marcus think it’s a good idea to trust her?” Vi pointed at Kendra accusingly.

“That’s my choice. Just like it was my choice to have you run the foundation, even though half our family didn’t think you were levelheaded enough to handle a responsibility like that.”

“So now you’re going to throw me under the bus because I’m pointing out the obvious. Ms. Thing here doesn’t have your back. She never did.”

“That’s enough!” Nate blared, his chest heaving and heat crawling up his neck. “I get that you’re angry, but don’t take it out on Kendra. I made the choice to work with her. Beyond that, she’s my son’s mother. So you will never, ever talk to her like that again. Got it?”

Vi rolled her eyes, then shrugged.

“I mean it.” He pointed a finger at his sister.

“Fine. Okay. Sorry.” She threw her hands up. “But we do need to talk. Now. Meet you downstairs in ten.” Navia left, slamming the bedroom door behind her.

Nate pressed his palms to his eye sockets and shook his head. “Sorry about that. Vi’s been out of the country, so we haven’t had a chance to talk about this. She’ll be fine. I just need to make it clear that this isn’t her choice.”

“She hates me.” Kendra tucked a few curls behind her ear. “You guys are incredibly close. She feels your pain, maybe more intensely.”

“Is that why you didn’t say a word when she was in here clowning?” When she shrugged, Nate cupped her chin. “That isn’t the fierce warrior I know. If we’re going to work together, you’ll have to deal with Vi. Don’t let her run you over. You never did before. You know Vi, if you give her an inch she’ll take the length of two football fields before you can blink. I’ll set her straight, but promise me you won’t take any shit from her.”

“We’ll work it out.” Kendra’s tone was less than convincing, but he let it go.

Nate slipped his fingers into her hair, pulling her closer. He kissed her. “Don’t move. I’ll be back with dinner.” He winked.

Kendra slapped a hand over her mouth. “Dinner! God, I hope it isn’t ruined.”

“It isn’t. It’s fine.” Nate got out of bed, retrieved his clothing from the floor and dressed. “Sit tight. I’ll be back as soon as I get rid of Vi.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Promise.”

“Don’t be so hard on her, Nate. She’s just trying to protect you. It’s been her job since you two were conceived.” She smiled, but then her expression and tone grew serious. “I won’t come between you two. I’d rather walk away.”

“I know you would.” He gripped the door handle. “Fortunately, it won’t come to that. Working with you is exactly what I need right now. We’ve already made progress. Bottom line? If she really wants what’s best for me, she’ll get on board. She’ll complain about how rough the ride is, but she’ll come aboard just the same.”

Nate closed the bedroom door, then padded down the stairs in his bare feet to straighten out his nosy, overprotective, older-by-five-minutes twin sister.

His sister had the worst timing. He’d finally made headway with Kendra, and Vi decided to return from her vacation two days early. He stepped into the kitchen, where his sister paced the floor.

“What the hell is she doing here?” That was Vi. She didn’t waste a moment, just got right into it.

Nate gritted his teeth and counted to ten as he rummaged in the freezer for one of the beers Kendra put on ice. “You’re not my wife or my mother. So why do you care?”

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