Page 47 of The Innovator

“Stop watching those gossip TV shows and your brain will function properly.” Grayson punched him in the arm playfully.

I couldn’t help myself. “Well, sometimes gossip shows have information that the History Channel doesn’t—like current affairs.”

“Look at that. Natalie understands me. Seems like you need to catch up, pal.” Arrow smiled at me, then got up when his phone rang and walked into another room.

Grayson’s facial expression changed with the tight lips, the crease between his eyebrows, and the irritation beaming from his eyes.

Was that jealousy on his face? Joy poured over me like champagne, dripping into every corner of my body. A man who exuded power like him just revealed a vulnerability that made him adorable. And I was the reason.

He narrowed his eyes at me. “What current affairs should I be aware of,buttercup? Enlighten me.”

Michelle and Audri exchanged glances, but didn’t say anything.

I couldn’t think of anything except a quote I read the other day from John Milton. “The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven.”

Audri elbowed Remi. “Am I your heaven or hell, love?”

“That’s a tricky question.” He kissed the side of her head. “My answer is always heaven.”

“What about you, Viking?” Michelle looked up at her lover.

“You’re my heaven too.” Royce wrapped an arm around Michelle.

I hadn’t meant to put them on the spot with the quote. Grayson just stared at me, the look more intense by the second, and I felt heat pooling at my center even though there were so many people around me.

“These boys know the safe answer.” Kiera grinned.

Grayson’s phone buzzed and he glanced at it, surprise splashing on his face. “Sorry, I have to go.”

“Where?” Remi asked.

“To the police station.” Grayson headed out toward the door.

“Why?” Audri’s face scrunched with worry.

“What happened?” I asked, following him.

Grayson looked at me. “Adonis is dead. The police want to speak to me. My lawyer is already at the station.”

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

GRAYSON

Inside the police precinct, I sat next to my lawyer, Gregory Price. With a head full of light brown hair and sharp green eyes, he looked like he was only thirty years old, even though he was well into his fifties. Gregory had worked with me for the last seven years, and he’d helped me resolve the fiasco Derek had brought into my family.

I didn’t really have to go down to the station. The police could have dealt with Greg or come to my home for an interview, but I wanted to know about the case. Besides, I didn’t want cops on my doorstep. They carried negative vibes I didn’t need or want in my home.

What had happened to Adonis?

“What do you want to ask my client?” Gregory looked over at Detective David Evans, who wore a navy suit. He was bald and had a round belly.

Detective Evans nodded. “Just following procedure, Greg. Mr. Wu isn’t in trouble.”

“Damn right, I’m not,” I said calmly. “Someone killed Adonis, and that person isn’t me.”

“You’re wasting our time.” Greg leaned into the table.

I tapped his shoulder. “It’s okay, Greg. I’m a helpful citizen. And if my presence can help Detective Evans find the killer, I’ll do my part.”

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