You owe me. Her reply was accompanied by a winking emoji.
My account is in great standing. Two point five has been satisfied.
I slid my index and middle finger across my lips, awaiting her response. One minute turned into two. Two minutes turned into three. Ten minutes slipped away from me before I noticed how tightly I was gripping the phone. Eyes still locked on the screen.
My stomach flipped. My head spun. My chest expanded with entitlement. Daniels was accurate when he noted my addiction. A new habit. A good habit. Royce was quickly becoming the source of my obsession.
Blanche’s Steakhouse.
Tonight at 7p.
Send the address. I’ll have a driver at your door by 6:30p.
My fingers were moving at the speed of lightning. I couldn’t deny it any longer. It was Royce who I wanted to end my night with. The victory didn’t feel as victorious without her to celebrate with.
My schedule was clear after three. I could be in Clarke by nightfall and at Blanche’s by seven. It was one of the many restaurants I’d found in Clarke while tossing and turning last night. A note in my cell listed the places I found interesting and wanted to visit with Royce. Traveling to Berkeley wasn’t a requirement. Clarke was calling me. If that’s where she was, then that’s where I wanted to be.
Sorry, Mr. Mayor. I have dinner plans already.
Cancel them.
I can’t, unfortunately. I’ve canceled on him three times already.
Him?
I felt my eyebrows creep to the center of my forehead as I read the message twice more before responding again.
Royce.
Yes, him. As much as I love playing in pussy, it’s not my preference.
I could feel the heat raging in my body. My blood was no longer flowing with ease. It was boiling.
That’s not a good idea. You’re all over the screens. You could easily be recognized and there goes the campaign.
I’m careful, Ishmael. This is a private dinner. No one will be in the restaurant but the staff, owner, and a waitress. NDAs have been signed. Any more concerns?
Cancel the date, Royce.
My client’s need comes before mine. Always have. It’ll be fine.
Then why the fuck do I feel like I need you and you’re not here?I erased the message as it appeared in my head and decided against replying. She’d made up her mind and so had I.
EIGHT
I smoothedthe wrinkles of my dress, sliding my palms along the soft, cool fabric. Clarke’s air was moist and muggy. Still, it was breathable, and perfect for September. I hadn’t expected much less.
My key fob slid into my bag with ease. I buttoned it and lowered it to my side. One foot in front of the other, I ambled toward the door of Georgio’s. The secondary entrance was reserved for those who valued their privacy.
It swung open upon my arrival. A young, dark-skinned fella with gold covering his front teeth offered a smile and a hand to help me up the four steps. I took him up on his offer.
“Good evening, ma’am. Welcome to Georgio’s.”
“Good evening. Thank you for having me.”
“Right this way. Your guest and your table are waiting.”
I obliged, following the handsome fella through the restaurant. We reached the private quarters where Hakem was waiting. He hadn’t taken his seat. Neither had he sipped from his water. He was awaiting my arrival.
