Page 48

He stopped moving. “Okay?”

He sounded so hopeful. I sighed.

“Yes, Saadiq. I’ll give you the next few days.”

His answering smile was indecent.

“Come here.”

“I’m already here,” I grumbled, but I understood his meaning perfectly.

His lips met mine, and I forgot we were in the middle of a crowded nightclub.

“You taste like that damn lemon drop,” he murmured against my mouth.

“It’s my favorite,” I whispered, rocking against him.

“Cuz it’s you.”

I frowned. “Hmm?”

“The lemon drop. It’s tart, from the lemon juice, but sweet from the sugar. That’s you perfectly, shorty.”

I shook my head, even as I understood his logic.

“Saadiq—”

My voice stopped as I watched a perfectly manicured hand with pale pink polished nails tap him on the shoulder.

“Excuse me. Saadiq?”

We separated, and I looked over his shoulder. The woman standing behind him was beautiful. I couldn’t deny that, even though I wanted to. Tall, slim, and wearing a white dress that probably cost more than this lounge, she looked from Saadiq to me with an expression I couldn’t quite figure out. Then a smile spread across her face.

“Well, damn! It really is you!” she exclaimed.

Saadiq turned around. His smile vanished. “Vanessa.”

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Right on his fucking mouth.

The kiss lasted approximately two seconds before Saadiq grabbed her by her upper arms and pulled her off him. He had sense enough to be all frowns as they separated.

“What the fuck, Vanessa?”

“Damn! That’s how you greet an old friend?” She laughed, completely unbothered. “I haven’t seen you in forever!”

“That don’t mean you can walk up and kiss me.”

“Saadiq! I'm just glad to see you,” she said, smoothing a hand over his chest. She finally looked around him, her eyes settling on me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were here with someone.”

Her smile dimmed as recognition of who I was dawned. “Wait! Aren’t you his assistant? Turquoise, right?”

This bitch.

“Topaz. His executive assistant,” I corrected coolly.

“Right! Girl, I almost didn’t recognize you out of your little work clothes!”