Page 193 of The Love of Priest

"I appreciate it, but I'm not sure how long I'll be out," he admitted. "I don't want you waiting up for me after you make dinner."

Britain let out a groan as she stepped in front of him. "Priest, give me something to do while you’re gone, please," she dramatically whined as she draped her arms around his torso.

Priest chuckled as he leaned down to peck her lips. "Kaymen said Jadey's free. How about you go hang out with her for old time’s sake?" he suggested.

Britain smacked her lips as she shook her head, declining his push for her to go spend the day with Jadey. "We're taking things slow to get us back where we once were.”

"Lunch doesn't mean you have to give her the whole spill about your life again.”

Britain let out a sigh. She was a bit hesitant to jump right back in with Jadey. Britain used to find her so trustworthy. She was the person she could tell anything. Being around her now and not being able to talk without any boundaries or restrictions would’ve just been weird.

"Let me walk you out," Britain offered, quickly changing the subject.

Priest’s dark eyes peered down at her while shaking his head. "Stubborn," he mumbled as he tapped the tip of her nose.

Britain laughed as she led the way out of her bedroom and toward the door. Priest reached over her, unlocking the door to step out. "I'll try not to get back too late.”

Reflecting his smile on her face, her hands cupped his face, feeling the hairs of his lined beard tickle her palms. "Love you, P. Stay safe." She pulled him down to kiss his lips.

"Love you too, Gioia," he replied as he wrapped his arms around her for a quick hug.

"Quick question." Britain’s brow rose as they parted from the embrace.

"What's up?"

Britain pointed toward the parking lot at the black-on-black SUV. "Why is Cyro here?" she asked him.

Priest glanced over at the SUV before averting his attention back to Britain. "Precaution." He held her chin gently. "I gotta keep you safe, even when I'm not around."

Britain shot him a set of eyes, showcasing that she was concerned, but she trusted Priest. Letting out a sigh, she nodded her head. "Alright, P." She opted out of questioning him any further.

After they said goodbye to each other, Priest made his way toward his car, shooting a curt nod at Cyro as a greeting which was reciprocated.

Priest was playing it smart by having security with just about everyone because he didn't need anyone in his life in a panic. Tension had thickened out in the streets, and word had gotten back to him that June wanted to have a sit down. Priest wasn't really ducking anything, but his time costed, so he for damn sure wasn't about to meet up with this cat just to talk and agree to lay up on the vantage he had over New York.Others would think Priest was playing with fire, but he was built different and was prepared for anything.June's word also came with constant eyes, so Priest was certain he was being watched, and so was his family. He ran a tight ship, so if shit went left, Priest knew everyone knew how to handle themselves and the situation.

Priest reversed out of his parking spot before peeling off from Britain's apartment. "Shit," Priest let out lowly once he checked the time. He was running late. His mind wandered off to Britain, drawing a chuckle from him while he shook his head. She had the capability to make him do anything. The fact that she was so oblivious to that just went to show that she truly had good intentions.

Priest managed to maneuver through the tough traffic, arriving at his destination in no time. Exiting his vehicle, he made his way inside, being sure to leave anything that wouldn't pass through security clearance behind in the car.

He was granted access through the doors of City Hall. Memories of how frequently he would visit Bill Cunnings before he cowardly took his own life flashed through his head. Aside from degrading young girls through sex trafficking to pocket a hefty profit, Bill was good with business. He taught Priest a lot over the course of their partnership. Politics wasn't something that interested Priest, but Bill made the shit look easy and fucking effortless. He taught him the ins and outs of it all. The alliances he made along the way helped him cut a lot of corners.

Bill knew how to handle business, which didn't make it too hard for Priest to get in with him. Priest was no stranger to the City Hall officials. He had been around long enough. Plus, the coverage inThe Timeshad been seen by just about everyone.

As he made his way through security clearance, Priest looked everyone who was staring at him in shock right in the eye. He knew they were all thinking the same thing. How the fuck could he have the courage to waltz through the building after Bill specifically named him as the manipulator who made him pull the trigger? It was easy. Priest didn't regret a single thing, though. Bill had it coming. Luckily, he died on his own terms and by the barrel of his own gun and not Priest's.

Approaching the oak desk where the receptionist sat, Priest leaned against it. "Leila Jenkins," he told her with a faint smirk.

The receptionist clicked around on her computer for a few moments before trailing her forest green eyes up to Priest. A stunned look masked her face as her pale skin began to tint red.

"She's not taking any visits now," The woman cleared her throat as she looked up at Priest, trying her best not to panic.

Priest eyed the woman. It was evident this was a rehearsed lie she was spewing. "If you weren't lying, you would begin by asking if I had an appointment,” he caught her in the unconvincing lie. "Tell her Priest Justice is here."

The woman did as Priest requested of her, placing a phone call up to Leila. She spoke in a hushed tone for a moment before hanging up the phone and craning her frightened eyes up to him. "You can head up. Do you need anyone to show you the way?" she asked.

Priest chuckled. "Nah, I'm familiar. I appreciate it, though." With that, he stepped around the desk, making his way toward the elevator to head up to Leila's office. The trip in the elevator was quick. As he stepped out, Priest passed a few people as they gave him wondering eyes that he paid no mind. He reached Leila's office, waltzing right in without a knock.

Leila shot him a cold glare, finding it rude for him to barge in the way he did. Priest glanced around the office. It had changed immensely, no longer having a single detail Bill had put into it. It was now Leila's sanctuary, and she decorated it to her comfort.

---