Page 31 of Conflicted Lies

I really envy Candice’s gusto. She’s ten years older than me. And, honestly, if I didn’t have her, I wouldn’t have a routine or half the success I do now. I just enjoy doing my art; the rest of it means very little to me. But if doing all of this now sets me up to be able to live independently and on my own schedule in later years, then that’s what I’ll strive for.

I want to remove my hair from its tight bun, but instead, I fidget with my glasses on my way out of the grandiose building. I lift the hem of my light-blue silk dress so I don’t catch it as I descend the stairs. When the cool air of the evening hits me, I look up. And my heart flutters.

I immediately want to stomp on it.

Braxton is here, leaning against his car. One leg crossed casually over the other as he looks up and smirks. I’m not sure what it is about his smile that sends something off in my stomach. It’s kind of like butterflies, but not exactly. I don’t descend any farther as I stare at him, quite enjoying looking down my nose at him. He pulls his hat off, that arrogant smile not faltering.

“Shortcake.” I raise a brow at the nickname.

“You back to tracking me?” I ask. “Should I call security? You wouldn’t be the first raging fan I’ve had.”

“I’m a detective. It’s what I do. And a raging fan might be a bit of a stretch, don’t you think? I only want you for your body. Not your work.”

Heat floods to my core. Fuck this asshole.

“So, are you saying I should put a restraining order on you?” I quip.

“You could try, but it won’t do much,” he replies. “Why don’t you come down here before I, in a chivalrous way, of course, throw you over my shoulder and into my car?”

“So you’ve resorted to kidnapping me?”

He looks around in mock shock. “Of course not. That’s why I included the term ‘chivalrous.’ I’ll make sure you don’t hit your head when I gently place you into the trunk of the car. I might not even tie you up, even though I know how much you’ll like it.” He winks.

I bite the inside of my cheek, trying not to laugh.Dickhead.

A couple walks past me, leaving as the show comes to a close, and I wonder where my driver is. He should’ve come around by now.

“I had him arrested. Your driver.”Did he read my thoughts?My jaw tightens as I glare at him again.

“You what?”

“He was drinking. We can’t have him driving you while he’s intoxicated, now can we? I’m not only chivalrous but also protective. Very sweet. Very mindful. Very heroic.”

Again, I try not to laugh. This guy is such an asshole.

“You’re lying.” Larry, my driver has always been reliable.

“I guess you’ll never know. Now, come on, Shortcake. Let’s go for pancakes. We have much to discuss.” He holds open the car door.

I shake my head. “I’m not getting into a police car.”

“You are. Get in before I start the sirens.” My dress bunches in my hands from how tightly I’m clutching it. This asshole is so insufferable.

“You have ten seconds.” He starts counting. “Ten. Nine.” His eyes pin mine. “Eight.”

“Ugh. Shut up. I’m coming.” Because I know he’ll do it. And the last thing I need is for this to end up as a headlining story or even a minor article because my father will find out one way or another. And I don’t want any of my family knowing I’ve been seen with a cop.

He watches my every step as I descend the stairs. It’s like at the nightclub all over again, but this time, the tension is more palpable, and I can’t blame it on the tequila. His gaze falls to my heels and remains there until I reach him. Then, ever so slowly, he drags his gaze up my body until it reaches my face.

He opens the passenger door and nods his head for me to get in. I look at him, contemplating whether or not I should get in. Someone could see me. But he doesn’t care about that.

I don’t even know why he’s here. I haven’t dropped off my little surprise to him yet, so other than that, I can’t think of why he’d be here demanding I get into his car.

“I’ve been upgraded from the trunk?” I ask indignantly.

“That’s reserved for the girls I like,” he says with an arrogant smirk.

“Suddenly, I can see why you must be lonely, especially if you’re so desperate for my attention.”

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