Page 72 of Kentrell

She was just doing her job. Thorough. Sharp. Professional.

Andcompletelyunaware she had me rethinking everything.

Do whatever you wanna do.

That’s not how this works.

It’s how I work.

Kentrell

Zoe

I smirked the second my ringer lit up.

Knew she would call the minute the tone shifted. She hated unresolved tension. Wanted control. And I liked pushing her just enough to knock her off balance.

I answered with a slow pull of breath as I pulled in front of Uncle Yam’s building.

“Why are you being difficult?” she asked, her voice all soft silk and heat sliding into my ear.

“‘Cause I told you, I ain’t discussing business with you no more.”

“No,” she countered, her voice firmer now. “You can’t just say you’re not discussing business anymore. I’m. on retainer, Kentrell. If you don’t want me handling it, say that. Otherwise, let me do my job.”

I exhaled through my nose, jaw tightening.

She was serious. Voice steady. No teasing.

I wasn’t tryna argue with her.

Didn’t evenwantto argue.

I just didn’t want to drag her deeper into my world than I already had.

Still…

“You wanna run it?” I said, voice low. “Run it.”

She went quiet.

“Make whatever decisions you think fit,” I added. “I trust your judgment. If it’s something I need to sign, send it. But don’t keep asking me every little thing. Handle it.”

“…That easy?” she asked softly.

“That easy.” I let a beat pass. “Now whatchu got on?”

Her silence was instant.

Then a nervous laugh.

“Kentrell—”

“I’m serious,” I said, smirking as I leaned against the door inside my truck. “You all proper and pressed on the phone, got your business voice goin’, but I can hear it… you blushing.”

“I’mnotblushing,” she said—definitely blushing. “It’s just a blouse and some black slacks, that’s all.”

“Yeah?” I said, voice dipping lower. “They tight?”

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