Page 11 of The Aries Alliance
“I’ll be there, but if this is a trick, you’ll regret it.”
“Another threat?”
“No, another promise.”
“That’s fair. I’d expect nothing less than some over-the-top exposure if I crossed you. Meet me alone and pack something sexy. I’ll do the same. Thank you, Scarlett.” His voice rumbled, making my tummy quiver again.
Was War a free-spirited lover like me? A sister didn’t need a second invitation to find out. That was why I was in the middle of mess all the time.
“Fine. See you tonight.”
He hung up before I could act like a normal person and tell him how inappropriate his request was.
The second I got home, I called Val to give her my updates from the day.
“Girl, I’m going out tonight and need you to track my location. If anything goes down, everything’s in my online storage and safe deposit box at the credit union.” I paused deliberately, although I knew my drama-filled words invited more questions.
“Um, . . . since when does a date with Lil’David have you giving me your end-of-life info? Did he do something stupid?” Val’s voice rose in alarm.
“No. I’m meeting Warrick Redmond at a cottage in Ramston. He told me to wear something sexy, so I’ll be back tomorrow night.”
Val paused. I gritted my teeth, waiting for her response.
“Scarlett, have you lost your damn mind? Is there another Warrick at work? I know you’re not talking about the guy you put down like a dirty dog, the sellout. You’re sleeping with the enemy?”
When she said it like that, it did sound stupid. I felt the need to defend my decision.
“I won’t be sleeping with him. It’s business. We’re going to discuss my case in more detail.” I spoke in a low voice, justifying my actions to Val when they didn’t even make sense to me.
Before I could talk myself out of meeting War, Val’s voice softened.
“Look, babe. The rules of work are simple. Since that happened at EFU, he needs to give you information about thecaseat work!” She shouted the final words through gritted teeth, then spoke in a calmer voice.
“I know you’re under a lot of stress, so let me step back and be sensitive. What’s your motivation for meeting him? Are you going to be psychologically safe? Could this be a trap?”
I appreciated Val’s logic. She asked the same questions I had, but with the distance to be practical. Her care proved that she was the friend I thought she was, worth her weight in gold.
“I have a decent spirit of discernment. Warrick sounded sincere and vulnerable. He put himself out there by sending me incriminating evidence. I could use his texts and photos against him. At least he’s trying to talk about my case.” I pouted, slightly embarrassed that Val called me out like I was a child.
“Just don’t let your fiery spirit dickmatize you. That’s your weakness, sis.”
“I know, but I wasn’t born yesterday,” I whined, despite wanting to sound strong.
Everything Val said was true. It didn’t help that War was wonderfully built. The carnal side of me wanted to explore everything he offered, even if it included sex. I wasn’t going to say that part out loud.
“If you think he’s willing to help, follow your gut. No matter what happens, I’m here.”
Val’s validation warmed my heart.
“Thanks, sis. I have to see what’s up.”
“Hold up, though. Why do you have to wear something sexy?”
Of course, Val brought up the part of the request that implied that something more than a meeting might happen. War pushed boundaries in every sense, low-key turning me out with his naughty request.
“Let me send you the picture he sent.” I pulled up the downloaded photo from my phone and texted it to Val.
“Sweet baby Jesus. No wonder you’re obeying that man like a puppy. I told you his ass was fine under those khakis and work polo. Ma’am, . . . I get it now.”
