Page 12 of The Aries Alliance
I licked my lips as I took in War’s stunning body again.
“A man that conservative at work but sexy after hours has a story. He didn’t rise through the ranks at EFU without being strategic. I can be guarded and bounce if the situation goes south.”
“I get it now. Be safe, and try to keep your damn legs closed until you get whatyouneed from him.”
“You know I’m going to get mine every time.”
“Yes, I do. Please add a box of condoms to your packing list. He looks like he could murder your kitty with all that steel.”
I stared at the picture again. No lies detected. Something told me that I’d finally met my match.
As I packed a bag, I mentally prepared myself for my weekend with War. Never a conformist, I pushed my doubts to the back of my mind.
I walked to my modest-sized closet and searched for a sexy dress. My eyes landed on a red number that made me feel desirable and drew the right amount of attention to my legs and cleavage. Since red was my favorite color, the dress would give me the confidence to speak up and show out as I needed.
After I squeezed my body into my too-tight shapewear and slipped into the dress, I side-eyed myself in my floor-length mirror and shook my head,
“You are much too fast for your age.” I patted my firm belly and butt and said, “but you won’t be tempted to open your legs as soon as he opens the door.”
I knew myself and my libido. Passion had always been in my blood, so fine men with big prints and even bigger egos were my kryptonite. War checked both of those boxes.
“Temptation will not win tonight. Nothing other than business is going down.” I nearly shouted at myself to calm my hot behind down.
Cool spritzes of my favorite Estée Lauder perfume landed on my neck, between my breasts, behind my knees, across my back, and between my legs. I fluffed my long locs until they were full and pretty. The brightest red matte lipstick in my collection completed the look.
Warrick liked playing with a sister, so tonight, he’d find out exactly who I was. He may have thought he was getting easy access to my treasure, but he’d have to give an offering into my justice ministry for him to dip into this honey pot.
What about the sexy dress, Ms. Big, Bad, Feminist?I asked the question to myself as I puffed out my chest and eyed my lightly oiled thighs and legs.
“It’s for trust-building,” I smiled and told myself that bull like it made sense.
Maybe if I said it enough, it would be true.
“There’s another problem in the Physics department.” Dr. Nora Welch’s Southern drawl filled my car speakers as I navigated the curvy streets toward Ramston.
I checked my GPS. I was running behind. Although Warrick wasn’t my favorite person, I hated showing up to meetings, even an informal one like this one, late. As had become my habit, I played out a number of scenarios that would warrant punishment for my tardiness.
Scarlett, that’s your trauma talking. Warrick isn’t going to hurt you.
I took several deep breaths, then returned my attention to my conversation. Nora had been droning on, but I wasn’t paying attention.
“Could you repeat that? I’m in a place with poor reception,” I lied when she finally stopped speaking.
“Isaidthat Thurston is harassing students again, and no one’s doing anything about it. I thought you’d care because of Aaliyah. Don’t you want to stop him?”
I sighed, familiar with Nora’s habit of guilt-tripping me.
“I did my part, Nora. I filed a claim.” I kept my voice steady as my heart raced.
“But it’s not enough. Nothing changed.”
Everything was overwhelming—the report, EFU’s unresolved grievances, and work hurt that never stopped. I wanted to pull over on the side of the road, get out of my car, and scream, but that wouldn’t solve anything.
Nora expected me to be a savior. She wasn’t the only one.
My phone was the informal workplace hotline. People dialed my number and poured their concerns out like I was their therapist. Without fail, I put myself out there to be a sounding board and rock to absorb hurt like I wasn’t human. I was doing the work of a superhero without the protective armor. Was I crazy though?
No.This was my calling. I was built for this and wouldn’t be able to rest if I cowered and didn’t help people who needed me.
