Page 49 of Imperial: The Corvidae Family
Knowing she wanted to set things right in my world had my ass grinning like a muthafucker.
“You already are by just existing, beautiful.”
She didn’t argue and those damn lips curved again. I leaned forward, resting my forearms on my knees, keeping my eyes locked on hers.
She raised a brow. “What?”
“You like being my balance?”
She hesitated, just for a second. Then, softer than I expected, she said, “Yes.”
My smirk deepened. I wasn’t sure which one of us had just lost more ground but I also didn’t care because the line between us had already started to blur and neither of us was trying to define it again.
Chapter
Eleven
Baylyn.
Emir showing up at my job had me smiling all day. Especially after every woman who worked in the office made a point of casually stopping by mine to tell me how fine he was.
It was deeper than that for me though, and knowing I was the person he needed after having a bad day had me even more willing to open my world to him. Tonight was chill, we were at my place and I was kicking his ass in Mario Kart while he pretended his ego wasn’t hurt.
“I know damn well you didn’t just hit me with another red shell.”
Emir’s voice was laced with frustration and I bit my lip to keep from laughing.
The game screen flashed as my player, Princess Peach, obviously sped past him, drifting around the final turn just before the finish line. His character spun out, skidding across the track, and I crossed first place with ease.
The second the results popped up, I set my controller down, stretching my arms over my head with a satisfied grin.
“Another round, another win.”
Emir paused like he was trying to keep from saying something reckless, then he cut his eyes at me.
“Nah. Your ass cheated.”
I grinned, tucking my legs under me on the couch. “I don’t need to cheat. I’m just better than you.”
He smiled arrogantly, reaching for his beer and lifting it to his mouth like he was processing the betrayal. “Ain’t no way in hell you’re just better than me at this.”
“Don’t be hurt. You can’t be good at everything.” I stuck my tongue out and his eyes focused on my mouth.
“Unless you’re trying to put in work, keep that shit in your mouth, Bay.”
His full attention was on me and those dark brown eyes narrowed, but there was amusement there too.
“You need to focus. Don’t try to switch it up because I’m kicking your ass.”
“You just play this shit every day. I can’t compete with that.”
“No I don’t. I just have natural talent.” I smiled sweetly.
“You’re out here embarrassing me, Baylyn. Ain’t shit cute about that.”
I laughed. “I mean, you could just accept defeat with dignity.”
His eyes moved to my lips for half a second before they were locked on mine and my stomach tensed.
