Page 71 of Sweetest Temptation
“So, everything is in order. Oh! The numbers for Fuego Azul are through the roof! We could barely keep up with the demand. But the team’s been working overtime to make sure everything runs smoothly with manufacturing and distribution. That collaboration with Zanova’s Tasty Treats was agreatinvestment, bro. Now say thank you…” Jamila waited for me to respond.
“Thank you, my dearest sister.”
“Of course, bro. Everything else is good. We’ll start on next quarter projections next week, so please be 100% by then.”
I nodded as she continued to ramble on.
The second she said Zanova’s name, my mind shifted. That familiar ache I’d had the last few days came creeping back in. I tried to play it cool, leaning back in my chair as if I were unbothered, but my jaw was clenched so tightly, I could feel the pressure behind my ears.
“Yeah… You got it. Thanks for running the show, sis. I really appreciate you for handling everything. I owe you.” I stared down at the desk, pretending to check some invoices on my laptop.
“Zanova still not taking any of your calls?”
“Nah,” I said, shaking my head slowly, eyes still glued to the screen, even though I wasn’t really looking at shit.
“Just give her some time, Samir. I’m sure she will come around.”
All this over Paige and Jerome’s bullshit. I should’ve killed that nigga. And Paige’s dumb ass almost made me catch a case at Joya’s birthday party.”
After I went back inside my niece's party, I damn near had to drag Paige’s ass outside. I really don’t understand why she keeps fucking with me. I’d made it clear on multiple occasions that there was no us, and I even had the legal papers to prove it.
“Mr. Carter!” Hailey came barging into my office, looking frantic. “The police are here to see you!”
“The police? What for?”
Just as Jamila asked the question that I was thinking, two uniformed officers came walking into my office like they owned the place.
“Mr. Carter?” one of them asked me.
“Yeah, that’s me. What’s this about?” I said, my guard already going up.
The taller one responded, “We’re here regarding a report of domestic assault filed against you by a Ms. Paige McDaniels. We need you to come with us, sir.”
For a second, I just stared at him, my mind trying to process the words. Then I laughed. A cold, humorless laugh. “Man, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me. I haven’t laid a hand on that bitch, ever.”
“Sir, you can explain that down at the precinct,” the other officer said, his tone calm but firm.
“So, y’all just gonna take her word for it? No questions, no proof, nothing?” Jamila came to my defense.
The taller cop sighed. “We’re just doing our job, ma’am. Mr. Carter, you’re not under arrest at this point. We just need you to come in for questioning.”
“Man, this is some bullshit!” Jamila fussed.
“Calm down. I got this. Don’t make it a bigger scene.”
“I’ll call Yohan and have him meet you there.” Jamila was already on her phone, texting my lawyer.
“Do that. And tell him to bring methat. He’ll know what I’m talkin’ about,” I said to my sister.
The officers stepped aside as I grabbed my jacket. The whole time, Jamila stood there, phone up to her ear, anger and worry written all over her face. As they led me out the door, I heard her whisper under her breath about beating Paige’s ass on site.
When I got down to the precinct, I was left sitting in an interrogation room while the officers sorted through the paperwork. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, making every second drag in this motherfucker. I could feel my blood still boiling ever since them pigs entered my office, spitting some bogus shit. My hands clenched into fists, and my jaw ached from grinding my teeth. Paige was officially an enemy.
Part of me wanted to laugh, but it came out more like a growl. Paige really did all this shit just so she could shake me up. I could feel the anger pulsing through me. I was tight as fuck that this bitch did some shiesty shit like this. Paige better be long gone by the time I get out of here. I tried to steady myself, taking deep breaths, but every time I closed my eyes, I saw her smirk. It was the look she always gave when her stupid ass knew she’d gotten me riled up.
Three hours later, the officer finally came to get me. He told me Paige had dropped the charges. I froze, staring at him like I didn’t know whether to be relieved or angrier. Relief hit first, then a cold and sharp metaphorical slap. This bitch was playing with me.
Paige thought this shit was a game. Well, let’s play.
