Page 96 of A King’s Obsession

I picked up my phone and sent her two thousand dollars. Hers buzzed in her lap.

“Ashlynn—” She looked at the notification, then back at me, already getting ready to argue.

“Get you a room. Somewhere you choose. We’ll figure the rest out.” I kept my voice firm, because I wasn't about to let her spend another night feeling like she had nowhere to go.

“Why can’t I just stay here?” She frowned, glancing around the living room.

“Because this is the first place he’ll come looking.” I held her gaze, hoping she understood that I wasn't trying to send her away.

She glanced toward the door, then back at her phone.

“What the fuck am I gonna do for a job? I can’t work at Vice, and I’m not doing that restaurant with a married man.” Her voice cracked again, and she looked down at the Mercedes key in her hand.

“Push come to shove, you can work with me when the shop opens.” I leaned toward her, wanting her to understand she wasn't about to be left without options.

“Bitch, I can’t do hair.” She looked at me like I'd completely lost my mind.

“Did I ask you to install a wig? You can answer the phone, fold some towels and sweep a fucking floor. We’ll find something you can do and make sure you get a check.” I waved my hand, already thinking about the little things I could have her doing.

Her mouth lifted a little.

“You hiring me before you even open?” She looked amused for the first time since we'd left the bathroom.

“Apparently. Don’t make me regret it.” I gave her a look, and she finally let out a real laugh.

We looked at hotels on her phone until she found one and booked it. I packed crackers and water into a bag, partly because I had plenty and partly because she hadn’t eaten since breakfast.

At the door, she turned back and looked at my stomach again.

“Damn. I’m really gonna be an auntie.” Her expression softened as she looked from my stomach to my face.

“Godmama, too.” I smiled, already knowing there wasn't anybody else I'd want in that role.

She pointed at me. “You better ask me properly. I deserve one fucking announcement.”

I laughed and hugged her. “I love you, friend.”

“Love you, too. Call me tomorrow. Don’t make me come back over here.” She hugged me tighter for a second before finally letting go.

I promised, then watched until she pulled away.

My phone rang while I was still by the door.

Malachi.

“Was Jru there?” he asked as soon as I answered, sounding like he'd been waiting for me to pick up.

“Yeah. She just left.” I closed the door and leaned against it.

“Where she going?” His voice sharpened, and I knew he wasn't asking just because he was curious.

I looked down at the empty water bottle she’d left on the table.

“Before I answer that, we need to talk about what Ezra did.” I straightened, feeling my irritation come back as I thought about everything Jru had just told me.

“Ashlynn, what the fuck you talking about? I’m trying to find Jru.” Malachi sounded frustrated, but I wasn't about to let him rush me off this conversation.

“And I’m talking to you. I know about that paperwork Ezra had her sign, and I know it wasn’t all about no fucking restaurant.” My voice rose as I finally said what I'd been holding in for weeks.