𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞

Chapter Twenty -Three

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"God! To think I thought you at least like me a little!" Imani swore, looking at the floor for her scrunchie.

"I do like you," Matthew shot back, standing on the other side of the bed shirtless, his hair ruffled. It was the first time Imani had seen him disheveled and unsure in the few weeks she had known him.

"So you don't respect me then?"

His eyes went wide with annoyance.

"What the fuck are you talking about? Of course, I respect you. Not many people would have done what you've been capable of doing since you were sixteen. Hell, I was stealing and running the streets half the time when I was that age, and the other half, I was in church singing hymns and pretending to pray. "

If she hadn't been as angry, she could have laughed, but Imani tied her hair and threw him a disgruntled look before heading to the door. She was ready to walk out of his life.

It was better this way, she thought as she stepped forward. Walking away angry would make it better to forget him faster, but Matthew wasn't letting her go without a fight. He stood there barring the door, his superior height and statue blocking it

"I know you're angry, but hear me out." Matthew pleaded, motioning with his hands. He felt as if he was begging for his life, and in a way, he was, not literally, of course, but his happiness. In that room, at that time, he realized that she was what he wanted.

"No, I will not hear you out."

"Come on, Imani."

She narrowed her eyes at him, hands around her chest as if daring him to insist.

"What? What would you possibly say that Wouldn't make me feel like I am a rich man's current plaything?" her voice broke when she said it.

"Is that what you think of me?" she shrugged, not feeling apologetic. She stood her ground. She had too much to lose and wouldn't allow herself to be caught in a whirlwind romance with a man so out of her reach; the devil would laugh his ass off if she even entertained the thought.

"You're rich, aren't you?" she asked casually.

With his tongue on his cheek, Matthew nodded; an expression she couldn't read flashed in his eyes. She almost regretted it, but then she remembered what was at stake—her life and Jamie's.

Silence followed; Imani took another step expecting Matthew to move since he seemed hurt yet worried that he would.

If he did move, their romance would be over before it began.

He looked like a wounded animal with his eyes on the ground, Imani thought. She realized she would rather end their affair in anger than hurt. She couldn't bear hurting him.

"Look, Matthew..."

"Call me Matt," he interrupted.

"No, I would rather not."

"Why not? You did a couple of minutes ago."

"That was in a different situation." she snapped, twisting her fingers in frustration.

"I'm trying to say this relationship cannot work."

"Give me a reason, one reason why it cannot, and my money shouldn't be one of them."

"How can it be out when it's one of the major reasons?" She shouted impatiently.

"I never knew you're a coward," Matthew pronounced, looking almost bored. That triggered so much anger in Amani she threw one of the pillows at him. He caught it before it could hit his face.