Temperature's Rising. [WATTYS 2023]

Temperatures Rising| Chapter 52.

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The last three chapters were pre-written and scheduled post, so excuse any errors.

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As I watched her sleep, a knot of anger twisted in my gut, directed at myself and Harlem for what we'd done. No matter how hard I tried to stop it, I was still part of it. Gently, I brushed a curl from her face and leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek before tucking the throw around her. My gaze drifted to the open bottle of meds on the coffee table, and a heavy sigh escaped me. The sight of them was a stark reminder of how our actions might unravel her mind even further.

"Front door open," the front door alerting system spoke.

I peeped my head up, and peeped the best I could around the corner but couldn't see who it was until she came closer. She dropped Heaven's food on the counter, looking over at me. "Where she at?" I placed my finger over my lips. "She's asleep, try not to make too much fuss. What you got there?" She shrugged. "Just her food, I picked you up some jerk chicken wings too. I know that's your favorite from that spot."

"And how you know that?" I raised an eyebrow, slightly side-eyeing her.

A low, knowing laugh slipped from her lips. "I'm in the security business. It's my job to know every detail about the people in my circle—and the circles of those I protect." Her hands moved with a practiced ease, shaking off the tension as she began to unpack the items from the bag. I watched her for a moment, then slowly leaned back into the couch, the cushions sinking under my weight.

"I've got a question," I said, my voice steady, though the accusation simmered just beneath the surface. "Since it's your job to protect, why wasn't anyone from your team or Logan's on detail?"

Her eyes snapped to mine, sharp and narrow. She sucked her teeth, a sound that cut through the air like a whip—defensive, almost offended. She should be. She failed to protect someone she claimed as a friend.