Chapter 21 - Chapter 20

I send Raj happily on his way, then turn reluctantly back towards the office, taking a moment to linger in the passage.

What the hell was that with Nali before Raj arrived?

I want to scrub my brain so I can't remember those moments when Naledi stood between my legs, but her scent is still on my clothes, still in my head. The warmth of her printed into my pores. Even though our bodies never touched, I can still feel her. But what I remember with absolute clarity is the fire in her eyes.

A fire I haven't seen in years. Anger? Yes. Outrage? Maybe. Desire? Most definitely.

What's worse than admitting I still want her is the possibility that she might want me too.

Suka. That's not happening. Not again.

"Raj gone?" Vuyelwa asks, stepping into the passage from the kitchen in her whites. She's petite but not delicate.

There's a tensile strength to her, a core of calm I find steadying. I like her a lot. I respect her even more, and I never want to hurt her or mislead her.

"Yeah." I smile down at her. "He loves that chicken pie."

"Hhayi, who doesn't?" She laughs, stepping closer until she's resting against me. She rises onto her toes, reaching between us to press her palm to my chest, and whispers in my ear. "I can't wait to get you home tonight."