Apprehension covered her features as she slightly shook her head. “I don't think—”
“Aye,” Lo interrupted her. “I’m not trying to get you in trouble. I know you can use this bread living in high-ass New York. I’ma sit over there, and I’ll put the money in the cushion. Just call my wife and tell her it’s a package down here for her.”
“You're not trying to hurt her, are you?”
“Hell no. I just want to surprise her. Now can you do that for me?”
She gulped. “What’s her name?”
“Bria Crown.”
“…Okay.”
Lo walked over to the sitting area and stuffed the money in the cushion. He adjusted his body in his seat, hoping not to display how nervous he was. His leg bounced as he waited impatiently. Five minutes quickly turned into ten. He almost felt like she wouldn’t come down until the elevator chimed. Seconds passed and Bria stepped out, wearing a look of confusion on her beautiful countenance.
For the first time in Lo’s life, his heart skipped a beat. It was foreign territory for him to chase a woman. In the past, the ball had always been in his court when it came to females that desired him. Yet here he was, praying Bria would give him just a minute to apologize. He rose from the chair, drawing her attention toward him. Her expression turned to disappointment when her gaze landed on Lo. Despite Bria’s scowl, she looked breathtaking wearing a two-piece lounge set covered by a short silk robe.
“What do you want?” Her voice was void of affection she once possessed.
“I came to holla at you.”
Shaking her head, she countered, “No.”
“No?” Lo repeated, stunned by her coldness.
“Yeah, no. I don't know why you even came here. Now if you’ll excuse me, I got shit to do.”
Bria turned and headed toward the elevator, causing Lo to spring into action and grab her by the elbow.
“Don't touch me!” she griped, snatching her arm out of his grasp.
“A’ight, I won’t touch you.” He held his hands up in surrender. “I just want five minutes of your time that’s it.”
Bria ignored him, pressing the button for the elevator. Lo was past alarmed by her behavior. He’d been fearful on the plane that he had gone too far and witnessing her disregard him like trash left him appalled.
“Bria,” he said gently.
Unwillingly, she looked at him wearing disgust in her eyes.
“Just five minutes, then I’ll leave you alone.”
There was silence as Lo held his breath awaiting an answer. When she reluctantly ambled toward the sitting area, he exhaled like a balloon that had a slow leak. Following after her, Lo sat on the opposite chair so he could look at her. He didn’t know how it was possible for Bria to get more beautiful as time passed. He wished they could sit like this for the remainder of the night so he could memorize every single detail on her face.
“Talk, Lo!” she snapped, breaking him from his daze.
“A’ight, um…” He had never been so frazzled in his life. Lo didn’t even recognize himself in this moment. Normally, he was sure of himself. His word rivaled the law, but Bria had him fumbling over his thoughts like a teenaged boy.
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for how I came at you at the hospital. It wasn’t right to take my anger out on you. Forgive me.”
Bria’s expression was impassive as she shook her head. “No.”
“No, what?”
“No, I’m not forgiving you. Actually, I want you to leave me alone. Go live your life and forget about us.”
Lo’s brows hiked, truly dumbfounded by her response. How could she say that when they had made vows that promised eternity together? They were the perfect fit; he just hadn’t been able to properly move her into his life. Lo was damaged, that he could admit, but he wanted Bria. No other woman would suffice. He had just began letting his guard down with her. She was familiar, a comfort zone that he could live in. There was no way he would allow her to walk away from him.
“Is that it?”
