Page 213 of The Fire We Make

“Yes,” she said coolly, expression neutral.

“Good,” he smiled. He reached over and tried to take her hand in his. She slapped it away with a sharp sting, her sharp nails scratching him in the process.

“Do. Not. Touch. Me.”

He tilted his head. “You expect me not to touch my wife?”

“That’s exactly what I expect. Unless you wanna be twins with Cleve from beyond the grave. This is in name only. A business arrangement.”

His eyes darkened and he raked his eyes over her frame salaciously. “You know, there was a time when you loved my touch.”

“That was before you tried to kill me.”

“I’d say we’re even on that front my love.”

“And before I had better.”

His smirk fell for the first time since Joy had entered the room, replaced with a clenched jaw and darkened eyes that promised she’d pay for that comment as soon as the agreement was signed.

A tense silence settled over the room until it was shattered by the sharp bang of gunfire echoing through the other side of the door.

Glock was the first to move, pulling his gun from under his shirt without delay.

Joy was next, pulling her desert eagle from under her dress followed by Byron, and Jermaine’s guards.

For a moment, she wondered if she was too late and the feds were there to raid their office. When she didn’t hear the yelling or commands of law enforcement, she put that notion aside.

The guards at the door yelled out commands that were cut short by the sharp sounds of gunfire. More shots rang out, followed by the heavy thud of bodies slumping against the door.

The door burst open and for the first time in days, Joy felt like she could breathe.

Ace stepped in first, sucking all of the air out of the room. Behind him were Von and Ray.

“What is this?” Byron sputtered, face tight.

“Am I interrupting?” Ace asked, his voice low and dangerous. The boredom in his eyes made it clear he didn’t give a fuck whether he was or not.

“Yes you are, actually. We are in the middle of an important meeting.”

“I see that.”

For the first time since he entered the room, his eyes fell on Joy.

“Hey, Rose.”

Joy simpered despite herself. “Hi, Adonis.”

He walked towards her, unconcerned with the many angry stares being thrown his way.

“I told you I would always chase you. You thought I was playing?”

Joy shook her head.

Ace lifted his hand and Joy anticipated his touch but the progression was interrupted by Jermaine’s grating voice.

“Um excuse me? What the fuck is going on here?”

“I’m having a conversation with my woman, nigga. You mind?” Ace asked though his eyes never left Joy’s.