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Vanessa:(Eye-roll emoji)

An idea popped into my head, provoking me.

Attikus:You’re a fabulous kisser.

The three dots moved and stopped. A few seconds later, they moved again. She was probably struggling for a reply. Would she tell the truth or lie? Or would she offer something between a truth and a lie?

Vanessa:I’m sure many women would say that about you too.

Since I was getting married to her for the next six months, I’d make it fun for me.

Attikus:I’m only interested in what you think.

A moment of silence.

Vanessa:You’re a dangerous kisser.

Attikus:What does that mean?

Vanessa:You’ll find out later.

Why was she being cryptic?

Attikus:Should I leave out the terms for no kissing on the contract?

Vanessa:No. Add it.

Attikus:But you like kissing me.

Vanessa:Exactly. Too dangerous.

There was the truth.

Vanessa:I mean. It’s not good for us. Will complicate things.

Too late, darling. You can’t take back what I wanted to hear.

Attikus:Okay. Will add to the contract.

At that moment, the elevator door opened, and Emmanuel stepped out. Dark hair, about six feet tall, athletic build. He looked at me, and our eyes locked. I rose from my chair, grabbed my cane, and walked over.

He swallowed, knowing exactly who I was. “What are you doing here?”

“Let’s have a man-to-man chat. Not here.” I jerked my head toward his apartment number 505.

He hesitated a moment.

“Unless you want your neighbors hearing what I have to say. Do you think they want to know you’ve been blackmailing your ex-girlfriend?”

His jaw tensed as he turned and opened the door. I stepped inside and locked it. He walked down the wooden-floor hallway and leaned against the marble kitchen counter.

Crossing his arms, he asked. “Why are you here?”

“Why are you harassing Nessa Lambert?”

“What did you say?” he asked, placing a hand on his head.

I studied his face, and there was no hint of him being crass or sarcastic.