Page 21 of The Phyre that Burns

“I sure am.”

He didn’t move until I was damn near on top of him. When he turned to walk away, I got a whiff of his cologne, and it made my knees weak. I didn’t recall noticing his scent yesterday and wondered if he put on a little extra to ensure I wouldn’t miss it today.

His aroma reminded me of our past, when I would bury my face in his chest and fall fast asleep. He used to make me feel safe, but that feeling was gone within a matter of seconds after reading the text about him being engaged.

“We’re headed over to the hospital and should be back before lunch. Call me if there’s an emergency that needs my attention,” Phyre told everyone as we headed for the door.

“Okay.”

“Will do.”

“See you later.”

I waved goodbye as various responses came from everyone as we left. The hallway didn’t seem wide enough for us to walk next to each other without our shoulders touching, so I slowed my steps to ensure that wouldn’t happen. Once outside, he walked in one direction, and I walked toward my rental.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“I’ll follow you.”

“Ginae, you’re being silly.”

“I’m being serious.”

“The hospital is only five minutes away. Ride with me. I promise I won’t bite.”

The last thing I wanted to do was be alone with Phyre in a small space. I released a breath as I looked up at the sky and shook my head in annoyance.

“Fine.”

“Thank you.”

I followed him to his luxury car, and he opened the passenger side door for me. As soon as he closed the door, I was consumed by his aura.

“God, please give me strength,” I quickly whispered before he got behind the wheel.

When he left the parking lot and didn’t go in the direction of the hospital, I bit the inside of my jaw. I knew this nigga was up to something, and I should’ve followed my first instinct.

“The hospital is the other way,” I said calmly.

“I know where the hospital is. I didn’t sleep well last night, and I need some caffeine.”

I folded my arms across my chest and looked out of the window. He pulled into the drive-through of a coffee shop I wasn’t familiar with. The line was long, which irritated me, and I released an exaggerated sigh.

“How long is this gonna take?” I asked, not hiding my sour mood.

“They’re usually pretty quick. Do you want anything?”

“Only to be away from you.”

“Damn. That hurt.”

“You can’t be surprised.”

“After our interactions yesterday, I shouldn’t be, but I was hoping today would be different.”

“Let me save you some energy. No day will be different, Phyre. I don’t want to ever talk to you about what you did to me. Not yesterday, not today, not tomorrow, not next month. If it’s not work-related, feel free to pretend as if I don’t exist. Are we clear?”

“Loud and clear.”