Page 26 of Solomon’s Temple

“That hornball bastard touched you?” Paolo asked.

“No, but he definitely insinuated that he wants to fuck me.”

Paola shook her head fiercely. “Don't quit, Temp. You can fight this and get his ass fired. He doesn't own this place. Him or his box troll of a wife.”

“I don't know if I even want to keep working here. As much as I love and have grown accustomed to the people and babies here, I don't want to go through the hassle.”

“Please, girl. We can all go to HR and have a new boss in here by tomorrow. Don't quit. You giving that bum what he wants,” Rita said.

I shook my head.

“Just take a few days and come back. Whatever you decide, I got your back,” Paola promised.

“Me too,” Rita agreed.

I sighed. “I'll let y’all know. I have to go.”

“Okay. Call us.”

I nodded and walked out of the building. I wouldn't call them, and I didn't know if I'd be returning either. Deacon was a lonely, miserable pervert, and I hated that he'd found out about me.

He might have eye-fucked me a lot, but he was never this forward. But since he found out about my secret life outside of Northwest, he felt bold enough to come for me.

For the first time since I'd been dancing at Lucid, I felt humiliated and ashamed of what I did. I knew Ma Lula refused to get the surgery, but I didn't want to quit, just in case something happened and we needed the money.

I told myself I was doing it for her, but naturally, it's what helped keep my bills paid and fridge stocked.

I gave myself a timeframe, and I wasn't going to stop until I reached my goal.

Solomon arrived at my house at four-thirty on the dot. I noticed that being punctual was one of his strong points. This time, he came to the door to pick me up, but I was still getting ready, so I invited him inside.

As bad as I wanted to cancel, I knew I needed to get out and do something fun to get my mind off of what happened at work.

I opened the door and let him inside. The scent of cedarwood wafted up my nose as soon as he stepped inside. I smiled and sized him up, noticing that he was dressed in a pair of black Ralph Lauren jean shorts, a white Ralph Lauren shirt, and white-and-black lows (Air Force Ones) on his feet. A platinum Jesus piece, TAG Heuer watch, and a black-and-white Detroit SnapBack on his head.

“Hey, beautiful,” he greeted, pulling me in for a hug.

“Hey, you,” I replied, wrapping my arms around his neck. He planted a kiss on my cheek, then pulled away. “You probably shouldn't dress like a damn snack if you want me to behave.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “It's not every day that I get to dress like this. Let me have this moment, baby.”

“Only if you let me have you.” I bit my bottom lip and smiled. He gave me that pleading look, and I laughed. “Okay, okay. I quit. You can have a seat anywhere. I just need to take these rods out of my hair and put my shoes on, then we can go.”

“Take your time, love.”

“You want anything to drink?” I offered.

“I’m good, baby.”

“Okay. Be right back.” I headed back upstairs to finish getting ready. As soon as I stepped inside my room, my cell rang. I looked at the screen and saw Phire calling me.

“Hey,” I answered.

“Hey, boop. What outfit did you decide on?”

“The blue jean shorts and a baby blue tank. Nothing fancy.”

“They aren't booty shorts, are they?” She giggled.