Page 94 of Fierce-Colson

“No. It was my lunch, which we are all entitled to have. Is there anything else?”

“I’m not trying to ride you, Marly. This is just a courtesy to be aware there are eyes on you at all times.”

“There have been eyes on me at all times most of my life. It’s no different now.”

“You’re right. Maybe I’m the one getting used to it. And maybe I don’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. In my opinion, I think it’s a good look.”

“Excuse me?” she asked. That one got her back up. As if she needed his approval.

“The DA in a relationship with someone on the Durham PD. Taking right after your parents. Both of your parents were well received in their positions.”

“I’m sure my parents would be thrilled to know that,” she said dryly.

“Touché. I’ll find out who it is easy enough, or you can tell me.”

There was no reason to hide it.

She and Colson had talked about this.

Hiding would mean it was wrong and what they’d shared, what she felt for him, none of it could be wrong.

She’d just have to give him a heads up when the mayor left. “If you must know, Colson Ryder and I are seeing each other. We went to school together, were friends for years.”

No reason to add the fact they dated in middle school.

Did it really count when you were in your thirties now?

“I’m not aware of the name,” Mayor Donaldson said.

“He grew up in Durham.”

And she was positive the mayor would have all the information he wanted on Colson by the end of the day.

That was the shit she hated.

But a game played by many.

“Well, regardless of your personal life and what you do in that time, you have a duty to the citizens of this county the same as I do to the city.”

“I’m well aware,” she said primly.

“There is no reason for us to be at odds.”

“I’m not at odds, Mayor.”

“Sean,” he corrected. “We can be on a first name basis.”

“Sean,” she said. “We aren’t at odds. I know my job. Some might say I know it better than you know yours considering the position I held prior and the woman who raised me.”

Sean angled his head, his smirk growing. “You know when and where to strike. I’ll remember that. Just like I’m warning you that you’re being watched. On the clock and off. It wouldn’t do either one of us any good to give people a reason to talk. That means being distracted by a personal relationship.”

Her phone rang on her desk. “If you’ll excuse me.”

She turned to answer it. “I’ll be on my way and let you return to work.”

As he opened the door and walked out, she answered. “Yes, Colleen.”

“Attorney Romano is on the line. He says it’s urgent.”