#Chapter 82: The Deal

Ardal It takes me a second before his words register. Then it hits. “Oh no, you’re not!” I stomp my foot on the ground, every bit as petulant as a child, and not giving a damn. The sheer audacity! Kadeem takes a large step towards me under the tree, and the smell of fresh sweat washes over me. His damp collarbone and hairline are dappled with it. Despite everything, I feel pinpricks of desire - although they’re quickly replaced by a resurgence of anger. “Baby,” he says, and I roll my eyes immediately at his infuriating patronizing. He grits his teeth and struggles to steady his voice. “Trust me when I say this is the optimum choice. I will be accompanying you every step of the way." As he utters, “every step,” the overwhelming urge to smack him resurfaces. “No,” I say, throwing my arms across my chest. “Absolutely not!” “For the love of God,” he explodes. “Just this once, listen to me! This harebrained scheme is reckless as fuck! You are p