Chapter 23:  A Beast

Glad to see she hasn’t lost all that fire and bristle, Hakeem felt a relief in his chest even as he told himself he must be crazy in the head.

‘It’s not that he gave a damn about her but it would kill something in him to think he had killed all that sauciness.’ He told himself firmly.

“Hmm. So I bring out the worst in you and you slapped me? Why regret it then?” His raised eyebrow was evidence of his confusion.

“I don’t regret slapping you, you deserved it and more. I only regret the fact that I allowed you to push me to your level.” Lucianda enunciated in a fighting voice.

Greatly amused by her, Hakeem gave his head a hard shake, deciding they had had enough of these back and forth words. Time for business!

“Okay. I’m a beast and you are a princess who does not like violence. Accepted!” He raised his palm in surrender.

Luci wasn’t in the mood for patronization. She gave a huge eye roll of disgust.

“Now, will you have your seat so you can tell me why you’re here? I’m sure you d