Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
I grasp the back of her neck and pull her into me for a passionate kiss. She wraps her arms around my neck as I deepen the kiss and devour her.
I groan as she pushes her fingers into my hair. Right as I get ready to lift her and position her to straddle my lap, someone clears their throat. I break the kiss and look over Oni’s shoulder to find Estell and Emilia staring at us.
I shrug and smile back at them. Oni jumps up and rushes from my lap, leaving me feeling bereft. I shake my head and return to my thoughts of business.
Someone wants my attention. I’m going to find out who and give them all the focus I have. They are fucking with the wrong one.
CHAPTER 14
First Job
Oni
I’m so nervous. Tonight is my first job. We’ve been training for it for a week and a half now. Rico also insisted I learn how to actually shoot a gun.
I’ve gotten a lot better at that. I’m not nervous about what I need to do. I’m nervous about failing. I don’t want to disappoint Rico or his dad.
“You’ve got this,” I murmur to my reflection then blow out a breath.
I smooth my hands over the gold bodycon dress I’m wearing and have to blink a few times to make sure I’m looking at myself. I look nothing like the sixteen-year-old girl who rode the bus here to Miami. I look like I’m in my twenties.
Emilia helped me take out my braids as we all thought they were too distinctive and risky. A Black girl with braids would be a dead giveaway. My hair is now in full, deep waves flowing down just below my shoulder blades.
A makeup artist came in to do my makeup, giving me a natural-looking glow. The red lipstick makes my lips pop with an ombre effect. My lashes make my eyes stand out as well.
“Hey, you. Uncle Freddy is looking for you,” Emilia says as she pops her head into the room.
I nod at my reflection, then turn to face her. Her mouth pops open and she steps fully into the room.
“Holy shit. You look amazing. Rico is going to lose his shit.”
I reach to tug at the hem of the dress. I’m starting to feel self-conscious. I’m not sure how Rico is going to react to this new look.
“Here goes nothing,” I breathe out.
“You should totally be a model.”
“Ha, I’m five-five. Who’s letting me on their runaway?”
“There are more than runway models, Oni. Trust me, you would stay booked. I know a few people if you ever want to give it a shot,” she says.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“What do you want to do?”
“You mean when I grow up?”
“Yeah, like, I know I’m going to be married off to be a trophy wife. I’m not going to get to follow any real dream, but what do you have planned? What do you want to be?”
I take a moment to think her question over. I haven’t thought much about what I want for the future. I’ve been living day by day.
Talking to my mom in the last few days, I get that this is something she would like me to focus on. To make her happy, I am going to figure my shit out. This would be a good place to start.
“I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it.”
“You’re smart and beautiful. The sky is the limit. I think whatever you decide, you’re going to be great.”
I hug her around the waist and lean my head against her. “Aw, thank you.”
“I mean it. The more I get to know you, the more I know you’re a lot more than everyone thinks. You’re going to shock the world, Oni Raven. You’re going to be a force in a world that doesn’t see you coming.”
We stop outside Mr. Gallo’s study and Emilia pulls me into a hug. I give her a squeeze. She’s become such a good friend over the last week and a half.
“Well, I guess I’ll see you at the party. He’s waiting inside for you.”
“Thanks,” I say.
I move to knock on the study door before walking in. Mr. Gallo has been true to his word. When I’m not training for these jobs we’re going to pull, he has taken me under his wing.
I know more about the Gallo business than I ever thought I would. Fredrico is a calculating man. I can see why Rico is the way he is.
They see things in a way others don’t. I find myself feeling more like an apprentice than an assistant. Emilia is right, because I’m a girl, Fredrico’s business connections speak freely in front of me like I’m not even there.
After meetings, Fredrico always asks what I have learned. It always reminds me of my dad and how he taught me to be observant. When I’m with Fredrico, I often think of my dad and miss him.