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’m not leaving here until we have a clear understanding of what’s going to happen around here for the next month. I know I’m asking a lot, but I need to play the game.
“Hello,” I say into my phone as Mario calls.
“I was hoping you would answer. Yeah, no problem. I can look after Oni. What do you need me to do?”
“I need you to act like she’s yours. Just until I can get that airhead out of here. I don’t want her to find out anything about her. My gut is telling me to be wary of her, not just my uncle.”
“You got it. I’ll handle it. You sure she’ll be okay with it?”
“I’m going to talk to her. It will be cool.”
“Anything else?”
“Uncle Emilio mentioned my mess in New York. What do you know?”
“Nothing has been reported to me, but I can make the trip to drop in and check things out. I’ll be back in the morning with a full report. Afternoon at the latest.”
“I knew I could count on you.”
“You can count on her too. She handled things like a pro. The deal is done on our end. Everything went smoothly. Like taking candy,” he croons.
“Perfect, take care of the team when you get back. I’ll set the next job up.”
The bathroom door opens right as I hang up. I drop the phone on the bed and sit staring at Oni, wrapped in a towel, as she mutters to herself. She doesn’t notice me right away, but when she does, the look on her face says a thousand words.
CHAPTER 16
All Mine
Oni
I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around my body. I’m still grumbling to myself about that heifer who rode with us to the house. I know her from somewhere.
I hadn’t recognized her at first because I dismissed her after that handshake and introduction. However, once we all climbed into the Rolls to head home, I got a good look at her. A better look than I wanted to be honest.
I know I know her from somewhere. I haven’t figured it out yet. It’s right there.
“Get your shit together, Oni,” I growl at my reflection after I wipe the steam from the glass.
I snatch the shower cap from my head, leaving my scarf in place. This isn’t me. I’m not about to date someone with a fiancée.
“He has me all fucked up. Is any of this shit worth all this? Crazy-ass uncle playing in my face.
“A boyfriend I can’t show affection to. Nope, not a damn thing worth all this. I’m taking my Black ass back home.
“Fuck these people,” I continue to rant as I walk out of the bathroom.
Feeling like I’m being watched, I lift my head and find Rico sitting on my bed. I fold my arms over my chest and glare at him.
“Get out,” I snarl.
“Come here, baby.”
I give him the finger. I’m not in the mood for this. It’s been a long, draining night.
He snorts. “I know what this looks like, but it’s not what you think. Come here, Oni.”
“I’m tired and I’m going to bed. Please leave so I can get dressed and go to sleep.”
Ignoring me, he stands and saunters over to me. I crane my neck to look up at him as he towers over me. He looks down into my eyes as he lifts his hand to my face.
Slowly, he runs his thumb across my lower lip. I jerk my head away, but he grasps the back of my neck and places his forehead to mine. He breathes me in as I fight to keep my lips from trembling.
“She means nothing to me. I never agreed to marry her or to an engagement for that matter. You are who I want,” he says against my lips.
I push at his chest, trying to break his hold on me. However, his grip is too strong. I can only turn my face away.
“I’m done with all of this. The disrespect, the drama, and the bullshit. Y’all can play all these games among yourselves,” I hiss.
“You’re not listening to me.”
I shove harder at his chest. “No. You’re the one not listening to me. We’re done, over, finished.”
This time, when I give a good shove, my towel drops to my feet. I gasp and quickly cover my breasts and privates. Rico stands in shock. Then his eyes fill with lust.
“Do you really think I’m going to let someone else have what’s mine? You are mine, Oni. I said she means nothing. I don’t want her.”
“Well, I don’t want you. I belong to no one. Now get out.”
Before I can fully get the words out, he has my face cupped between his palms as he devours my lips. I whimper into his mouth as he delivers a searing, demanding kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck as he deepens the kiss, wrapping his own around me.