Beside it was the double oven with drawer space built in below. She paused at the long, rectangular island and took in the three fixtures surrounding the lights that resembled bird cages.
“I’m fine.” She ran her fingers across the white marble countertops and stopped at the farm sink nearby.
The place was spotless, and there were very little effects of his life. He grabbed a bottle of water and twisted the cap before taking a sip.
“Malcom’s coming down tomorrow to discuss our options. I can’t leave anything to chance with Alonzo. He’s made it clear he’s capable of anything.”
“Don’t worry about him.” Heavy brushed it off. “Go get comfortable and lay down.”
“But—”
“Giselle, this ain’t up for debate.” Heavy had only used her name a handful of times since she’d known him, and each time it was because he meant business.
She heard it in his tone and the way his face barely showed expression. There was no point in arguing with him. He wasn’t a man who liked to do a lot of talking. With him, it was straight forward and no guess work. She knew Alonzo wasn’t going to quietly go away, but it felt good to know that Heavy had put some fear in him.
SIXTEEN
WORK IT OUT
“So, tell me what we’re looking at here, Malcolm.” Giselle set a tray of coffee on the table.
She and Heavy were back at her place after dropping the kids off to spend some time with Remi. He sat in a wingback chair, one leg crossed over the other, stroking his beard while studying Malcolm calmly.
“Well, from what I was able to find out, Esti pulled a fast one. She did to him what he did to you. A signature here, initials there, and everything is suddenly in her name. She cleaned out accounts, removed his access, and left him high and dry.”
“Tuh. Stupid ass.” Giselle grabbed a coffee mug and brought it to her lips before plopping down beside her attorney.
“As for the matter of the children and custody, as soon as Heavy establishes his rights, Alonzo can kiss that bargaining chip goodbye. In the meantime, the restraining order protects all of you. He won’t be allowed anywhere near you, or he will be looking at jail time. Once we get a court date, his rights will be terminated, and Heavy’s will be enforced.”
“That’s great.” Giselle sighed, relieved as she lowered her mug into her lap. “What about Esti? I mean… is what she did even legal?”
“Well, I have spoken with some of my own legal team. It’s been brought to my attention that Alonzo made some shady dealings while you were married. Money was exchanged or hidden in offshore accounts. I’ve filed a motion to have both he and Esti’s finances audited. This means any joint assets he shared with you.”
“I also have some people looking into some things.” Heavy finally spoke before leaning forward. “My grandfather has some old contacts in Leawood that he put me in touch with. I got Alonzo’s name on their radar too, and they’re supposed to get back to me.”
“Thank you.” Giselle smiled in his direction.
Malcolm shuffled his papers together and placed them inside his open briefcase on the table. Removing his glasses, he gave her a warm smile. She’d known him a good portion of her life as her father’s trusted attorney, and she was honestly grateful he kept her on as a client after he died.
“Your father was a man who prepared for anything, Giselle. He paid my retainer in advance, so if anything ever happened to him you and your mother would be protected legally. I admired him not only as a man, but as a father, and I will always do right by you and his grandchildren.”
“I appreciate it, Malcolm. So much.”
He grabbed his briefcase and rose so Giselle could walk him to the door. Before stepping out onto her porch, he turned to her.
“I’ll be in touch, but try not to worry too much. I believe everything is going to work in your favor.”
“Thank you.”
She closed the door and locked up behind him. When she turned, Heavy stood in the doorway, studying her. Giselle tookslow strides toward him and paused in front. He locked his arms around her, his hard chest meeting her soft breasts in the embrace.
“You hungry? I thought we could grab something to eat before we went to pick up the kids.”
“I’m starving. I would love some loaded fries.”
Heavy dipped low to peck her lips and give her ass a squeeze at the same time.
“I’ll be in the car. Grab some more clothes for the kids.”
