I’d made that mistake already. I couldn’t repeat the same misstep I’d considered a lesson. Jason was the greatest misfortune of my thirty one years on earth. His dick was as long as his money. However, his capacity wasn’t forgiving enough for a girl like me. It was small. So was his mind. And, his refusal for growth beyond his finances forced me to end a year long commitment. I lost four clients the day I ended our union.
Jason.
His father.
His uncle.
His business partner.
I wasn’t willing to leave money on the table by falling victim to feelings that could be as temporary as a tag from the dealer.
“Baby, that dress would be on the flo out there. Only cloth my ass would know is the linen of that damn table,” Kleu exclaimed, fanning her face. “That’s a fine motherfucker.”
Her presence was startling, forcing my eyelids apart. She was stunning in all black. Kleu didn’t miss a meal and it all went to the right places.
She was thick.
And pretty.
And confident.
And witty.
And her energy was good.
Every time I’d encountered her she was in good spirits. Mercer kept her aroundThe Mfor more than her management skills. She lit up any room, and Berkeley was no stranger to the temptress. She brought in customers by the droves. Kleu was good for business. She was also good for the soul.
Chuckling, I nodded.
“Hello.”
“Nah, fuck hello. Let’s talk about that man out there waiting on you. He can’t keep his eyes off that damn door. Heart in his dick. I know that look. Lawe still has it. He–”
“This is business, Kleu.” I shook my head. “Can’t leave that much money exposed because he’s handsome and likely knows how to use his tongue well.”
“Business. Please. Same thing.”
She twisted her mouth and rolled her eyes.
Her beauty was breathtaking. She reminded me so much of the woman lying across the bed under the blue tint of the filmBelly. Her skin was just as dark, as smooth, and as shiny.
“Is Mercer here?”
“If you’re here, then you can expect him to be.”
“Right,” I chortled, nodding.
“He’s in the kitchen. His safe place.”
“I won’t bother him. My guest is waiting.”
A sigh pushed from my lips. I pulled a piece of skin between my teeth, silently praying my sanity was intact by the time dinner ended. I stepped forward, prepared to enter the main floor.
“Um hm,” Kleu mumbled behind me.
I shook my head as a smile surfaced. It vanished as the door swung open, welcoming me to the five-star dining room that displayed every award it had earned since opening. Mercer’s growth was rapid. So was his success. Both were inevitable.
My attempt to scan the room failed miserably. He wouldn’t allow it. My eyes landed on his handsome face the moment I exposed myself to the public. His were fixated on me. Beckoning for me without even a word. Gesture. Nothing.
