“Royce.”
Arms extended, he pulled me into his embrace. It was bone-chilling. The warmth I anticipated left me cold and concerned.
Hakem was the first profile I’d actually considered onPrestige, the dating app for the wealthy, well-respected, and untouchable. Our schedules never aligned. Not until tonight. Something always came up on my end. But, after spending time with Ishmael, and experiencing the beauty of partnership, I was determined to make the next date a success.
Hakem was born into wealth. He didn’t obtain it on his own. He was spoiled rotten as a child and became the head of his family’s oil company after the sudden passing of his father.
There wasn’t a rough edge to be noted about Hakem. He went to the best schools, had the best tutors, and hung with the filthy rich children of his family’s immediate circle.
Our stories nearly resembled each other. However, our upbringing was incredibly different. I could hit my target with my eyes closed. I doubt Hakem had ever fired a weapon for anything other than the sport of hunting,if that. Bodyguards were trained to handle situations that required heavy fire power so he wouldn’t have to. And that’s where I was struggling.
He’s no soldier.
Tonight, there were no guards. It was only Hakem. And, the burgundy suit that adorned his frame made the decision to see him tonight make so much sense. He was long, slim, and as suave as they came.
Hakem was the color of charcoal. His eyes were the brightest things on his frame. And, still, not a detail of his makeupcould be overlooked. Everything was bolded. Italisized. And highlighted.
Hakem reminded me of royalty. And, rightfully so. His family was as close to royalty as Clarke would ever see. The legals, anyway. The underbelly was an entirely different beast. They didn’t belong down there. Their kind couldn’t withstand the heat emitting from the steam pipes.
“Hakem.”
Though he was nicknamed Kem, hardly anything about him reminded me of Chem.
His height.
His wealth.
His reach.
It didn’t go beyond those parameters.
He smelled like cedarwood and pepper. Vanilla was the link between the two, rounding out the fragrance extremely well.
“You smell divine.”
“You look the same,” he complimented, loosening his grip on me.
“Thank you.”
“I was beginning to think I wouldn’t catch up to you. Busy, busy.”
“Yeah. It happens.”
“Your face has been all over my screen lately. I thought I’d lost my chance.”
“I’m here. You’re here. Let’s not worry about anything more.”
“I agree.”
I took my seat and Hakem took his.
“Evening, ma’am. Sir. I’m Grace. I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Anything from our drink menu piques your interest? We have incredible wine.”
“I’ll have a bottle of your finest red and two glasses for my date and I.”
Hakem was quick on his toes. Grace scurried off to fulfill his request hastily. I stared at the regal gentleman before me, waiting to feel what I’d been feeling over the last few weeks.
I quieted my thoughts to hear the beat of my heart. It wasn’t as loud or as thunderous as it had been lately. It was meek and somber and slowly beating in my chest.
