I came with a groan that I couldn’t quite contain, spilling down her throat, my hands tangled in what was left of her updo. She took everything I gave her, swallowing around me until I was empty and shaking and seeing stars.
She released me with a soft pop, licking her lips, looking way too pleased with herself.
“I guess we have a gala tradition.,” she said, her voice hoarse.
I laughed and pulled her to her feet.
“We should probably get back before they send a search party.”
“Probably.” She was already trying to fix her hair, smooth down her dress, make herself presentable. “Do I look okay?”
“You look like you just got fucked on a balcony.”
“PRIME.”
“I’m kidding. You look perfect.” I wasn’t kidding. She absolutely looked like she’d just been ravished. But I’d keep that to myself. “Come on. Let’s go show these people what they’ll never have.”
She took my arm, and together we walked back inside, leaving the cold air and the city lights and our little secret behind us.
18
ZAINAB
I was still floating when we stepped off that elevator.
My legs felt like jelly. My hair was definitely not the same as when I’d arrived. And I was pretty sure my face was still flushed in a way that had nothing to do with the champagne I’d been sipping on.
But Prime had his hand on the small of my back, steady and grounding, and nobody seemed to notice that we’d disappeared for the better part of an hour. Or if they noticed, they were too polite to say anything.
“There you are.”
Quest appeared out of the crowd, a knowing smirk on his face that made me want to melt into the floor. “Grandma’s here. She’s been asking for you.”
Prime’s whole demeanor shifted. Softened. “Rita’s here? I thought she wasn’t feeling well.”
“You know Grandma. Wasn’t gonna miss a chance to see her grandbabies show out.” Quest’s eyes slid to me. “And to meet the woman who finally locked Prime down.”
Oh Lord. Meeting the grandmother. Right now. While I still had the taste of her grandson in my mouth.
This was fine. Everything was fine. I’d met her once before at the farmer’s market.
Prime led me through the crowd toward a seating area near the windows. And there she was, looking pretty and regal. Prime and his brother Cannon favored her a lot.
“Grandma.” Prime bent down to kiss her cheek. “You made it.”
“Boy, you think I was gonna miss this?” Her voice was warm but sharp and it had probably put many men in their place over the years. “Banks Reserve breaking ground on a casino? Your grandfather would be spinning in his grave with pride.”
“Grandma, I want you to meet someone.” Prime reached back and pulled me forward gently. “This is Zainab. You sort of met her at the farmer’s market a little while back.”
Rita turned toward me, and even though I couldn’t see her eyes behind those dark glasses, I felt like she was looking straight through me.
“Come here, baby.” She patted the seat next to her. “Let me get a look at you.”
I sat down, suddenly more nervous than I’d been all night. This woman had raised Prime. Had shaped him. Her opinion mattered more than anyone else’s in this room.
“I’m legally blind,” Rita said, reaching out to touch my face with surprisingly gentle fingers. “But not all the way. I can see shapes. Light. Enough to know that you’re a beautiful woman.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
