“But I’m hungry!” Kyro complained.
“Should have thought about that before you dumped your food on Natalie.” Kong marched over to him and snatched the game out of his hand. “Matter of fact, go upstairs and grab some paper and a pencil. You’re going to write a note to her apologizing.”
“But—”
“I’m not repeating myself, Kyro. I’ll throw this shit in the pool.” Kong held up his electronic device and waved it around.
“Fine.” His chair scraped against the floor when he pushed it away from the table and stomped off.
“Well, that’s a start.” Phoebe sighed. “Military school is still a thing, right?”
“Ma!” Nayelli called her out.
“It was a joke.” Phoebe shrugged, but Kong heard her.
“Ignore her.” Nay rolled her eyes. “You want to leave around seven for dinner?”
“Yeah. I’m good with that.”
“I can stick around for the weekend, too, and help out around here. Let me know what you guys want for dinner tomorrow and what I can make for the kids today. I’m no professional, but I can follow a recipe.”
“I appreciate it, Nay. I’ve got some paperwork I need to push through. If you need me, I’ll be in my office.” Kong turned to leave, and Audiemar took another sip of coffee while watching him walk away.
Nayelli wanted more than anything to connect with his son and have him feel something for her. The only time he expressed any real interest in her was when he was fucking her. After he got his rocks off, it always seemed like he regretted it or felt guilty. No matter how many times they ended up in bed together, there was no real intimacy between them. At first, she didn’t mind because even without it, Kong was an amazing lover, but Nayelli needed more. She’d sacrificed and come too far not to get what she wanted.
Sometimes Kong left her insecure, and she considered herself a dime. The mother of his children didn’t have shit on her. She always thought Twyla was basic as hell and didn’t know what Kong saw in her. She knew she’d have to reassess her situation and figure out how to reel him in a different way if she wanted to be a part of his future. Maybe her answers lay in his past.
CHAPTER FIVE
TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS
Later that night…
Coast didn’t know how she hadn’t caught on before. Turning in the mirror inside the bathroom at Comfort Kitchen, she studied her stomach. Aside from the random nausea and being tired as hell, she didn’t factor in all the other symptoms until the drive to work earlier. Her breasts were swollen and super tender, and her normally flat stomach did have a slight rounded pudge in the lower region now. Shaking her head in disbelief, she blew out a harsh breath and washed her hands. She stepped out of the bathroom and back into the restaurant.
This place was loud in the way only late-night diners are, with silverware clinking, fryers humming, and low conversations layered over each other. She was about three hours into her shift now, feet aching, smile practiced as she weaved through tables, taking orders and collecting tips. There was a new arrival in her section. With his head down in his phone, he sat in the corner of the booth with one arm draped over the woman beside him. Coast reached into her apron and pulled out the tablet she used to take orders. Nearing the table, she peeped the caramel beauty at his side, all gloss andconfidence, with perfect hair and manicured nails. Leaning in, she laughed loudly and threw her head back at something he muttered. She was the kind of woman who knew she was wanted and enjoyed proving it.
A red top hugged her perfect, ample breasts and tied in a simple bow with high waisted skinny jeans. Gold Chanel heels donned her feet, accompanied by a matching red chain-link purse on the table. Coast took a breath and approached the table, suddenly insecure compared to her.
“Welcome to Comfort Kitchen,” she greeted them in a low tone with her head down.
Relaxed in the booth like he owned the place, Mozzi’s expression shifted instantly. Recognition, irritation, and something darker now lingered over his handsome face. This wasn’t a coincidence. He didn’t believe in those. When people popped up in his life, he paid attention. He hadn’t planned on seeing her again. Ree Heights was small, and unless she lived under a rock, he figured last night was the first and last time. The fact that she was now standing close enough to touch unsettled him more than he cared to admit. Coast schooled her face into neutrality and lifted her head from the device screen. She damn near dropped it when she looked into his familiar eyes.
“What can I get you?” she asked, her voice steady and professional, as she immediately broke the stare.
Roni gazed in his direction, watching the exchange with sharp interest, eyes flicking between them.
“You know her?” she queried, already suspicious as she toyed with the diamond hoop earring in her ear.
“No,” Mozzi said too quickly.
Coast glanced up at that. Just for a second. He caught her reaction and squinted. Something sparked between them, annoyance and unfinished tension. Roni felt it in the air. Sittingup straighter at Mozzi’s side, she slid her hand possessively onto his thigh.
“We’ll start with drinks.” Roni smiled sweetly at Coast, but not in a nice way. “I’ll have water with lemon, and he’ll have sparkling water.”
Coast tapped at the screen to place their order as her stomach twisted. The smell of grease and coffee was suddenly too heavy and too damn close. Nodding, she took a breath.
“Anything else?”
