“I stay ready, Kong!” Moose shouted after him.
“Coast, is it?” Desiree hadn’t forgotten what Mozzi said as she stepped forward to inspect her.
“Yes, and I am not his girl.” She scoffed.
“So, you just gon’ stand there and lie to my people like that?” Mozzi feigned hurt with a hand pressed against his chest.
“Oh, my God.” Coast sighed. “I just met you a few days ago!”
“You’re very pretty. Who you related to around here?” Desiree prodded.
“Um, Bee is my auntie. Beverly Bellamy.”
“Oh.” Desiree smiled. “Bee is family, so that makes you family, sweetheart.” Her voice softened.
“See? She’s also my muhfucking woman!” Mozzi reiterated.
“Now, he is a little touched.” Desiree slapped a hand against Mozzi’s chest before glancing up into his handsome face. “But he means well. He’s got a big heart beating inside that chest. It’s a little beat up, but… sometimes, all it takes is one person to heal it. Now, you two sure you got my table? I need to run the circuit and show my face around here. I’ll come back and check on you when I’m done. And don’t let Phoebe or Nay run you off. Those two don’t run shit, and you can tell them I said it.”
“I’m gonna run to change into my merch,” Coast told Inari.
“Okay. I’ll hold it down.” Inari stepped behind the table, and Desiree strolled off with her guard not far behind her.
Coast moved toward the bathroom stalls down the hill, with Mozzi burning a hole in her as she walked away. Inari couldn’t help but laugh. He was a whole mess, and she knew that off one encounter. One thing was for certain, Coast damn sure had all his attention.
“Mozzi!” Roni hissed from behind.
“What’s up?” he asked, spinning around to face not only her, but Lin and Gillian.
“Ah, shit. The coalition is here,” Moose drawled.
“The fuck?” Mozzi sneered. “Yo, I ain’t got time for none of this y’all on.”
“We damn sure need to talk after what happened the other night,” Lin spoke up. “I’ve been calling you.”
“So have I.” Gillian popped her shit with attitude. “What’s this shit Roni talking about with you and some girl? I swear to God, if you think I’m putting up with any more of your shit?—”
“Aye, get the fuck out my face with this right now! Y’all already know what the fuck it is! I ain’t in the mood. So, either stay here and watch the game or move the fuck on. I don’t have to explain shit to none of you.” When he marched off, all three turned to follow, still arguing and talking shit.
“Fucking Mozzi.” Moose’s strong voice broke into Inari’s thoughts.
She knew he was standing there, but she was folding shirts, arranging hats, and trying to pretend that he wasn’t. His dominating presence was hard to ignore.
“He’s a little special. Are those all his women?”
“Just the three he fucks with on a regular,” Moose expressed. “They like sister wives. Is Dane around?”
“Why? Got some new tattoo you want to give him?” Inari jested.
“I ain’t gon’ live that down, huh?” The cutest simper filled his face, making his lips her focus as she wondered what they felt like.
He was so damn fine. The rapid thudding of her heart sent a pulse right to her clit as his eyes swept over her so casual, but still gorgeous as ever, leaving her very self-aware.
“I’m trying to get over it,” she muttered. “He is grounded, though. I told him he could come today. Him and some of his friends should be here to watch the game. Thank you for the flowers,” she added after clearing her throat.
It had been a long time since she’d been in this position. She was surely grateful for everything in her life, but Inari didn’t owe anybody a damn thing. Aside from Ayla and Dane, nobody did anything for her. She treated herself when she got a raise or sold a piece and got her commission. It took that moment, receivingthose flowers, to even acknowledge that she celebrated most of her wins alone.
“You’re welcome,” Moose replied, causing her to look up at him.
