Ayla’s sweet and nurturing nature drew the darkness inside Kong to her. Keeping things going with Nay recently was his way of distracting himself from the growing attraction to this young, talented woman he’d hired. She was the best chef they’d had in quite some time, and he didn’t want to blur those lines. Yet Ayla was perceptive, noticing how Kong would get quiet or distant when watching his kids. She would wonder what was on his mind. Having to deal with the ghost of his children’s mother was bound to be a burden on him and any woman who dared try to get close to him.
“Twyla died giving birth to Kara,” Kong confessed. “One minute she was fine. I left the room to go with the nurse to make sure my baby girl was good for their routine tests, and when I came back… she was gone.”
Tears swelled in Ayla’s eyes, and she quickly reached up to wipe them. Kong didn’t tell the story for any kind of empathy. He hated talking about it because he always seemed to relive it. He had nightmares about it until this day. It was so hard to look into Kara’s angelic face and not hold resentment for his baby girl. It wasn’t her fault.
“I’m sorry,” Ayla whispered.
“I love my daughter,” he expressed. “Sometimes it’s hard looking at her, though. She’s so full of fire and attitude. It’s almost like Twyla left, and her soul went right into Kara.”
“Maybe you should try some one-on-one time with her. Like a daddy daughter date?” Ayla suggested. “I know for me… I’d give anything to have that with my father again. We didn’t have a lot, but he made sure to always give me and Inari quality time.Whether it was a picnic, a movie date, or ice cream and a walk in the park. It might help both of you,” she suggested with a shrug.
Kong paused and lifted his head slightly before both brows cinched above his eyes.
“What happened to your pops?”
Ayla cleared her throat. “They were in a building that collapsed. I was ten. Inari was fifteen.”
“They?” Kong repeated.
“My mama and daddy.”
“Damn.”
Now he understood that sliver of somberness he caught behind her eyes. He’d wondered where it came from and what she’d been through. Hearing her story gave him a glimpse into who she was.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” he muttered, admiring her strength and resilience.
“You learn to live with it, right?” Ayla half shrugged, and Kong nodded in agreement. “I just know what it’s like to lose both parents. You might not be doing it purposely, but you are depriving Kara of you, and she doesn’t deserve that. She already lost her mother before she even got a chance to know her.”
Kong took those words to heart. He’d avoided conversations about Twyla in the past because it was too hard. Opening up to Ayla was easy, effortless. She didn’t push or pry. She let him talk through it and divulge what he was comfortable with. Not many people had given him that courtesy. Everyone was always telling him how sorry they were for his loss or asking if he needed anything or was okay. How the fuck was he supposed to answer that? It was easier to say he was fine, so they would leave him the hell alone.
“I could definitely use that drink.”
“I guess a couple couldn’t hurt. It’s been a long week.”
“Grab your stuff and meet me outside.” Kong turned for the door, and Ayla did a last-minute check in the mirror.
She made sure she had everything she needed in her purse when she was done and scurried out her bedroom door to meet him. Kong wasn’t driving either. Instead, they took the Maybach with a driver, arriving in style outside the bistro.
“I’ve heard about this place, but I’ve never been,” Ayla gushed when Kong got out first, then held his hand out to assist her.
The night had turned brisk, but there was still a little humidity in the air as he released her hand but placed his on the small of her back. Sparks of electricity shot through her veins, right to that sensitive spot between her legs. Although still a virgin, Ayla found herself turned on in a way with Kong that she wasn’t used to. He was six years older than her and a father, so obviously, the man had experience. She had no idea what his ex looked like, but Nayelli’s soft beauty was intimidating, and she wondered if that was what he preferred.
Stepping inside the restaurant, her eyes surveyed the room before she saw a hand go up in a far corner facing the front and rear entrances. Moose was already seated alone in a large booth. Frowning, Ayla wondered where her sister was as Kong led her to the table.
Moose was casual in denim jeans and a blue Tom Ford button-up shirt with YSL sneakers. His jewelry was mild, a simple Cuban link chain with a matching bracelet and Patek on his wrist. Grabbing his glass of cognac, he brought it to his lips as Kong allowed Ayla to slide into the booth first. He slapped hands with Moose before adjusting his blazer and sitting beside her and peering around. A few of their men were on post in the restaurant, which he expected.
“Where is Inari?” Ayla queried.
“Right here,” her sister replied with a huff.
She was clearly flustered. The aquamarine-colored strapless dress hugged her thick frame as she tucked some of her hair behind her ear, showing off the diamond hoop earrings and Cartier love bracelet on her wrist.
Moose licked his lips and admired her from head to toe.
“Sorry about that. I had to drop Dane off at his friend’s house before he drove me crazy.”
Moose slid out of the booth so she could get in.
