“Well, if it ain’t Ree Heights finest slumming it.”
Tulla exhaled through her nose, stepping further inside. Moose’s gaze instantly shifted to the man stepping in behind her. Clean cut, confident. The type of nigga who belonged in conference rooms, not places like this. Beside him was a little girl. Eight, maybe, with caramel skin and curly hair pulled into a puff. Her bright eyes scanned everything with curiosity. Moose’s gaze lingered over her.
“Morgan.” Tulla finally spoke.
It was inevitable since he was still lingering at the counter, waiting on his order.
“What’s up?” Moose chucked his chin at them.
“Christian Hayes.” The man stepped forward with an extended hand. “How do you know my wife?”
Moose looked at his hand first, then up into his eyes. He had no intention of shaking the nigga’s hand. Christian, a state prosecutor already knew exactly who he was. It was his job to know every major player in the city, and the Blackmoors were at the top of the list. Tiara stepped forward slightly, peeking around her father. She looked right at Moose. There was nothing shy or fearful about her demeanor. If anything, she was more so intrigued. Looking into her eyes, he felt that same tug.
“You look like me,” she said, tilting her head.
Her words hit the air like something had dropped, causing Tulla to stiffen. Her husband quickly glanced in her direction butcouldn’t read her poker face. Moose froze before pinching the tip of his nose, brushing it off.
“Do I?”
Tiara nodded, serious. “Your eyes.” She pointed at him.
His smile faded a little as he acknowledged the statement. Now that she’d said it, he couldn’t help but see it. The shape, color, and even the intensity of her rich, brandy brown orbs were familiar. His chest tightened, but before he could utter another word, Tulla stepped in.
“Tiara, let’s go find a table,” she said a little too sharp.
Although she frowned up at her mother, Tiara listened, and they moved toward a booth. Christian remained at the counter to place their order, sizing Moose up the whole time. He knew who he was, but he wanted to know what the hell was up between him and his wife. Eyes never leaving Tulla or Tiara at the table they’d claimed, Moose did the math. Something wasn’t adding up, or maybe it was.
“Is there a problem with you and my wife?” Christian stepped closer, subtle, but with intent.
He was territorial for one and didn’t like the vibe between Moose and Tulla. Turning his head, Moose raked his hooded eyes over his square ass appearance. Now wasn’t the time nor place for this. Shaking his head, he finally spoke.
“Nah. No problem.”
His order number was called right before another, but Moose didn’t move right away. He stood there a second longer, eyes on Tiara as she talked Tulla’s ear off. She was too fixated on her husband’s interaction with Moose to listen to whatever she was rambling about. When the little girl looked his way, she smiled wide. Moose grabbed his food, and Ayla ended up at the counter to grab hers as well.
“Moose, what are you doing here? I thought you and Nari were going to hang out with Coast and Mozzi tonight.” She picked up her to go bag.
“We decided to stay in.” He was still distracted as the two of them strutted to the door together.
He held it open for her but took one last glance in Tulla’s direction. He wanted her to see what he couldn’t say. He wasn’t done with this situation. Outside, the night air hit him hard as his mind raced and his heart beat a little too fast. You would have thought he blew through a whole cocaine pack.
“Oh, okay, I’m heading back to the house.”
“You don’t have nobody with you?” Moose checked with her.
“No,” she answered, rolling her eyes. “Kong is already on my ass about that, which is why I’m heading back now.”
“Yeah, do that.”
Moose fished his buzzing phone out of his sweats and studied the screen. It was a text from Audiemar.
“Coast is in labor,” he revealed, looking up at Ayla.
“Oh, my God! Are you serious?”
Moose nodded before shoving the phone back into his pocket.
“That’s so exciting! I know she can’t wait. This pregnancy has had her so irritable these last few months.”
