CHAPTER SIX
TRIGGER HAPPY
“So, Kong is a daddy. What are the kids like?” Nay questioned from the passenger seat.
His security steered them up the driveway of his family estate, stopping behind the Maybach and parking.
“Uh, outspoken, spoiled, and smart as hell.” He chuckled. “Those are just the top three. I’m sure they’re up. Come in and see for yourself,” Kong encouraged.
Phoebe and Audiemar parked behind him. Rounding the back of the car, he stopped at Nayelli’s door and pulled it open for her. A soft smile claimed her lips.
“Thank you again for letting me stay here,” she gushed when he helped her out of the car. “I really appreciate it. I promise it’s only temporary until I feel strong enough to be at home alone. I know that Mama is grateful too.”
“You’ve been there for me too, Nay. It’s the least I can do.” Kong grabbed her duffle from the back of the SUV, and his father approached with Phoebe to help Nay to the door.
“This place is just as big and pretty as I remember it. I recall the first year when Jane threw that barbecue.” Nay took in the home with stars in her eyes. “I always thought about what it would be like to live here,” she confessed.
“Well, take advantage. We want you comfortable,” Audiemar insisted. “You’ll have a private bath on the bottom floor. Yasmine will clean and bring you anything you may need, and Ayla is our chef.”
“Chef? I can’t believe that Jane would allow anyone else to work in her kitchen.” Nay shook her head and snickered.
Audiemar’s grip on her arm tightened, and Nay watched both he and her mother turn rigid.
“What’s wrong?” Nay queried, attention gamboling from his face to hers.
“Jane died. About five years ago,” Phoebe whispered.
“What!”
“What is the last thing you remember, sweetie?” Phoebe questioned.
Confusion crowded her face and Nay lowered her head. Her thoughts were all jumbled and she still felt fuzzy from the surgery and anesthesia. She wanted to lie down in a real bed and sleep without someone constantly coming in and checking on her. It sucked that Jane wasn’t going to open the door and greet her. There were times when she treated her like her own daughter. Nay even called her Aunt Jane. She and her mother had known each other all her life, so it was an organic bond they built. There were times she could go to Jane about things she could never talk about with her mother. Sometimes she even thought Phoebe was resentful of that.
“I don’t know. Being in college. Frat parties, football games,” She listed off. “It’s really been that long? What am I doing with my life? Do I have a family, a husband? It’s so confusing.”
“Okay, listen, try not to overthink or stress yourself out over anything that you cannot change, baby. The doctor said don’t try to force anything. Your memory will come back when it’s ready.”
“That’s easy for you to say when you aren’t the one who can’t remember,” Nay grumbled.
Finally, they all reached the front door, and Kong pushed it open so his father and Phoebe could pass with Nayelli first. Coast and Mozzi paused in the foyer with them, looking like they were about to exit. Coast nibbled on a piece of chicken with Mozzi not far behind her. Nayelli narrowed her eyes, remembering Mozzi immediately but curious about the girl at his side. He was a playboy, not like Kong, who preferred being in a relationship versus dealing with multiple women.
“Where are you two heading?” Audiemar asked.
“Just taking her to get some stuff. I’ll be at the farm after that. Need to check on a few things.”
“Take Moose or Brim with you?—”
“Pops, I’m cool.”
“That wasn’t a request, Moses.” Audiemar released Nayelli so Phoebe could take her to her room.
“Are you going to introduce your friend?” Phoebe questioned, although she’d seen Coast around once or twice, she hadn’t gotten any tea on the girl because she’d been preoccupied.
“Why?” Mozzi blurted out.
Audiemar cut a sharp glare in his direction, and Mozzi stroked his beard before sighing.
“Fine. Coast, this is Phoebe and her daughter, Nayelli. This is Coast, my girl,” Mozzi introduced.
