Page 32 of Koda's Love

I had to make my rounds, so I tucked her basket in a safe place and made my way through the room. I couldn’t help but search the room for Avalon, and when my eyes landed on her, my heart raced. She looked so damn beautiful in a black dress that stopped a little above the knee, with heels that added at least three inches to her already tall height. Her hair was up, and I was jealous at the way she laughed while she talked to some guy. I didn’t know who he was, and I didn’t like the way he had her showing all her teeth.

Before I got a chance to approach them, I felt a pat on my back.

“That’s her?” Kairo asked as he came up next to me.

“That is. Who the fuck is that she talking to, though?” My jaw clenched as I watched her touch his arm, and he moved closer. I didn’t think she even realized she touched people when she laughed, but I noticed it one of the first times we had a conversation.

“I’m not sure. Maybe he’s one of your guests and just happened to find out about the party.”

“If he don’t back up, he won’t be a guest for too long.”

My hand curled into a fist as I held it at my side. I never felt so possessive over a woman in my life. That damn Avalon had me acting totally out of character. I knew I couldn’t make a scene, though, because this was my place of business, and there were way too many people here.

“Calm down, Bro.” Kairo chuckled. “I don’t think she’s even interested in dude. You see how she backed up when he got closer.”

I noticed, and the minute she became uncomfortable, I would be over there to escort his ass out. I didn’t have to worry for too long, because someone had walked over there to get her attention.

“Relax. I’m sure the two of you will have time to talk sometime tonight. In the meantime, mingle with everyone. Make sure they remember why this hotel has been around for as long as it has. This night isn’t just about the Bishop family name, but also everything you have done to keep this place running. You deserve to be celebrated as well.”

Kairo had always been my voice of reason, and without my brother, I may have done some crazy stuff. He had his moments in the past, but he always thought about his actions before reacting.

“You’re right. It’s crazy that I even felt jealous. I ain’t never been jealous of anyone.” I shook my head.

“That’s what happens when you have real feelings for someone. There go Mycah and Karma; let me go see my wife. Don’t do anything crazy.” Kairo patted my back then walked away.

Apparently, he had rode by himself because Mycah and Karma had gone somewhere, and it just made sense for them to get ready at Karma’s place. I watched my brother speak to our sister and his fiancée for a second, then I went to make my rounds. It took everything in my power not to approach Avalon because when I did, I needed her undivided attention. I wasn’t going to wait too long, though.

“Damn, who that?” Jacoby asked as he approached me at the bar.

“Who?”

“The chick talking to the one with the black dress.”

I followed his line of vision, and my eyes landed on Avalon and some chick.

“I don’t know. Let’s go find out.” I smirked and put my glass down.

Jacoby and I walked across the room while Avalon and the chick talked and giggled.

When we approached, they both looked at us. I noticed the way Avalon’s breathing changed when her eyes landed on me.

“You did your thing, baby,” I said to Avalon. “This looks ten times better than I thought it would.” I stepped closer to her, and I was thankful that she didn’t move away.

Her smile lit up her whole face, and that shit made me smile.

“Thank you. I’m glad you let me take the reins on this. Everyone seems to be having a good time.” She looked around the room. “You should be proud of yourself.”

I felt my chest swell when her eyes landed on me again.

“I am.”

I heard someone clear their throat, but I didn’t pay them any mind. Avalon did when she turned to her left and looked at the chick.

“My bad, Cousin. This is Koda and?—”

“Jacoby.” Jacoby held his hand out as he focused on the chick.

She smirked at him and told him her name. “Diamond. It’s nice to meet you Jacoby, and Koda.”