Page 89 of Addicted

“I’m serious,” Kenzo said. “She cool as hell. I fuck with her.”

“Do what you gotta do,” I said.

Kenzo nodded, then pushed off the wall. “Aight, I’m ‘bout to hit the spots. Make sure everything running smooth.”

“Bet,” I said. “I’ma do my runs, too.”

We dapped each other up, then went our separateways.

***

The rest of the day was long. I stopped by the strip clubs, the car washes, the laundromats—all the businesses I owned that served as fronts for my operation. Everything was running smoothly, but I was distracted.

My mind kept drifting back to Indie. Wondering what she was doing. If she was still swimming. If she was thinking about me the way I was thinking about her.

By the time the sun started to set, I was done.

I considered going to the crash pad for the night. It was closer, and I was tired. But I didn’t want to. I wanted to go home. To the estate. To Indie.

So, I hopped on the freeway and put the pedal to the metal, speeding back towards the estate. When I pulled up, the sun had fully set, and the property was lit up with outdoor lights.

I parked in the driveway and headed inside. The house was quiet. I walked through the main floor, checking the living room, the kitchen, and the game room.

No Indie.

Finally, I headed upstairs and made my way to her design room. The door was open, and I could see her inside, sitting at the table with a sketchpad in front of her.

She was so focused on what she was doing that she didn’t even notice me standing in the doorway. I leaned against the frame, watching her for a moment. She had a pencil in her hand, her brow furrowed in concentration as she sketched.

She looked beautiful. Peaceful. In her element.

Eventually, I cleared my throat. Indie’s headsnapped up, and when she saw me, her face lit up. She dropped the pencil and jumped out of her chair, rushing toward me.

Before I could say anything, she launched herself into my arms, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist. I caught her easily, my hands going to her ass to hold her up.

“I missed you, daddy,” she said, her voice soft and sweet.

I felt my chest tighten.

“I missed you, too, baby,” I said.

She kissed me deep and passionately, her tongue sliding against mine. I kissed her back, holding her tight, feeling like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

When she finally pulled back, she was smiling. “How was your day?” she asked.

“Long,” I said. “But it’s better now.”

She giggled, and I started walking out of the design room, still holding her.

“Wait,” she said. “I was working on something.”

“Finish it tomorrow,” I said. “Bring yo’ ass to bed.”

Indie didn’t protest. She just hung on as I carried her through the house, down the hall, and into the master bedroom.

I set her down on the bed, then stepped back.

“I’m ‘bout to take a shower,” I said. “I’ll be right back.”