Page 11 of His To Obey

An hour and twenty minutes later Autumn and I were finally finished. I paid for us both, tipped our techs generously and we headed out into the crisp evening air. You could smell the season change; the leaves were just beginning to change color and start to fall off into the street. I inhaled deep to get the chemical smell of the salon out of my nose.

“I am heading home.” Autumn spoke. I turned to her and her pinky was extended in my direction. “But I will say this.” We interlocked our pinkies and touched thumbs. She held my hand in place. “Maybe not him because he is the son of the boss, but someone B. Break down your walls a little. Find love my baby. It’s time and no one deserves it more than you.”

“I hear you.” I pulled her into a one-armed hug. Her hand grazed my side with my scar and I exhaled deep.

It would be hard as hell to break down the built-up walls it took me years to create. I have yet to meet anyone that could come close to trying. So, finding love would be damn near impossible. I watched her sashay her way in the direction of her car and I prayed I could channel my inner Autumn to be a free spirit, loving, and find love. But only if it was for me.

Chapter Six

PHARAOH

Iknew I had Blythe’s ass mad at me. The whole damn week she had been avoiding me like I carried the plague. Whenever we were forced into each other’s space or in the same room, she would roll her eyes extra hard like a little girl that had just learned how. Then she would slam drawers, folders, cups, or whatever was around just to show her annoyance.

I was no help at all. Hell, half the damn time I went out my way to push her buttons. I scheduled unnecessary meetings and forcing her to attend. If she needed coffee then my ass needed coffee, even though I hated the shit. If she needed to make her own copies, I needed copies too and jammed the machine on purpose to give me more time near her feisty ass. I would even purposely go where she was just to flirt with the ladies that were around. I didn’t have interest at all in them, but I knew I was getting under her skin and filled my days with satisfaction.

It was cute her sending her little email letting me know she didn’t need to meet with me because her work was thorough. And honestly, I agreed with her. She was the most organized person in this whole damn firm and after looking at the numbers she was working circles around her peers. The shit was impressive. I would have definitely made her partner in St. Louis years ago.

But she wasn’t getting out of our meeting so easily. Not a damn chance. Yes, technically I didn’t need to meet with her because her shit was airtight, every spreadsheet, every report, every set of numbers was crisp, detailed, intuitive and professional. But I liked being in her space and fuckin’ with her so our meeting was happening.

Back home I was used to women being at my beck and call. Doing everything I told them to because they craved my attention like oxygen. But Blythe? Blythe was a challenge wrapped in sexy ass black clothes and high heels. She would cut off her own foot before asking for the key to the cuff that had her locked down.

My mind drifted to the idea of cuffs. Cuffs would be nice on her small wrist and ankles. She may not have felt the sexual tension between us, but I did. I wouldn’t mind having her pretty ass spread wide in her office beggin me to let her cum. The thought crossed my mind several times this week, hell today alone I had to adjust my dick three or four times every time I seen her. She strutted around the office like she owned the place. Her ass might as well have; everyone went to her for questions. She wasn’t even the most seasoned employee, but she had all the knowledge of the company. She would give the team a hard time but still help them out. She definitely had the potential to run the company. I was thoroughly impressed and so was my momma, she was just tryna keep the playing field leveled.

Me, I was ready to turn everything over to Blythe. Seeing her boss not only had me impressed but turned the fuck on. That feisty ass tone, pretty black hair and them fuckin legs. Shit. The things I would do to her would be a sin.

“Son, are you listening to me?” I turned back into the room. I looked up and met eyes with my mom. She looked so tired and worn but appeared unbothered and professional. The conversation was one that we have been having on repeat. I was in her office for what felt like the millionth time since I arrived here. I ran my hand down my face in frustration. This shit was fuckin with me.

“Ma look. I hear everything you are saying but I’m not sure I’m ready to give up my life in St. Louis.” I sat up in my chair giving her direct eye contact. I wanted her to know I was serious. “Plus, I have met with you damn near every hour since I’ve been here. Maybe you aren’t ready to hand things over yet either. I told you I could handle things this week, but you have yet to let me.” Before she could respond coughing came through the office phone.

“Son, watch how you talk to my wife!” My father’s wheezy voice came through the phone. My mother had called him when we started the conversation. Although he couldn’t physically be in the office, they still ran the company together. She always made sure his presence was still felt, and he had a voice in major decisions.

“My bad pops. It’s just a lot to put on me all at once.”

“We know son. I am truly sorry son.” My father coughed out. it was a rough wheezy cough. It got so rough that he pulled away from the phone. I could hear my sister’s voice asking if he was okay and wanted his warm tea. The shit caused a tightness in my chest.

“We hear you, Pharaoh. We know you have your own life, and we are so very proud of you son. Mommas just tired and I want to devote some time to my husband.” I watched my mom’s eye water and it fucked with me heavy. She was really worried about my pops and the years he had left. He had good days and bad days and it was taking a toll on the whole family.

My baby sis was his bedside nurse, and she sent updates in the family group chat. I appreciated the hell out of it but sometimes the shit was overwhelming. My parents had been there for everything we have ever done. From elementary school plays, to dances, to graduations, and everything in-between. I couldn’t imagine either one of them not being here to see us get married or have kids. My pops speak of grandkids all the time but yet his doctors weren’t sure he would make it to the day to see it. Rubbing my hands down my waves I sighed before responding.

“How about this, let me spend some more time with the staff. Feel things out and see the potential for the partner position. If I have a solid team, then I will consider it. The other office should be okay without me I just liked the way things were going.”

“Sounds good baby.” My mother came around the desk, and I stood up to hug her small frame. I would do anything for my mom and dad but shit I wasn’t ready to give up my freedom just yet.

I left her office and went across the way to my temporary office. It was larger than my moms and she kept it just the way my father had it when he was here. If I would be moving in a lot of shit would change. It was all outdated and the faded browns made it look like the 70’s in here. Damn, moving in. Was I really ready to be running two offices? Pulling out my phone I facetimed my siblings.

“What up little super negro to the rescue.” I burst out laughing. I called them on some serious shit and he always had jokes.

“Can yo ass be serious for once?”

“Nah, for real I got like 20 minutes before I have to be in the procedure room. What’s up?” Jah spoke into the camera. He was shuffling things around in what looked like a large storage room full of meds and bright lights.

“Hey y’all.” Thea spoke joining the call.

“Damn, can you step back from the camera. Blinding us with that big ass forehead.” Jah held his hand over his eyes like he was really blinded.

“Shut the hell up Jah, always talking shit. I’ma come up there and tell them yo ass is stealing meds and selling them on the street.”

“Go ahead, they won’t hear you no damn way, that forehead to loud. Shit. Make it fast P, I’m bout to go def and blind.”