Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
“I know that’s right,” Naomi said after a slight purse of her lips. “See, that’s a good man. Smart too. And he clearly knows how to work that magic stick if he has you glowing like this.”
“Listen. I don’t like to brag, but he is in-cred-i-ble.” I bit back a smile and shifted in my seat, remembering Javier telling me I was his everything right before slipping between my thighs and making the sweetest love to me.
I’d never felt so taken care of. He was so tender, sweet, and passionate, yet so dominating at the same time. He pleased me in so many ways—ways that my body couldn’t keep up with but that it loved so much.
Luther couldn’t even compare to him. Those were two different men, one fit for the streets while the other was fit for the throne.
“Don’t you think me seeing Luther get arrested was too much of a coincidence?” I asked as my nail tech applied a clear coat of polish to my pinkie finger. “I don’t know. It just felt way too easy. Like that was just a prank, and he’ll pop up and harass me again.”
“Octavia, you have to stop that.”
“Stop what?”
“Thinking that every single win you receive is supposed to be through hardship. Last I checked, he’s definitely locked up, and if you ask me, his ass needs to be in jail.” She rolled her eyes, temporarily pursing her lips. “You see it as too easy. I see it as a blessing. Lord knows you don’t need any more drama in your life.”
I laughed at that. “That’s true. There’s so much going on. I just want it to level out a bit and go back to normal.”
“And it will, now that he’s out of the picture.” She shot me a wink. “You have your man, your job; your family is thriving and healthy. This is your time to heal and bloom, my love, regardless of how easy it feels. You deserve more in life than heartache and pain.”
“Aww, Naomi,” I cooed, my eyes burning as emotion pumped through me. “Honestly, without you and Davina, I don’t think I’d have my sanity.”
“Wait . . . you’ve been sane this whole time?” she teased.
I busted out laughing, bumping her with my elbow.
“All done,” Naomi’s nail tech announced after applying the last of her cuticle oil.
“Thank you.” Naomi examined her nails with a grateful smile. “Damn, girl. You were right. These nail techs don’t play.”
“I told you. You ready to go?”
“Yes, please. I’m starving.”
After paying, we left the building and found Naomi’s car on the curb. She drove us to one of my favorite restaurants in town. Venicio’s had the best melt-in-your-mouth baked cod and cocktails. It was a bit on the pricier side, but neither Naomi nor I cared about splurging.
Truthfully, since I was living in Javier’s guesthouse, and considering how much he paid me, I was able to save a lot of money. The main things I used money for were food, gas, groceries, and maybe a little online shopping.
A lot of it also went to Mama, to help her out with bills at our house in Maple Cove, or to cover Abe’s therapy appointments. I couldn’t wait until I could see them again. Maybe Javier wouldn’t mind if Mama and Abe visited us. He’d probably enjoy it way too much.
Naomi and I walked into Venicio’s, where a hostess greeted us and sat us down at a booth. As I scanned the menus, I heard a voice. A familiar, deep, conceited voice that made my stomach lurch.
“—thinks I have a fair shot at custody. I gotta say, this was way easier than I expected. I mean, it’s right there. I can taste it.”
I gasped, and Naomi’s eyes swiveled up to mine. “What?” she asked.
“The guy in the booth behind me. I know who he is.”
She frowned, then tilted to the side just a bit to see past me. “He’s got nice hair.”
“Yeah, I bet he does.” I scowled as I plucked my phone out of my purse, ready to text Javier and let him know.
“I’d be so fucking embarrassed if I was that guy. Think about it. The whole world knows his wife fucked me?” Rafael snorted an obnoxious laugh. “Not saying I’m the hottest guy in the world, but imagine what kind of catch I’ll be considered if a famous basketball player’s wife feels the urge to go to bed with me. Imagine all the other women who will be ready to do the same.”
“She was on your design team, right?” the man seated with him asked.
“She was. And the way it happened, bro. Oh, it was like a dream. I still remember it.” Rafael paused, and when he released a wet gasp, I figured he’d taken a sip of his drink. “She was in my office, taking sips of my whiskey. Then she lets me put her on her hands and knees—”