Page 31 of Obsessive Love
“Same,” Fable replied. “Now, let's get down to business.”
“Let’s,” I said as I stepped back and pulled the chair out for her to sit. “Have a seat, Fable.”
“Thank you,” she said softly as she took her seat. I sat beside her, waiting for her to start. “I want to put Story Time in every building you own.”
“Why?” Amethyst asked before I could.
“Because I want out of here,” she answered with a shrug. “My company may be small-”
“Rule one when dealing with a Stone: never downplay yourself,” I interjected. “You will never minimize who or what you are to be able to have a seat at the table. That table isn't meant for you if you aren’t welcomed, honored, and cherished.” Fable nodded, then turned to Amethyst.
“I’m damn good at what I do.”
“We’ve seen the reviews,” I supplied. “Now, tell me what I don’t know.” I crossed my arms and sat back in my seat. “Anybody can sell you a dream; make me believe it.” Fable bit into her bottom lip like she was thinking, and Amethyst chuckled. “Listen, I’m not going to say this shit is going to be easy, but for me to agree with this plan, I need proof that you aren’t just another cookie chain that we can get leased into the buildings. What makes you different, Fable?”
“I-” she started, then sighed. I could see the wheels in her head starting to turn. She wasn’t used to being questioned; her ability to be as dope as possible was already proven. Seeing her start doubting herself pissed me off. I wanted the shit-talkingheadstrong woman I’d met last month to demand the respect she already had.
“Go bake,” I interjected, and she looked at me confused. “If you want out like you said, then prove it.”
FABLE
“Go bake,”Pyrite demanded. His voice wasn’t raised, but his tone was firm. I stared at him, trying to figure out what my reaction would be. I wanted to cuss his ass out for thinking he could tell me what to do, but I also wanted to climb into his lap and kiss him. Being attracted to the man who was literally holding me against my will had my head gone.
“What do you want?” I said as I pushed back from the table and stood. Pyrite's eyes followed my movements, and then a slow smile pulled at his lips.
“What did I tell you about giving me the option of being in control?” he slowly licked his lips as his eyes took me in. “Now, take your ass in there and prove that you want out.”
I kept my smart comment to myself because I was so damn turned on that all he would have to do was touch me, and I’d orgasm. I left the table and went to the sink to wash my hands. When I first walked into the kitchen, I noticed the food and supplies on the island and was curious as to why they were out, but now that didn’t matter. I would use what was out to make him shut the hell up and let me out of here. Javien’s debt was his responsibility to repay, not mine.
“Do you have food allergies, too, Amethyst?” I asked as I looked through the ingredients to ensure there was nothing in them that Pyrite couldn’t have. I don’t know why it mattered to me, but it did.
“Nah,” he answered, and I nodded. “I don’t like nuts, though.”
“Noted,” I said as I grabbed the flour and poured it into a bowl. I looked up at Pyrite to see him watching me. I lifted my brow in question, and he smirked before turning to his brother.
“Let’s give her space,” he said as he stood. “We can discuss what Hood found in the players’ physical reports.”
“He told you?” Amethyst asked, and Pyrite nodded. “Who do you have in mind for replacements?”
“Vine Carter,” Pyrite answered.
“You think she can mesh with Mercy and Legacy?” Amethyst asked, and Pyrite nodded. “Then let’s talk.”
They left the kitchen, deep in conversation about the Queens. I loved sports, even though I never mentioned it to anyone. Mainly because of Javien Jr., he was the golden ticket for Senior, who hounded all his children to play a sport.
Usually, I played music when I baked, but since this wasn’t my kitchen, I had to settle for the silence. I racked my brain for something that would make an impression but could also be eaten anywhere. Finally, I decided on churro cheesecake donut cakes and upside-down banana cakes, and I went to work. I untucked my shirt from my pants, rolled up my sleeves, kicked off my heels, and preheated the oven.
Two hours later, I sprinkled sugar on the last donut and stepped back from the table. I rested my hands on my hips and nodded, pleased as fuck with what I’d done, and looked up at the ceiling. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a burst of orange and turned to see my bird sitting atop the fridge, watching me.
“Starburst, what are you doing here?” I laughed and put my hand out for him to come to me. He landed on my hand, and I rubbed his head. “Huh, what are you doing here?”
“Bitch nigga!” Starburst peeped as he bobbed his head up and down. “Shit!”
“Where is Watermelon?” I asked as I looked around. Starburst was never too far from his mate, Watermelon. I whistled two times, signaling for her to come out, and waited. “Watermelon?” A burst of blue flew through the air, and I laughed as she landed on my shoulder. Watermelon was not friendly and usually only came out if I called her. “Hey, pretty girl.” I moved Starburst to my other shoulder and then rubbed her head.
“Home,” Watermelon spoke, and I nodded. My girl was not feeling her new residence. “Home.”
“Bitch nigga!” Starburst yelled, and I saw Pyrite standing in the doorway with his hands in his pockets. “Bitch nigga!”
