“I want you too,” she whispered against my lips. “Where?”
I rested my forehead against hers.
“Meet me in the guest house, after your party.” I kissed her nose. “I’ll wait for you there.”
“No.” She pleaded, “I want you now.”
I chuckled.
“Be patient, Mari.” I kissed her cheek. “We’ve waited this long. Now, go back to your party. Have a good time with your friends.”
She pouted.
I kissed the pout off her lips.
She rolled her eyes and returnedto her party.
I slipped out the other door to the office and circled back to watch her.
“Caden.” Mr. McCoy, Amari’s father patted me on the back. “Come with us.”
I nodded as he passed with Mr. Sinezilio following close behind.
Mr. S, for short, was not a good dude. His organization had made cartel status in the last few years, a new player in the game. Mr. McCoy, being new to the drug game himself, looked up to the man, envied him, and secretly wanted to be him. I wasn’t surprised he was here.
“Come to my office, gentlemen. Let’s have a drink and toast our new business venture,” Mr. McCoy said.
I poured drinks for the four gentlemen.
“Pour one for yourself.” Mr. McCoy motioned towards me. “Now that Mr. S’s son will marry Amari, I’ll be able to use your talents for something more properfor your skill set.”
“Married.” I choked on the words.
“Yes.” Mr. McCoy raised his glass, and the other gentlemen did the same. “My little Amari will be treated like a princess, protected, and have anything her heart desires.”
“I’ll treat her like my own daughter.” Mr. Sinezilio’s statement made my stomach roll.
“She will make us more powerful.” Mr. McCoy sipped his drink.
“And more money,” Mr. Sinezilio added.
I downed my shotand welcomed the delicious burn. It distracted me if for only a second from the good news. I wanted Amari. She wanted me. The reality settled over me, suffocated me like a wet blanket.
Amari was no longer mine to have.
I couldn’t give her the life she deserved. It was better that someone else could.
I turned my attention back to the monitors.
She texted someone on her phone.
My phone beeped.
I pulled it out of my pocket and groaned.
The text message was an invitation, to me.
Fuck.
