“I just don’t want to turn into a burden or something you learn later on that you really don’t want. I’m not trying to trap...or use you here,” I explained as my diaphragm slowed and tears ceased.
“Baby, you’re gonna have to trust me to tell you that I don’t want this, if that times comes. Don’t do it for me because you will always get it wrong and try to run prematurely. I don’t want you to leave. How many ways can I say this?” he implored.
I sigh, trying to weigh everything he’s said. “Well, where do we go from here?” I asked. Between the Brian Thompson fiasco, Dawn’s lurking presence, and now this scandalous tape, I’m at a loss.
He snorts after a brief pause, “For starters, let’s put your things back where they belong or Louise will lose her mind when she gets here tomorrow.” I let out giggle at that. Azmir’s cleaning lady can be a bit fussy at times. More often than not, I couldn’t blame her; she’s constantly picking up our clothing that seems to trail from the front end of the house all the way back to master suite. I guess I’d be pissed, too, if I had to pick another woman’s cheekies from the kitchen floor and balcony.
Azmir continues, “Then, we go get something to eat. A brother’s been starving...you stormed outta here without fixing me a dog biscuit this morning and you don’t have anything ready to cook for dinner. I’d been waiting on you to get in from church...of course, not expecting what I got.” He was making reference to my failed attempt to leave. “I made us reservations at a place on the water. We can go there and I can fill you in on my talks with my legal team.”
Legal team? Why are we involving them in?
He must have correctly read my expression. “Brimm, this is defamation at its best. Lady Spin spewed lies vindictively. She knows damn well that ain’t you in that video. I’m sure Britni handed it over to her, co-conspiring. She marred the image of your dearly departed without thought. You’re a professional and shouldn’t be subjected to this fucking harassment. I’m going to find a way for her ass to pay. My people have already been in talks with the radio station.”
My eyes are locked down towards my knees as I try to process Azmir’s fury.
“This is all too much to take in,” I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to slow down the millions of things running through my head. Azmir seemed to have been so concerned with me, but I was afraid of what this could do to his brand.
He rose from our kneeling, proffered his hand to assist me in standing, “We take it one day at a time. Isn’t that what you Christians sing about in your hymns?” His lips curl up into a smile.
What is it about this man that I trust implicitly?
Chapter 7
Rayna
The next morning, I’m awakened by the annoying sounds of the alarm clock. I jolt and try to jump up to snooze it. Only, my body is mounted just inches from the bed. What in the...? I look up in search of my restrained hands to find my wrists cuffed to the bed. Between the noisy alarm and the frustration of not being able to collect my arms, I grow distressed. I finally look over to Azmir’s side of the bed. He’s peering down at me in humor, watching me squirm. Suddenly, I’m relieved, but expecting an explanation.
“What is this all about?” I demand.
He places his iPad on the nightstand as he wears the most lecherous smirk. To say this is the last way I thought I’d wake up this morning isn’t saying much at all. He reaches over me to quiet my alarm. He takes a sharp exhale as he retracts back to the bed. My belly clenches as I watch the columnar muscle cords of the sinewy wing of his back hover above me. His white Calvin Klein boxer briefs are inches below his rippled abdomen and I want to run my tongue beneath the band of them. He plants a wet kiss on my lips. Crap! He’s got me again! He smelled of mint, which meant he prepared for this while I was asleep. He apparently had the time to cuff me, too. What is this all about?