Page 84 of Tainted

“Thanks for stopping by. It’s been hectic tonight,” Megan sighed, walking beside me while Zara disappeared behind the curtain.

“Packed house.”

Megan looked around and nodded. “I have to admit I didn’t think this was a good idea. What do nigga’s know about a rodeo?” Megan chuckled at her own question. “But she pulled it off.”

“Yeah, she did.”

“You good though?”

“Yeah, I’ll be here for a minute.”

“Okay.”

Zara had changed and returned to the floor by now, still riding the high from her performance. I wanted to steal her away from all the roaming hands and lustful stares, but it was her big night. Playing it cool, I sat back and observed, ensuring nobody got out of line when Zara finally walked in my direction.

“Howdie, cowboy,” she drawled, propping her boot on the rim of my seat.

I chuckled, raising my glass. “You put on quite the show.”

“Glad you enjoyed it,” Zara replied, studying my face before asking. “Everything okay?”

“C’mere,” I curled my finger, motioning her closer. When we were damn near chest to chest, I bent down to her ear. “I’ve never seen a cowgirl as cute as you.”

She rolled her eyes and turned her neck to hide her cheeks blushing. “I’m the only cowgirl you’ve ever seen.”

I shrugged. “Still makes it true, Babygirl.”

“What are you doing here anyway?”

“Kross is out of town. Making sure everything’s running smoothly.” She studied me for a moment, her playful demeanorfading. “Stop looking at me like you wanna give me a VIP special.”

I could see the lightbulb illuminating in her head as she took my glass and finished it.

“What if I want to?”

“Don’t talk about it, be about it.”

Accepting the challenge, Zara walked me to the VIP hallway. Opening the door, she flipped the switch, marking the roomoccupiedwhile I sat down and removed the blunt from my pocket.

Zara dropped beside me, with her elbow propped on the back of the velvet couch. She was studying me again. Likely searching for a way to ask whatever was on her mind without making me shut down. She didn’t bring me here for theNova Experience,but it felt so good to finally sit down and have a quiet moment with Zara’s perfume dancing on my nose.

“Did you just sniff me?” She giggled.

“What are you wearing today?”

“Gucci Guilty. It was Mom’s second favorite.”

“I like it.”

“Thank you. How’s your Mom?”

“Your mother-in-law?” I casually jested, “She had a moment, but she’ll be aite.”

“What happened with your dad?”

“He died.”

My blunt response filled her eyes with sympathy.

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