Page 22 of Counting His heartbeats

"Thanks for giving this nigga a temporary distraction, sis. His ass has been ducking and dodging us too long," Kayshon says before I have a chance to respond to Kyce.

Looking down, I look into Zurmani's curious eyes when her gaze bounces between Kyce, Kayshon, and me.

"Let me introduce y'all rude asses. These are my brothers, Kyce and Kayshon, Tigress," I say with Zurmani still in my arms.

"Wow. Hold that thought," Kyce responds, removing his phone and dialing before a familiar female voice picks up.

"What, Kyce? I thought you were going to spend some time with Kayshon so Ashari and I could bond," Masani aggressively says.

"Hush up, woman. I'm calling to tell you that your labor has not been in vain. Jawaan has been bitten. Bring sis so y'all can meet the new addition to the family," Kyce announces, smiling.

"Oh my," Masani says before the phone shifts, and her voice becomes distant, leaving me to assume she's talking to Ashari.

"Aye. None of y'all are welcome. We have plans, so get out," I say before Masani can return to the phone. "Cleo... home." I place Zurmani on her feet when Cleo hangs her head, walking off, and I get Kyce and Kayshon out the door.

"Damn, little bro. It's like this," Kayshon jokes with a goofy grin.

"Look, y'all are interrupting me and my company. I promise I'll come over soon," I say.

"Tomorrow, or we'll pop up over here every day," Kyce warns.

"Nigga, if you're trying to get some ass before we have a family reunion, just say that," Kayshon whispers.

"Fuck you," I reply, shoving him and Kyce out the door before slamming it shut, sighing when the sound of their laughter fills my ears.

"So, those were your brothers?" Zurmani asks with her left brow hiking when my eyes meet hers.

"Until God calls us home, it'll be the same. Come on," I urged, taking her hand and leading her toward my finished basement.

"Uno!" Zurmani shouts.

"Your pretty ass is cheating, Tigress."

To avoid spending all the time I have with Zurmani watching movies, I talked her into playing games.

"No. You're just a sore loser, Jawaan. Besides, I'm a guest, and you should try to do whatever is necessary to ensure I have a good time here."

Before leaving the parking lot of Letitia's office, I called Zurmani and invited her to hang out with me on a whim. I damn near had to recite the ten commandments before she agreed after telling me that sex wouldn't be on the menu. What Zurmani doesn't know is that I want to give her the title ofminebefore we cross those lines. However, I'm hoping today will be the day that happens because I want a woman to be my lady and not a notch on my bedpost for the first time in my life.

"In case I forget later, thanks for spending a portion of your evening with me."

"No problem. I would have just been home scrolling through social media or yapping with my girlfriends."

"Oh, then I'm honored to be your better option. How was work today?"

"Uneventful. What about yours?" Zurmani says, slamming her last card, causing a low chuckle to escape my lips.

"We need to find another game because I'm not feeling this one anymore."

"That's because you're a sore loser. One more hand, and I promise I'll let you win," Zurmani teases, leaning over and pinching my cheeks while grinning.

Damn, I fucking love you, Zurmani.

My heart stutters and my eyes freeze while I take in Zurmani's beautiful face. I noticed for the first time that her hair had been pulled up off her neck. I'm unsure how I missed it because Zurmani's hair usually flows in noticeable natural curls every time I see her.

"You have your hair pulled up?" I quiz, blinking slowly.

"Mhm. I normally wash it on Sundays, but didn't feel like it when I got home yesterday."

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