Page 3 of Dreaux: The Corporate Assassin

“Let me find out you’ve been talking to Sweets.” I smirked as I stood to leave the room. It was almost four in the afternoon, and I wanted to respond to a few more emails before I left for the day. “You know she’ll marry me off at the first chance she gets.”

Sweets was my maternal grandmother and the apple of my eye. I gave her the nickname when I was a baby because she was the one who gave me all the candy and cake I wanted. I loved her more than life and would do anything for her. She’s privy to some of my actions because I know that when things get heavy, she’s there to speak life into me. One of the main things she is vocal about when it comes to my life is her wanting to be around long enough to see me married with kids. I fear that won’t happen, though. Not because I don’t want it but because of my profession.

“Sweets is one of the smartest women I know. She’s not going to tell you anything wrong.” We walked down the hall toward the elevators and my office. “I want you to think about it, Dre. Don’t let none of this shit consume you to where you end up alone forever. I know you have your roster of ladies, but there’s nothing wrong with finding your one.” He patted my shoulder before turning to press the button to call the elevator. “I’m going out of town with Gabby for the weekend but call me if you need me. Ma will have the kids, so pull up on them. She’s most definitely going to get in your ass when you go over there.” Rosier chuckled as he stepped onto the elevator, holding his arm out to keep it from closing. “How much longer are you going to be here today?”

“About an hour…” I looked down at my watch. “Y’all be careful. If anything pops off, I’ll enlist your dumbass brother.”

After seeing him off, I trekked back to my office to finish up for the day. Business-wise, I was on my shit without a fault in sight. My personal life needed a little work, but I was good with how things were for now. I needed a level head in this line of business, and a relationship is nothing but a distraction. Distractions can get you killed, and dying isn’t on my agenda.

Gripping my clutch,I stepped into the lounge, looking around, hoping to find a seat by the bar. It’s been a long week, and all I wanted was to catch a good vibe and enjoy my evening. Taking note of the patrons, I felt slightly overdressed in my knee-length black dress and heels, but it was too late to worry about that now. I bobbed my head to the tunes of the old school R&B, gazing at the mixture of people mingling. The air was filled with the fruity remnants of the various hookah smoke. I was new in town, but TikTok told me it was the hottest spot in the city, and, I hope the sentiments ring true.

Dealing with various legal documents all day is tiring, so I ready for a drink or two. After a long and exhausting week holed up in an office, I needed to unwind and let my hair down. I didn’t know how long I would be in California for work, but I wanted to make the most of it. Seeing all the handsome faces made me feel hopeful I’d get a little conversation. It’s been so long since I’ve had male attention, and I’m hoping that tonight will change that. Spotting an empty seat at the bar, I made slow strides to the front of the building.

“Damn, baby! You want to come sit with me and my friend.” I glanced to the side of me as an unknown man grabbed my wrist. “I’m Kurt, and maybe if you act right, I can brighten your day.”

“Hi, Kurt, and no, thank you.” I gave a tight-lipped smile and tried to walk away. It was difficult to do with him still holding onto my arm. “I’m here to meet someone…” It was a lie, but he didn’t need to know that.

Frowning at me slightly, he scoffed before letting me go. I could feel the eyes of the man next to him on me, but I chose not to acknowledge him. I know some guys like to show out when they’re rejected; a scene is the last thing I need. Without saying anything else, he resumed his drinking, and I wasted no time getting to the bar. Breathing a sigh of relief, I eased into the empty seat.

“Hey, pretty lady,” the bartender greeted me as he walked over, throwing his towel over his shoulder. “What can I get for you this evening?”

“Hi…” I returned his smile as I placed my clutch on the counter. “Can I have the dirtiest martini you have to offer? Extra olives, please. Also, I’d like to have a hookah.”

“My type of girl.” He grinned as he went to work. “Sit tight, sweetie, and give me a second.”

Giving him a nod, I reached for the food menu and looked it over. I’ve barely eaten today, and if I didn’t want to puke into a toilet later, it would’ve been wise to put some food on my stomach. As I browsed the menu, the most intoxicating cologne invaded my nostrils. The woodsy scent caused the hairs on my arm to stand. Feeling a shadow form over me, I slowly dragged my eyes from the menu and met the dark ones of the man I’d seen moments ago.

“Hey, my name is Nate.” He smirked and displayed his left dimple. “I just wanted to apologize for my boy, Kurt, back there. A woman like you should never be accosted that way.”

“It’s fine.” I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as the bartender placed my drink before me. Taking a quick sip, I moaned at the taste. “Damn, this is good.” I nodded in appreciation. “Thank you, sir. How much do I owe you?”

“Let me pay for that,” Nate insisted as he pulled a wad of money from his pocket. “It’s the least I can do…”

“Dee.” I gave him my name with a smile, appreciating the gesture. Placing the hookah tip at my lips, I wrapped them around it to inhale and watched his eyes darken. “Thank you, Nate.”

As I watched him pay for my drink, I sipped the delicious concoction and took in the delicious man. His caramel skin glowed under the fluorescent lights like a freshly made donut with no icing. His low temp fade haircut looked good on him, blending into his face that was clean and bare. Facial hair usually aged men, but his bone structure was enough to show he was a grown-ass man without a goatee or beard. Meeting his honey-brown bedroom eyes, I knew this man had women eating out the palm of his hand and was used to getting them to fall for him easily.

“So, Dee, tell me…” Leaning closer to me, he placed his lips directly to my ear. “Are you from here? I know just about every pretty face that enters into my city, and I don’t recall ever seeing yours.”

Slowly, I raised my hand to the collar of his shirt and began to dust off any imaginary lint. I’ve never been this bold when it came to men I didn’t know, but it was something about Nate that drew me in. Shifting his eyes to where my hand was located on his shirt, he settled them there for a few moments before dragging them back over to me.

“I’m new to Los Angeles.” I lifted my hand a little more and stroked the base of his neck with my coffin nails. “I don’t know who the city belongs to. Being that it’s yours, maybe you could show me around sometime.”

He licked his bottom lip while desire filled his eyes. Beginning his scan at the top of my head, I watched as his eyes lingered on my breasts that were spilling from the top of my dress before they continued to assess my body. I knew I was a looker with my chocolate skin and curvy body, but it still felt nice to get this type of reaction. Looking him over, the slow movement in his designer slacks let me know he loved what he saw.

“Put your number in my phone, and I’ll make sure I do that.” He eyed me for a few beats before adding, “I’m not going to step on your niggas toes, am I?”

“I’m single, love.” I winked as I turned to face him. “I hope I’m not messing up anything for you and your girl. As handsome as you are, I know you have a few tucked awaysomewhere.”

“Nah, I’m good, baby.” He chuckled, but I knew it was a lie. “I got all the time in the world for my new interest.”

“Sooner than later, I hope.” I raised my brow as I accepted his phone. Going to his contacts, I saved my number, but not before calling my phone so I could have his. “Don’t keep me waiting. I’d hate to have to find someone more willing to show me around. Maybe your friend over there.”

He chuckled as something dark flashed over his hooded eyes. “Don’t get that nigga killed, baby. With as fine as you are, I’m sure the body will be well worth it.”

My eyes widened, and my heart sped up at his admission. A man who barely knew my name was willing to kill for me. While that should be a red flag, I was more intrigued than ever.

“So, Nate…” I cleared my throat and popped an olive into my mouth. “Have you lived in the area long?” His brows furrowed slightly at the question, and I raised my hand in mock surrender. “I’m just making conversation, boo.”

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