Page 25 of Objection

“Still, you owe me. So the next time I come to collect, you better pay up and do exactly what the fuck I say, or—”

“Big brotha,” Pops called, standing from his seat. “You think I’m about to let you threaten my son in my presence and let you continue to breathe?”

I stepped between them because I knew Pops didn’t play about me. The last thing I wanted was for him to go to war with his own brother because he was so damn stubborn. Unc was used to being in control of everything and everyone. More than anything, I believed he had a vendetta against me because I chose to do my own thing. All of my cousins craved his attention, approval, and a place in the business. I wanted more, and Unc hated that. He hated that there was someone in our family who didn’t bow at his feet.

“The threats can stop,” I said. “Unc, you helped Pops raise me. You know ain’t no fear in my heart. If you want us to have a healthy partnership, come to me with respect. If I am comfortable with the situation, I will help you. If I’m not, no amount of threats will make me do shit I don’t want to do. Now if that’s all you need, I’m about to grab me a drink and beat my old man in a few games of pool.”

Unc looked from me to Pops before his head bobbed once. His knuckles tapped the desk like they always did when he was in deep thought.

“You’re welcome to join us,” Pops tossed over his shoulder as we walked out. “But you better not be on no bullshit.”

Serenity

Two Nights Later

Iwas drunk.

I knew it.

I felt it.

The world was slightly tilted, I couldn’t stop smiling, dancing, and singing, and I was drunk.

It was my baby sister’s twenty first birthday and we made sure she brought in her newest year of life right. I took her shopping, then we spent the day being pampered. After that, we went to Rose Valley Hill’s hottest lounge and the champagne and liquor was poured abundantly. She’d tapped out and was asleep in our VIP booth, but I wanted to dance to one more song before we left.

Kaos was here but he blended in with the crowd. He made it clear his responsibility was to pay for our shit and make sure no one bothered us or tried to take advantage of us while we had a good time, and I appreciated and respected him for that. I was surprised by how he really kept his distance.

At first, I was a little nervous when he showed up with the other partners from the firm. I knew they were his closest friends, but it was a little weird smoking and drinking and dancing in front of them. Eventually, I realized they were normal people off the clock ready to have a good time like the rest of us.

“Girl!” Nessa yelled far louder than she really needed to since she was clinging to my arm and right against my ear. “Your sister is knocked the fuckout!”

We cackled as the song changed to something to twerk to. I didn’t usually twerk or dance provocatively. In fact, I usually only line danced or two stepped . . . but the combination of champagne and tequila flowing through my system had me on a different level.

“One more dance, then we’re out of here!” I yelled back, rolling my hips and clapping my ass cheeks.

Everything happened so fast.

One second, I was dropping it low enough for my ass to almost touch the floor, and the next, a hand was gripping my arm before I was tossed over somebody’s shoulder.

“Hey!” I yelled, holding on to a wide waist tightly. I giggled when I realized it was my man. “Kaos . . .”

“You done lost your damn mind,” he scolded, smacking my ass.

“What’d I do?” I slurred, closing my eyes as the floor started to spin.

“I’m all for you dancing, but you don’t get to show these niggas what belongs to me. The fuck were you thinking lifting your skirt like that while you were dancing?”

“It’s too tight. I could barely move.”

“Wear something looser next time.”

I could tell he was serious, but I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. He didn’t put me on my feet until we were outside. Leaning me against the car, he barked orders to everyonethat was with us. Tristan put a still sleeping Taylor in the Lamborghini Kaos had rented her for her birthday. If this was how he spoiled my sister, I knew our children would have no limitations.

“All of them are entirely too drunk to drive,” Kaos said, using his hand around my waist to keep me pressed against the car. “Tristan, drive the Lambo and take my little sister to my house. You can crash there if you want. I’ll meet you there. Raquel, take Nessa and her homegirl home. Take the rest of the weekend off.” Tilting my head by my chin, Kaos stared into my eyes. His held slight amusement, and I couldn’t imagine how goofy I looked right now. “Do you need to throw up before I put you in my car?”

Biting my bottom lip to keep from laughing, I shook my head. “No, I’m not that drunk. I just need some food and I’ll sober up.”

He laughed. “Yeah, aight.”

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