Page 64 of Kove and Xiah
Thirty minutesinto this shit and I was already over it. The people were cool, but I felt like I was on display. I felt eyes on me, people checking me out like they were trying to decide what part of my body they could make money with. I wasn’t feeling any of this shit.
“It’s beautiful in here and they spent a lot of money making sure the atmosphere matches the commas in these people’s pockets.”
I nodded but didn’t say anything which had Xiah looking up at me.
“What’s wrong?” She stepped closer and slipped her hand into mine. Something so simple made my mood shift. The muscles in my shoulders relaxed, and when my eyes lowered to hers, I smirked.
“Nothing, I’m good.”
“You’re not.” Her brows inched in more while she studied my face.
“I’m cool, just not feeling any of this.”
“What do you mean?”
She had been by my side during the first two introductions Sovoya made. One for a men’s skincare line that catered toathletes. We were constantly wiping our faces with our hands and forearms to remove sweat, which meant breakouts. I fucked with the idea of having something to remedy that but the way ol’ girl doing the pitch was grinning all in my face and touching my chest and arms had been annoying as hell. I ended up stepping back so she didn’t have access but her thirsty ass didn’t catch the hint.
The other one was for athletic wear launching a new line of dri-fit and compression gear for athletes to wear in training and under their uniforms. Same shit, different faces. The way these men and women eye fucked me was disrespectful as hell. I got that they wanted to ensure I was a good representation for their brand but openly staring at my dick or asking to feel my muscles wasn’t the way to convince me to accept the offers, no matter how much money was connected.
“I feel like I’m on display. All these people in here want something from me and most of that is centered on my face or body. It just doesn’t sit right with me. I’m cool representing brands but I’d rather have Sovoya pitch that shit and bring me the offer. This feels like I’m the prize at a silent auction. Like these people are trying to decide if I’m worth the amount of money they’re willing to offer.”
“I won’t disagree. This very much feels like you’re the prize but I’m biased because I personally know you’re prize worthy.”
I dropped a hand to her hip, bringing her body flush with mine, not giving a damn that I was in a room full of people critiquing my every move. “You gonna let me be your prize later?”
The smile Xiah delivered was my answer, a firm hell yes, but before she could verbalize that response, Sovoya was tugging at her arm, not so discreetly moving Xiah out of my personal space.
“Girl, I’ve been meaning to tell you all night how cute this dress is. And you’re wearing it too.”
I cut my eyes at Sovoya who narrowed hers at me, daring me to say something about her putting space between me and Xiah.
“Thank you. It’s one of my favorites.”
“Mine too,” I added, pulling her into my side.
“Kove, I have two more people I want you to meet then you’re free to leave. I agreed to make this as painless as possible, so I’m keeping my promise. Xiah, can you give us a minute?”
“Nah, she’s good.”
“It’s fine, go. I’m going to check out the balcony. I want to take pictures by the flower arrangements and ice sculptures out there. They’re beautiful.”
“Xiah, I’m cool with you coming with me. I didn’t bring you here to fend for yourself.”
I meant what I said. She was with me to make this shit feel less intrusive and I wasn’t trying to leave her out here feeling put off in a room full of people she didn’t know. The other side to that was Xiah in that dress was an entire fucking problem. I had seen multiple men staring a little too long and that shit annoyed me.
“This is work for you. Please don’t worry about me. I have a photoshoot planned to keep me occupied.” She flashed a smile my way and returned one to Sovoya.
“You sure?”
“Yes, she’s sure. You can’t compete with perfect lighting and backgrounds. Let the woman do her thing. Come on, this will be quick.”
“Make sure your phone is not on silent so I can find you when I’m done.”
She nodded, then turned and walked away at the same time Sovoya looped her arm through mine and moved me to the other side of the massive room.
“I like her.”
“I don’t give a damn.”
