Page 16 of Mafia Kings & Wedding Rings 2: The Finale
“That’s good.” I nodded, and he reached for my hand.
“I meant everything I said last night, Cambrie. About me and you. That hasn’t changed for me.” Staten studied our fingers together and drew me closer.
The warmth in his touch sent a wave of shudders over me, and his eyes glittered when locking with mine.
“Everything’s changed, Staten,” I whispered.
“Not how I feel,” he said, shaking his head and draping me across his lap. “I love my kids, don’t get me wrong, but it’s been a long time since I’ve had this feeling. I live for them, breathe for them, want to be better for them . . . and then there’s you. It’s like you were made for me, mama.” He rested his hand on my ass and gave it a squeeze. “You feisty, funny, nurturing. All the shit a woman is supposed to be without being told. You remind me that some shit is just easy, like being with you.”
“Between your ex, the kids, and your mother... this is anything but a cake walk,” I countered.
“Nadia doesn’t get an opinion. As for the kids, it might take some time, but for the most part, they’re already coming around. I also made it crystal clear to my mother last night that this is my life and she needs to stay out of it.”
“What makes you so sure this is what you want? We haven’t spent that much time together. We barely know each other.” I was trying to come up with all the reasons why this shouldn’t happen, not used to the certainty from a man like Staten.
“I know enough.” He cupped my cheek. “And I want to get to know everything else,” he muttered against my lips before taking them hostage against his.
Arms falling around his shoulders and neck, I fell into it, deepening the kiss with my tongue lashing hungrily against his. He stole my breath, but I didn’t want to come up for air. His strong arms around me had me melting against his chest, and we collapsed on the bed side by side. Looking into his eyes, I knew that there was no way this man would intentionally hurt me or anyone who didn’t deserve it. I stroked his beard when he pulled away.
“Do you mind if we take this slow? Not just for us, for the kids. I don’t want them getting confused or acting out.”
“My kids are smart, Cam. I don’t sugarcoat shit for them.” His gaze softened, and a hint of a smile toyed with his supple lips before he licked them sexily.
“I know, but Tavi’s so raw right now. She has it in her head that you and her mother are getting back together. I know what that can do to a child, especially one her age.”
“I love that you care about their feelings so much, but we can’t walk on eggshells for them or anybody else.” Staten stroked some of my hair behind my ear. “Why you trying to make this harder than it needs to be?”
“Because I’ve learned to be cautious in life. I typically don’t do anything if I can’t see the outcome on the other side. Losing my mama the way I did and then going through everything with my daddy and his illness?—”
“It’s been a lot to deal with alone,” Staten concluded. “It made you strong, fearless, and resilient. All the other shit I like about you. What I need you to know now is that you’re not by yourself anymore.” He pressed his thumb against my lips, and I got lost in his hooded eyes.
It was nice to hear a man tell you how you made him feel. Showing was what any woman wants, but with Staten, that came first. Hearing him say the words was the icing on the cake. Most men said all the right things but didn’t act on them.
“There is nothing perfect about me, Staten.” When I tried to pull away from him, he resisted and kept his arm tightly around my back.
“It’s a good fucking thing I ain’t looking for perfection then, Cambrie. Stop fighting this, mama.” He stole another kiss. “I’m going to shower. Be here when I get out.” It wasn’t a request, more like a gentle order while cuffing my ass.
When he pulled away and sat up, I lay there staring at him as he moved toward the door. This man wanted to be with me and had made his intentions very clear on that. I had no reason to doubt it, and I wasn’t on board with just walking away, given my own feelings. Rolling over onto my back, I searched my pocket for my phone and texted Plum.
Me: What if I stayed?
Bestie: That’s what the fuck I’m talking about!
Me: It’s not crazy to you?
I had to make sure I wasn’t being dumb nor blind, and outside of my daddy, Plum was the only other person whose opinion I checked for.
Bestie: No. For more than one reason. You know I would tell you fuck some shit in a minute, but I got a feeling you shouldn’t jump the gun on this.
Me: And why is that?
Bestie: Motha knows, chile!
Me: Whatever!
Bestie: I’m a call or text away! You know I’m with that pull up shit if need be!
Me: That’s why I love you! (kiss emoji)
