Page 11 of Certified Pressure 4
He tilted his head slightly and gave that faint smirk that always came before he pulled me closer. “That’s because you keep me awake.”
I laughed under my breath, shaking my head, but before I could say another word, his lips were on mine. His hand slid down my back, pulling me against him until I could feel his heartbeat pressing against my chest. His kisses deepened, and soon, everything around us melted away.
Kojo had always known my body like it was his own creation. There was no rush, or need for words. His touch spoke for him, and every place his hands traveled reminded me of the power we shared, and the balance we had built. He was a strong man, but he never tried to shrink me. He knew exactly who I was and never once made me feel like I had to be less.
When he pressed his forehead against mine, his breathing warm and slow, I whispered, “You know I love you, right?”
He kissed the side of my neck and answered in that calm voice of his. “I know, baby. And I love you more.”
What followed was slow and passionate, the kind of lovemaking that only comes from years of knowing and trusting someone completely. There was nothing rushed, or uncertain. Every touch carried history. Every sigh, every whisper, everylook between us spoke to decades of power, loyalty, and love that had been tested but never broken.
When it was over, I laid against him, breathing in the faint scent of his cologne and the warmth of his skin. His fingers traced along my arm in lazy circles, and for the first time in days, I felt my body relax.
“I hate that it took tragedy to make us stop,” I said lowly.
Kojo’s voice was a low rumble in his chest. “You can’t control life, Abeni. You can only control what you do with it.”
I turned my face toward him and smiled faintly. “And what do you plan to do with it today?”
He chuckled softly. “Handle what needs to be handled.”
That was always his answer. Calm, and simple, but I knew exactly what that meant coming from him. Kojo was not a man of many words, but every move he made spoke volumes. His influence stretched far beyond our home, and far beyond Trill-Land’s borders. I had built empires from shadows, and he had built weapons that could change nations, but together, we built something even stronger—our family.
We laid there in silence for a few more minutes, just breathing, and existing in that space we rarely allowed ourselves to have. When I finally pulled away, he reached for my hand and kissed it before letting me go.
“I’ll see you downstairs,” I said softly.
He nodded, still watching me with that same calm that could silence a room.
I rose from the bed and walked across the room, the cool marble beneath my feet a reminder that the day was waiting. I went into the bathroom, the soft scent of eucalyptus filling the air from the diffuser I had left running the night before. I stepped into the shower and let the hot water wash away the tension that had been building since the night my son was shot.
By the time I stepped out, the steam had filled the room, and I wiped the mirror with a towel. My reflection stared back at me, composed but tired. I applied my moisturizer, brushed my hair back, and applied my makeup with the same precision I used in business.
When I returned to the bedroom, Kojo was already on his phone, speaking low. His tone was firm and calculated. Even half-dressed, he looked powerful. I watched him for a second, then turned my attention to my wardrobe.
Everything inside my closet was custom-made, most of it from my own brand, Seraphine House. I chose a cream silk blouse that buttoned high at the neck, trimmed with delicate gold threading, and paired it with a tailored skirt that hugged my hips perfectly. The fabric shimmered under the light, whispering wealth without ever screaming for attention. I slipped on gold heels and fastened my diamond cuff, each stone hand-cut and flawless. My perfume was Seraphine No. 1, the signature scent that carried soft notes of amber and rosewood.
To finish the look, I reached for my Seraphine House clutch, a limited-edition ivory purse accented with gold hardware and a subtle emblem of our family crest. It was elegant, timeless, and fit perfectly in my hand as I prepared to face the day.
Kojo turned when he heard the faint click of my heels. His eyes swept over me slowly with that same look he always gave me when he wanted me to know he approved. “You look beautiful, baby.”
I smiled and reached for my clutch. “I always do.”
He laughed quietly and nodded. “That you do.”
I walked over and placed a kiss on his cheek before leaving the room. The elevator doors opened as soon as I pressed the button, and I stepped inside, adjusting my blouse as I descended.
When I reached the main floor, one of the nannies approached me. “Good morning, Mrs. Mensah. Zurie is still asleep.”
“Let her rest,” I said softly. “When she wakes, make sure she has a proper breakfast. Eggs, toast, fruit, and a glass of orange juice. Afterward, let her play outside for a bit. The air will do her some good.”
The woman nodded quickly. “Yes, ma’am.”
I walked through the foyer, past the towering floral arrangement in the center of the hall, and out toward the front door where my driver was already waiting beside the black Maybach. He opened the door before I reached it.
“Good morning, Mrs. Mensah,” he said politely.
“Good morning,” I replied, sliding into the back seat. The leather was cool against my legs, and the faint sound of the engine calmed me.
