“Is there a problem?” Kong queried, rounding a corner with a black leather embossed folder tucked under his arm.
Darcy was stricken immediately, plastering a false, secure smile over her lips while Emeric shifted into his stance completely. Shoulders back, he extended a hand to Kong.
“Kong, nah, man. Just a little disagreement about little man here.” Emeric covered, briefly glancing at his wife.
A glance she knew far too well, which meant ‘go along with it’. She knew her man like the back of her hand. He’d trainedher that way. Emeric stroked his beard, his bronze skin shining and coordinating well with the fresh navy Tom Ford suit with a powder blue shirt underneath and brown Ferragamos.
“I appreciate you taking the time to meet us today.”
“Follow me.” Kong nodded over his shoulder, and the couple trailed him past the large, hotel clerk style desk where the receptionist took a call.
Neo whined the whole time. Emeric’s jaw tightened, frustrated as his fists balled the noisier the kid became. Kong wondered what was wrong with him and just wanted to soothe him. Darcy was doing her best as they walked through his large office. He marched right over to his desk and tossed his folder on top.
Darcy settled in one of the leather chairs across from his desk, but Emeric remained standing. Kong stroked his beard and skimmed the surface of his desk for the paperwork pertaining to Emeric and the deal they had. He was agreeing to it for more than one reason. Having leverage over someone like Emeric was beneficial to him. It wasn’t so much about who he was, but more about who he knew. Kong learned a long time ago how to keep those type of people around too. Once he located Emeric’s file, he picked up the phone from his desk and noticed he had a few missed calls and messages. Seeing that Ayla was one of them, he wasted no time getting right back to her. These days, it didn’t matter if he was in the middle of taking a shit or pistol whipping a motherfucker; she came first.
“Hold tight for one second.” He held up an index finger for Emeric and listened to Ayla’s phone ring.
“Hello.” She picked up like she was out of breath.
“What’s good, mama? What you need?”
“Nothing,” she quipped, and he visualized her shaking her head and brushing whatever it was off.
“Lala.” Kong grunted.
“I had a good day. I just wanted to talk about it. You’re busy—” Like he thought, she was trying to minimize herself.
“How good of a day?” Kong flipped open Emeric’s folder and gave his contract one more skim to make sure everything was how he wanted it.
“Kostner, it is the middle of the day. I’m sure you are swamped?—”
“Never too much for you.”
“And I appreciate that,” Ayla whispered.
He heard the resistance in her voice as she breathed lowly on the other side of the phone. “I know you’re putting in the effort, okay. I’m trying too.”
“I know you are. You called.” He straightened up and moved the phone from between his shoulder and ear so he could grab it in his hand. “I didn’t have to pry the details of your day from you. Sounds like it was productive.”
“Oh, my God, I shot my first podcast! It was so fun!”
He chuckled, his heart warming as he thought about how big her grin was on the other side of the phone.
“Aight, so let me wrap up this work day. When I’m finished, I’ll bring the food and see you around eight-ish,” he suggested.
“It’s Friday night.”
“Woman, I know that.”
She giggled, and it made his dick hard.
“It’s also supposed to storm. I know you not trying to come through and leave my favorite two little people somewhere.”
Kong couldn’t even be mad that Ayla preferred he showed up with his kids. They loved her. Ever since she’d been back, they’d been extra clingy. Her condo had two bedrooms, and one of them was designated for when they came over.
“I’ll grab them. I’m sure they’ll love that.”
“I want sushi, Kong!” Ayla perked up.
