Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
She blinked again. “You didn't.”
“Check.”
She glanced at the bag and then looked at me. “You took down an entire gang and then somehow got a doll that has been out of stock for a month?”
I slipped off my coat and gently placed it on the sofa. “I'm pretty damned amazing.”
A smile tugged on her lips, but she wouldn't let it fully appear. “Are you hungry?”
“I am very hungry.” I licked my lips, drinking her body in. My cock jerked in my pants. “Get on the table and spread your legs.”
She cleared her throat and stepped back. “I made your favorite—steak, cheesy broccoli, and potatoes for you. I figured you still hadn’t had a proper meal after. . .well, everything.”
The mention of food reminded me of the gnawing hunger I had ignored in the adrenaline rush of the night. “I did have half of a burger today.”
“Oh my God.” She headed off to the kitchen. “Are you serious, Dante?”
“It's been a busy day.”
“You've only had half a burger for the entire day?”
“That wasn't it. I also had Bunny B's exotic tea and the most perfect slice of cake with my little girl today.”
Zuri snorted. “Jesus Christ.”
“Speaking of my little girl.” I tried to keep the excitement out of my voice. “Can I go and see her.”
“She got up for the babysitter, played, ate dinner, and passed out. So of course she’s sleeping.”
My heart warmed. “That’s fine. I’ll be super quiet.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” I moved towards Carmen's room. My steps were light as I pushed open her door gently. A soft pink glow bathed the space. I checked the wall where the night light glowed.
How’s my baby girl doing?
There, in her little bed, lay Carmen, her chest rising and falling in the steady rhythm of deep sleep.
I stood there, just inside the doorway, watching her. This little girl, part of me and part of Zuri.
So innocent.
So peaceful.
Her tiny fingers were curled loosely on her blanket.
Her breathing was soft and even.
What are you dreaming about?
A serene expression covered her face.
Smiling, I quietly backed out of the room, closed the door, and headed to the kitchen. That was when I noted that the roses and vase were no longer on the counter.
Hmmm.
I entered the kitchen.
Zuri looked up at me. “How is she?”
“She's beautiful when she sleeps.” My heart ached. “Just like her mother.”
Zuri's lips curved in a tender smile, and for a moment, I swore we shared a silent understanding, a connection that went beyond words.
Then, she cleared her throat and began moving around, putting the final touches on the meal.
I leaned against the counter and watched her.
Zuri was a vision of grace and beauty. The soft kitchen light highlighted her beautiful face.
Meanwhile, my hunger for her coursed through my veins like a wild fire, and I yearned for nothing more than to feel her wet pussy wrapped around my cook.
Soon.
I continued to enjoy the view. “Do you need any help?”
“I've got it.”
I slipped my gaze down her body, loving the sight of those curvy thighs. “You sure do.”
That's a nice dress, but I really want to rip it off.
She glanced my way.
Our eyes met.
As if she knew exactly what was on my mind, she shook her head. “You need to take your ass to church this Sunday.”
“Now that you have moved, are you going to a new church in Paradise City?”
“No. I still go to my mother's church in Shadow Heights.”
“Carmen likes it.”
“Yes.”
“I'll go.”
“We'll see.” She hit me with a skeptical look, and then returned to the food. “Are you going to tell me about what happened tonight?”
“We fought them, and now my enemies are dead in blood-stained snow, and a fire consumed Francesca's mansion to solidify that point.” I shrugged. “There's really nothing else to say.”
She picked up a spatula. “How do you feel about that?”
I tilted my head to the side. “Where are Alonzo's roses?”
Pursing her lips together, she delicately placed a lid on the steaming cheesy broccoli and didn't look my way. “With no more Crimson Mob, what do you plan on doing now?”
“Winning my baby back and spending quality time with my daughter.” I studied her. “What happened on your date tonight?”
She turned her attention to the steak and lifted the pan's top. “Can you mind your own business?”
“I can't.” I put my focus on that lovely ass. “Did you wear that dress for him tonight?”
“I wore it for myself.” She flipped the steak and it sizzled. A savory aroma drifted my way.
My stomach growled, yet my gaze remained on her ass. “And did you explain to Mr. Alonzo that I was back?”
Zuri's movements paused for a split second, and then she continued, a bit more deliberately. “I did.”
“And what did he say?”
“It didn't matter, after I explained that due to your return, I needed a break from dating him.”
You damn right you do.