Page 15 of Ride

“She really can't handle you, Laikin. You need a real woman on your arm.” Brianna held a satisfied smile.

I tried to lunge at her, but Laikin bear hugged me and walked me out of the party as the crowd started to notice.

* * *

Even though Brett grilled me for answers about Laikin’s clear attitude, I chalked it up to Brett being pissed about my ex trying to contact me and setting boundaries of them not fighting him because his political career could do damage to them both.

* * *

I got there early, at least two hours before I was scheduled. I was so happy to see a few people who I had worked with in the past, and they made the day better than I could have imagined. Going back to work as a named stylist in the industry would be hard, and many people wouldn't give me a chance. I knew Laikin only did it because my brother had asked him to. For us to be in the same place together and not let the tension get in the middle of the business spoke volumes.

Dark brown eyes glared at me while I stood near the camera equipment with the director. The hair and makeup team was watching footage of the shoot. Laikin was draped in not only a custom watch and necklace, but diamond earrings hung on both sides. I put him in a dark black suit for the first shoot, and now he wore a leather jacket and blue jeans, shirtless, with him holding a helmet from his team.

“Laikin, you look great. Hold your chin up and look into the camera.” The photographer, Grady, moved to the side, pressing record on the camera as the model walked into the shot and moved beside Laikin. Some people might think I had no right to be jealous, and maybe in a rational state that was true, but the dark skin, big boobs, and flat stomach only reminded me that Laikin and I were in different worlds now.

I cleared my throat and walked over to interrupt.

“You said you’re free tonight, so dinner like you promised?” she flirted. Laikin scanned my face, and I kept my eyes focused on him as he adjusted his jacket and pants.

“Give me your number after this,” Laikin said.

She squealed in excitement and glanced at me. “Girl, tell Laikin I would be the best thing on his arm. We would make beautiful babies.” She winked at him, and I put on a fake smile and rolled my eyes.

“You have lipstick on your teeth.”

Laikin burst into laughter, and she frowned. She ran off to the makeup artist. Not wanting to be in his space long, I turned to leave, and he gripped my hand.

“Why you do that, Amena?” He gave me a lopsided gaze.

“What are you talking about?”

Anger contorted the features on his face. “That girl didn't have anything on her teeth. You're hating.”

I folded my arms and tapped my foot. “Hating on what?”

“Check it, Amena. Just do your job and we will get along great,” Laikin demanded. As the crew started to prepare to continue filming, his co-star stomped back over with a glare on her face. Not wanting to get fired on my first gig back in the business, I moved out of the way and got behind the camera station as the director gave them instructions.

Hours later I held Kayne’s hand and the phone to my ear listening to my mother gossip about her friends canceling on her at the last minute. I stepped forward, heading into the first apartment on my list the realtor sent me, and got a shock of my life when I saw Laikin coming off the elevator and not alone.

“Laikin!” Kayne yelled, snatching his hand away and running into his body, not letting him move. The woman sneered at him and stepped back with her hand on her hip.

“Ma, let me call you back.”

“Why? Is something wrong with Kayne?”

Not answering, I hung up the phone, approached them to grab Kayne, and Laikin’s grin evaporated at the sight of me.

“What’s up, Kayne?”

“Who is she, Laikin, and do you have a kid?” the woman demanded, ready to blow up. She’s different from the bimbo at the shoot.

“No,” Laikin and I answered at the same time.

“Kayne, come on. We have to go.” I decided right then and there I would not be looking at the place, even if it was in my price range.

“What are you doing here?” Laikin let Kayne go, and I grasped his hand.

“Nothing, we’re leaving.”

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