Page 29 of Ride

“Why?”

“Because you love me.”

“Always, NaNa.”

* * *

“Laikin!”

My mouth was bone dry. “Huh?”

“We’re here.” Sincere picked up his bag and I glanced around the plane as Sarai and Amena headed down the stairs. I unbuckled my seatbelt and stood, drinking the rest of the Jack Daniels. Lifting my duffle bag and checking for my phone and wallet, I strolled out of the plane to the blacked-out SUV.

“Sincere, I have you in the suite below Laikin. You both have the same private chef and security. Once we’ve rested, we head to the studio for the interview and then dinner later,” Sarai announced, reading through the schedule and typing on her phone.

“What time do we have to be at the studio?”

“In four hours. Get as much rest as possible,” Sarai demanded.

The driver pulled away from the airport, going to the hotel.

An hour later, I checked in and talked with my parents. I showered and ordered a meal, ready to relax and make plans for the evening. Hopefully, it wouldn’t end up in the blogs.

Jumping at the sound of knocking and pounding on the door like the police, I marched into the entryway holding onto my towel. I was surprised that room service had gotten here so quickly.

“That’s fast?—”

Amena’s hand fell as her eyes scanned my body. “Are you waiting on someone?”

“Yeah.”

She looked away, scratched the tip of her nose like she used to do when she was nervous. “Who is she, another video model?” She chuckled.

“Is there a reason you're here?” My direct tone shut down her laughter. No woman has ever penetrated my heart. The way Amena had me doing any and everything for her from sunup to sundown. If she needed me, I came running. The second I learned of her and knew what she liked and disliked I made it a habit to make her days better. Whenever she got into a fight with her parents, she cried on my shoulder. Amena could tell me anything, so for her to have any type of jealousy of me entertaining someone baffled me.

“Sarai said it would be good to go through the outfit changes, and I figured since I have to check in with Kayne before he goes to sleep, it works better to do everything now.”

“All right, come in.”

“If it’s a problem, I can get someone else.” Amena hesitated, elevator dinging open as the waitstaff approached with my food.

“Give me a second.” I ran to the bedroom and grabbed my wallet and robe, jogging back to pay the server. Amena still stood at the entrance of the room.

“I would rather have Sarai on my good side for this week. We can work together, Amena. No hard feelings on my end.”

“Sure.” Amena wheeled in two racks of clothes, then removed her iPad from her purse. I lifted the top off the food and popped a French fry into my mouth.

“You hungry?”

She scratched her nose. “No.” Her stomach rumbled, and we both chuckled.

“Girl, come eat.” I grabbed the bottle of ketchup to pour on my fries.

“Shut up, Laikin.” She blushed, covering her face in both hands.

I mocked her tiny voice. “Shut up, Laikin.”

Balling up her fist, she punched me in the shoulder, but I barely felt the tap. “Ugh, you get on my nerves. Nothing has changed.” Amena grabbed a plate and took fries and a salad with baked fish on top. We both took a seat on the couch and smiled at each other.

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