Page 73 of Ride

I came out of the dressing room wearing the sweater dress, with my hair pulled into a tight bun, diamonds in my ears, and a watch on my wrist. Laikin talked with Sarai on set. A mix of old-school hip hop played, starting with Biz Markie.

“You both look great, so we’ll do a few shots and then start the interview,” said the reporter from Men Style magazine I met earlier.

“Stand right here?” I wondered, putting my hand on my hip.

“Sit in his lap on the couch, and then we’ll do a few poses separately.” The photographer snapped a few shots as the lighting was moved closer.

“Okay.”

Laikin extended his arm around my waist, whispering, “I’m ready to rip this dress off you.”

I glanced up at him. “Behave.”

He winked at me. “Shit, you looking too good.”

I reached to cup his chin. “You look handsome, Mr. Trenton.”

“Keep that pose!” the photographer yelled, coming in closer in front of us.

I crossed my legs, clasped my hands together, and looked to the side of his face as he stared forward in the camera.

“Right, keep that pose—both of you.”

Laikin ran a hand up and down my thigh, and I remembered our early morning connection and his head between my thighs.

“Promise to wear this cologne again.”

Laikin peered at me. “Making my dick hard, Pepper.”

I smirked. “Pay attention before Sarai yells at us.”

“Sarai knows you can get it anytime.”

“Anytime?”

“Anytime, baby.”

“All right, one more with Amena standing up—and Laikin, hold her around the waist,” Sarai demanded.

I jumped up and held a hand to my side, looking up into the camera. “Yes! Hold that pose,” the photographer said.

I truly felt accepted and loved by Laikin and his family. Kayne even wanted to call him Dad. I tried to explain the difference, but if he felt comfortable and loved by Laikin, then I wouldn’t deny him—especially after Virgil sent the paperwork to give up his parental rights two weeks ago.

“Okay, let’s take some questions, and then change outfits.” The staff brought out a chair for the reporter to take a seat, and I sat beside Laikin, holding his hand.

“Thank you both for being here today. I know a lot of your fans have heard the story of you two being in love at a young age,” Jalesa brought up, turning on the recorder.

Laikin stared at me. “She broke my heart,” he joked, and I rolled my eyes.

“He’s so dramatic.”

“We’ll delve deeper into the background later, but for now how does it feel dating a super star athlete like Laikin?” Jalesa sat back in her chair.

“At first, it was chaos, honestly. I know Sarai probably hates me for using that word, but I had to adjust. Not only in the relationship, I also have a child.”

“Which is commendable. A lot of people can relate to being a single mom. You were married correct? To a high-profile politician?” Jalesa flipped through her notes.

“I was, and I promised myself to never date anyone that was known in the media again, but coming home and seeing him changed my mind.”

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