Page 14 of The Prez

Zeke laughs, clapping his hands. “I knew I liked you. You got some balls, dude. Most people look at Prez and piss their pants.”

“Yeah, well,” I say, crossing my arms as I glare back at him, “I’m not most people.” It’s a near thing that I don’t flinch away and piss my pants. He’s fucking terrifying. But his attitude is irritating me, making me braver than I am.

Before he can retort, Shane comes back, a bright smile on his face. He takes a seat in the recliner and Zeke perches on the arm of the chair. “That’s the first time since he’s been here that he went to sleep from eating and not from exhausting himself crying. Omari, you’re the baby whisperer.”

I grin at him. “No, I just remember to stay calm with babies, even when it’s overwhelming.”

Rafael scoffs and I glower at him. Shane sits forward on the recliner, getting my attention. “The advertisement said live-in. You’ll need to move in as soon as possible so you can start your duties. That’ll include taking care of Baby Rafael around the clock. Feeding, changing, any social activities, that sort of thing.” He tells me the pay and my eyes nearlybug out. I have to fight to contain my surprise at such a large amount.

“That’s fine and all,” I say to Shane, still looking at Rafael, “but why are you telling me all this and not Little Raf’s guardian?”

Leaning up and resting his elbows on his knees, Rafael says, “If it were up to me, you wouldn’t be here. But I won’t deny that you’re the best option we got. Maybe even the only option. You haven’t run scared so you’re either stupid or tough. I’m more inclined to go with stupid. Why should I trust someone around my nephew that was caught selling drugs in my club?”

Zeke groans. “Okay, Prez. You need to chill, for real. I love you, but you’re being a dick.”

Rafael growls. “Know your place, Enforcer.” Zeke rolls his eyes but says nothing.

“It’s okay,” I say in Zeke’s direction. “He can call me whatever names you want, doesn’t bother me. What matters is the little boy in that room.” I point down the hall. “He needs someone and it’s obvious it’s not you.” Rafael’s eyes darken, but I’m not done. I might be signing my own death warrant, but whatever. “I’m not afraid of you.” That’s a lie. “I won’t go running and screaming from the house because you’re powerful and scary. I need the job and you need help. Let’s just agree to work together for the sake of Little Raf, yeah?” I pause a moment, then say, “Kind of the pot calling the kettle black about selling, don’t you think?”

Again, Zeke barks a laugh. “Oh, I really fucking like him. Let’s go, Shane. They can work this out themselves.”

Shane stands and twists his hands in front of him. “There’s a contract for you to sign to work as the live-in nanny for the next year. Prez has it. Call or text me if you need anything, Omari. I do mean anything.” He hands me acard with his office and cell number on it. Shane Astor, Attorney at Law is embossed on the front. He’s fancy.

“I’m not going to kill him, Counselor,” Rafael growls. Shane gives him a look that says he’s not so sure he won’t. What the fuck have I gotten myself into?

The two of them leave and Rafael and I are left to scowl at each other. I’m not sure how long we stare before I chuckle and shake my head. “Do you want me to go? Like I said, I need this job, but I’m not gonna beg to be here if you’re gonna be a dick to me. I think I can do a good job for you and Little Raf.”

“Stop calling him that,” he snarls.

“Are you always so grumpy?”

“I’m not grumpy. I’m tired.”

“Then go take a nap.” He has bags and dark circles under his eyes, and his cheeks look sunken. Nothing like what he looked like when I was up close and personal with him in the nightclub.

Voice softening, I repeat, “Take a nap. I’ll take the job. I’ll start now. Go get some rest. Little Raf will be fine when he wakes up.” I stand to make my way to the baby’s room when Rafael grabs me by the arm and pushes me against the wall. He crowds me, one hand beside my head while the other clenches my arm.

“Do not do anything I don’t like while I’m asleep. I will fucking hunt you down and hurt you if you mistreat my nephew.”

My heart leaps into my throat. His dark eyes bore into me, emphasizing he means every word he spoke. There is no reason I should find that hot as fuck, but apparently I have a problem. Just as I thought it was hot in his office when he threatened me with bodily harm, I have the same opinion now as he’s threatening me about his flesh and blood.

I bite my lips to contain the tiny whimper that wants todrift from my mouth. My dick chubs up despite my fear. I gaze into Rafael’s eyes, knowing he will do what he says and more if I fuck up.

But I refuse to let him run over me and threaten me so I fear him. He needs me, not the other way around.

I place a hand on his chest and give him a nudge. He holds his ground for a moment more, then steps back, dropping his hands to his sides. “This is part of the reason no one wants to work for you.” Rafael looks stunned, like he didn’t expect me to say what I did. “That macho shit may work with some people, but not me. I wouldn’t dream of hurting a child. Besides, your lawyer has all my information. Where would I go that you wouldn’t find me?” He opens his mouth, but I hold up my hand, making his eyes darken further when I stop him from interrupting. “Save it. I’ll tell you this one time and one time only. Don’t threaten me. You talk to me like a normal person or I walk.”

He curls his lip as he stares me down, then turns on his heels and marches to a room that’s at the other end of the house. His gait is wobbly, like he’s dead on his feet, his shoulders slumped forward. He opens the door and closes it with a soft click.

I slump against the wall, my heart hammering. Fuck, I’m not sure if this job is a blessing or a curse.

Shaking my head, I go to the nursery and peek inside, making sure Little Raf is sleeping before I head to the room right next door that Shane said I would be sleeping in. The room is decently sized, a little bigger than the nursery. There’s a full-sized bed with what looks like clean sheets on it, a three-drawer dresser with a small thirty-two inch TV on top of it. The closet is open with hangers inside, waiting for me to put my clothes away. It’s not much, but it’s better than sleeping on my sister’s couch.

Hopefully, this job works out so I don’t have to go back.

CHAPTER 5

RAFAEL

---