Page 149 of Savage Bosses

“Where does he live?”

“Westgate Hill.”

“Oh, that’s nice. Men can be good in bed and also be world-class narcissistic assholes and abusers.”

“That’s true,” I admitted. “But there’s something about him. Beneath all that anger, he’s nice. Maybe a little complicated, but it’s not like I feel like I’m in danger. I actually feel safe with him.”

“Girl, just be careful,” she warned, her voice serious. “Your intuition is your intuition. Remember, you hated this man two damn minutes ago.”

“Hate is a strong word. Trust me,” I replied. “I’m going to be cautious.”

“Whatever girl. I hope he acts right because if he does, you hit a lick. That man is rich.”

“I don’t care about stuff like that.”

“You’re last two boyfriends were hobosexuals. You should care.”

I let one or two losers briefly live with me and she wasn’t going to let me forget about it. Jordyn was smart, so disregarding her words of wisdom was not an option for me.

After Jordyn left, I glanced around my apartment. I knew it was time to pack and head over to Kyle’s house for another night of pleasure. The thought of spending more time with him made me smile inside.

Something about this just felt different. Kyle told me he wouldn’t be home until seven. He was a workaholic, and he didn’t have other plans. He would just still be at work. Maybe he would be out looking for his brother. I wasn’t sure.

After making me a bite to eat and a nice long bubble bath. I grabbed my overnight bag from my bedroom closet. I packed the essentials, toothbrush, pajamas that I probably wouldn’t wear, a change of clothes for work tomorrow, and my makeup bag.

After zipping up the bag, I took a quick glance at myself in the full-length mirror. My look was a combination of casual and cute. I hoped that this would be a good night. I didn’t want to dress like I was trying too hard. I felt crazy, wanting to please him, and I hoped I would snap out of my sunshine, butterfly rainbow cloud quickly.

At seven, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door. The sun was going down, and I put Cardi B on in my car. I let Wap blast through my speakers and tried to rap along to Megan’s parts.

As I pulled into Kyle’s circular driveway, the magnificence of the place still made my jaw drop. I shut off the engine and took a deep breath. I reminded myself that I had every right to be here. Kyle gave me the key code to his door.

I stepped out of the car and grabbed my overnight bag from the back seat. I walked up to the front door and punched in the code. Pushing open the door, I stepped into the opulent foyer.

“Kyle? Are you home?” I called out, my voice echoing through the empty space. There was no response, but I wasn’t surprised. He was probably still at work, like a hardworking CEO.

I wandered through his house, taking in the minimalist décor and wondering what it would be like to live here permanently. My brain was acting up. I was behaving like this was the first man that dicked me down.

I set my overnight bag down in the guest bedroom upstairs. I didn’t want to assume that I could place my things in his bedroom. I glanced at my phone, sending Kyle a quick text to let him know I had arrived.

[Just got to your place.] I hit send, hoping he would see it and respond soon.

Making my way back downstairs to the living room. I switched on the TV, flipping through the channels as I waited for Kyle’s response. The silence of the house was unnerving. I settled for The First 48. Murder had a way of making my mind focus on the cases the cops were trying to solve.

I sunk back into the couch, and my cell buzzed beside me. There was a text from Kyle. I unlocked my phone to read his message.

[Be there soon.] It was a few simple words, but it made me smile. One would think I hadn’t seen this man just a few hours ago. I stopped myself from replying. I didn’t want him to text while driving. So I went back to watching TV.

I heard faint footsteps approaching, and my heart lurched. Glancing up, I saw an older Latina woman with kind eyes walking towards me. She had her graying hair pulled back in a tight bun and wore simple teal colored nurse scrubs.

“Hello, I’m Mrs. Rodriguez, Kyle’s housekeeper,” she introduced herself. Her tiny voice was soothing. “You must be Aerica. Mr. Kyle told me you were staying the night.”

Oh, did he now?“Hi, Mrs. Rodriguez. It’s nice to meet you,” I replied, standing up from my spot on the couch. Her presence immediately put me at ease.

“I’ve prepared dinner for both of you. It’s in the refrigerator. It just needs to be warmed up,” she informed me, gesturing towards the kitchen.

“Thank you so much.” I said gratefully. I wasn’t hungry now, but I definitely could eat a little later.

“Of course, dear. I’m headed home for the evening. I’m sure Mr. Kyle will be home soon.”