Page 106 of Unlucky You

Saniya’s eyes bounced between her and Tali before a smug grin filled her face. “Hmm, so their relationship is goals?”

“Hell yeah. He’s a billionaire.”

“Aw damn, kinda sucks for you, Talon. She’s looking for a man with much deeper pockets than yours.”

I almost fucking laughed at the scowl on his face but he recovered quickly and flashed a smile. “Good thing my pockets aren’t her concern.” He winked at Saniya, then turned to ol’ girl.

A server approached and we ordered drinks. I stuck to a beer, Saniya got some fruity shit that would have her buzzed by the time she reached the bottom, and Tali ordered shots for his side of the table. With each one ol’ girl downed, she became more chatty. In all honesty, she wasn’t that bad but I knew my cousin and he only had one goal in mind. His dick in her by the time they left The Pit.

Conversation flowed easily but his date kept trying to circle back to Saniya being relevant in the industry by way of access to invites and exclusives with high profile celebrities. Each time she tried, my baby shut it down. She loved what she did but only celebrated her wins with those who were genuinely in her corner. This woman was not and would not be added to our circle.

After an hour, I decided to shut things down because my baby was ready to go. Her conversation was minimal and she kept her head propped on my shoulder with her fingers moving mindlessly over my thigh. The connection had me ready to head out anyway because my dick had been rock hard since she’d put that bodysuit on.

“Ay, we’re about to head out. I have to be up early to meet Walt at the hospital. They’re releasing him tomorrow.”

“Ah damn, I forgot about that. He straight?”

“Yeah, he’s good. Just being difficult as fuck and not trying to follow doctor’s orders. They’re giving him six to eight weeks to be back to his normal routine. He keeps telling me he’ll be back on the job by Monday.”

I officially had full ownership of Carson Construction. After being hustled into paying a dollar for forty percent of the business, we negotiated the other sixty for a hundred thousand, which was very generous considering I’d made that amount within the first six months I took over. I tried to pay him outright but he insisted I pay monthly. I think that had more to do with him not wanting to completely let go of his legacy. Walt needed something to do with his time.

He still showed up to work most days but that consisted of him critiquing the jobs I did while I filled him in on what was new in my life. Walt needed purpose and I refused to take that from him since he’d given me one. He was family and always had a place with the company; no matter who had ownership.

“Yeah, good luck with that.” Tali grinned, knowing all too well what my struggle would look like trying to keep Walt from pulling up the first day he was mobile enough to make the drive. He’d handled a couple of jobs with me after Walt was rushed to the hospital damn near immobile and we found out he had a herniated disc. I managed to get two guys hired shortly after, who were working out well, and freed up my time to handle the business side of things since Walt was no longer running the company.

“You better get off Walter,” Saniya defended. She loved him just as much as me and they had their own bond. They embraced each other as extended family since Walt didn’t claim any of his own.

“Your kumbaya ass just loves everyone.” Tali smirked at Saniya after I slid out of the booth and extended my hand to help her to her feet. I dropped my arm around her neck loosely and kissed her temple.

“That’s not really true, is it, considering I barely tolerate you.” She flashed Tali a smug grin then turned to ol’ girl with him. “It was nice meeting you. Cute cut by the way. My sister has the same one.”

I barked a laugh and Tali scowled but then smiled, shaking his head. “You ain’t shit but I love your ain’t shit ass.”

Ol’ girl looked confused, not understanding what was happening. She had the same haircut as Sameena which Saniya had been sitting on bringing to everyone’s attention since we’d gotten here. My wife didn’t miss a damn thing.

“It was nice meeting you too. Maybe next time we’ll get the chance to hang out.”

Nah, baby girl, not likely. We won't see you again.

“Yep.” Saniya offered a genuine smile because she felt for the girl. We left, and as soon as we were in the car, she huffed a sigh of annoyance.

“Why does he keep doing this? There is no point in introducing us to women who won’t last beyond the alcohol-induced sex they engage in.”

“Because you keep doingthat.” I motioned to her phone and the rhythm of her nails tapping the screen halted immediately. She grinned, turning her eyes to me.

“What am I doing?”

“Who are you texting?”

Her smile expanded and I chuckled. “He keeps bringing these women around us because he knows you’re going to run that shit straight to your sister. Then she’ll be in his chair getting another tattoo while they pretend they don’t fuck with each other.”

“Okay… point taken.”

I reached across the seat, linked my fingers with hers, and brought her hand to my lips. “Let them do,or not do, whatever it is they’re into. We’re staying out of it.”

“Fair enough.”

Saniya dropped the phone into her lap and turned my way, tucking one leg beneath her. I could feel her eyes and smile warming the side of my face, so I cut a quick glance in her direction then focused on the road again.

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