Page 109 of 10,000 Hours With A Rich Menace

“Usually, I wouldn’t want to hear this because it’s my brother, but yeah, go ahead and cry for your man,” Kora smiled.

Skyler held her shirt over her face laughing. “Stevie, I can promise you they didn’t need to know that their brother took your virginity.”

“In Paris by the way… and he proposed to me.”

Both Zoya and Kora jumped up when I showed them my ring. “As in getting down on one knee and professing his love for you?”

I smiled widely. “He did… Duke even recorded it for me to have.”

While they both held my hand, I grabbed my phone and showed them the video. While Zoya was trying to see, Kora took my phone and plopped down in the chair. Tears fell down her face as she watched the video.

“Damn, K, can I see the video, too?”

“You couldn’t stand him a minute ago,” Skyler added with a smirk on her face.

Zoya stuck her middle finger up. “Mind your neck and worry about why you been staying the night with Corleon.”

“Alright, not too much in my business.” Skyler quickly wanted to switch the subject when we got on her and Corleon secretly creeping on the low.

“Mama, Core-Core is calling.” Estella showed her tablet, and Corleon happened to be facetiming her.

“You can answer.”

She got excited as she slid her finger across the screen. “Stellie Belly,” he greeted soon as he saw her face.

“You can go down to the room on the left if you need more privacy,” Zoya told her because Kora was still watching the video.

She had crossed her legs and was all into it. Skyler took Estella, and they went to talk to Corleon in the next room. Kora swiped away a tear as she held my phone in her hand.

“Do you mind sending me that video and the pictures? I have pictures of everyone… Landon graduating from college the first time, then Zoya, but nothing with Maverick. He never smiles in pictures?—”

“He doesn’t take them at all,” Zoya added and snatched the phone to watch the same video her sister had just watched.

“Anyway, seeing him speak how he feels about you… God, I never thought I would see the day. You really make him happy, and I can see that he makes you the same way.”

We both turned and watched as Zoya quickly tried to catch the tear that slipped down her face. “What? I’m not heartless now… you both look so happy. The fact that he’s wearing pants and not sweats.”

“He did that all on his own.”

“I’ve only seen him in sweats and suits, and he only wears suits when he has to.” Kora smiled.

“Will you both come tomorrow? I know it would mean a lot to him that you are there. It would mean a lot to me, too. Aside from Skyler, I don’t have any family.”

Kora switched seats and sat next to me, pulling my hands into hers. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Zoya smiled. “The fact that you didn’t run for the hills means you love him. I will move some things around and be there.”

“Invite Landon, too. I know he’s been trying to talk to Maverick and he’s not in the space to talk to him.”

“And you see why I don’t reach out.” Zoya pointed to her sister.

“No excuses. I will call Landon tonight and we will be there… I will move some cases I have and make sure I am there.”

“Kora, you need to be careful,” Zoya warned her.

“I will make sure I am protected, but I am not missing my brother getting married.” She looked at her sister.

“Thanks, guys.”

---