Page 27 of Craving a King

So that’s where he is. The coward didn’t even stay after he showed his entire ass upstairs. Un-freaking believable.

Adom chuckles. “Trust me, Senya, he does not want to see me again.”

I wonder if Senya knows they already spoke this morning. He must not. Judging by the way Kofi reacted upstairs, it probably was not a friendly reunion.

Senya stares at him before speaking. “It’s different now, Adom—he no longer blames you for the past.”

The past? What the hell is Senya talking about? But I can’t focus on that right now.

Adom shrugs and turns back to me as Senya exits. “Ella, you need to stay here.”

“What!” I look at him incredulously. “You’re crazy.”

“No, I’m not. Maya worked hard consulting on that UN grant application, and she wants you to build schools here more than anyone else. She’d be so disappointed if she knew you didn’t get it accomplished and came back to Atlanta to just watch her sleep while she is looking her worst.” He cracks a half-smile. I try to smile back.

“I know what you’re saying, Adom, but I already have the contract. Kofi told me so last night.”

“Yeah, but do you have a plan? Have you even been to the villages?”

I hang my head. “Only a few, not all. But Maya!”

“Ella…” He grabs both my hands and looks me in the eye. “My flight leaves for Atlanta in three hours.". I plan on sleeping on the plane, because I do not know when I will truly sleep again. I promise you I will be by her side every single day, every single moment. And if you answer your phone instead of gallivanting with my cousin, I can keep you updated by the hour.”

“I don’t know if you can exactly call it gallivanting.” I smile.

Adom shakes his head. “Never mind the semantics—you’ve slept with him.” I release a slow breath in response.

He nods knowingly. “And where did that get you? In a mess. I warned you, Ella! But I’m not here to scold; are you going to be OK to finish what you and Maya started?”

I slowly nod. “Yeah, but I can’t stay here. Can you book me a room at the Westin in Accra? I can have Senya grab my things; I already packed.”

“Are you sure you want to leave? This is a beautiful home. Or you can stay at my home in McCarthy Hills. My staff will see to your every need.”

“Yes, I’m sure. Bonbiri has lost its luster. Plus, I might fight that old woman if I stay here a minute longer. And though I’m sure your house is the definition of over-the-top luxury, I don’t feel comfortable staying in a house full of unknown servants without you.”

He gives me a full laugh and pulls me into one of his rare bear hugs. He teases me and kisses my forehead. “OK, I’ll have Senya get your things and you can tell me all about you and my arrogant cousin on our way to Accra.”

“Thank you, Adom. And thank you so much for being such an amazing friend to both me and Maya. Having you tell me that news face to face was better anyways. I’m glad you couldn’t reach me on my cell.”

He releases me and leans back on the island. “I think you’re right. And Ella, I will take care of Maya. I know we bicker a lot. But when I thought we may have lost her, it was never clearer to me how devoted I need to be to her right now. You take care of the Ashanti, and I will take care of our friend. I’m going to be there when she wakes up and help nurse her back to health. Don’t worry.”

I sigh. “OK, Adom. It’s only three more weeks. I can close this deal and have a proposal written by then. I’m going to head to the car.”

Adom calls Senya and has him grab my packed luggage while I wait in the same Range Rover that brought me to Bonbiri. Tears fall from my eyes for the first time for what my heart has lost.

Chapter Sixteen

Contrition

Kofi

Ihad to get the hell out of that house.

Myhouse! This is exactly why I don’t bring women to Bonbiri. When shit hits the fan, I like the security of a huge palace brimming with loyal servants to politely escort my overnight guests to a car waiting to take them home. I don’t like having to hide from my overnight guest because her beautiful ass has bewitched my heart into holding her again even while she is lying to my face.

I can’t believe she actually expects me to believe she has no idea why Adom came to see her this morning. My cousin doesn’t seek me out for anything. I’m surprised he hasn’t enlightened her about this fact, especially if he’s sleeping with her back in Atlanta. Then she would know that any excuse other thanyes, your majesty, he’s coming to see me because we are secret loversis futile.

I’ve forgiven him for killing my mother. Well, he didn’t kill her, as years of therapy helped me admit. But I’ve forgiven him, nevertheless. It’s not like I still hate him and his face. But he does not know that. We used to be extremely close. Then after my mother died, all that changed. We competed against each other for everything, but that was 15 years ago. From the way he talked to me this morning, he must think I still have patience to enter silly contests with him. I will not, especially not for a woman.

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