Page 75 of Heavy Is The Crown

The second Krys opened the door, the smell of expensive vanilla, clean linen, and something soft but feminine filled the air. She stood there in a silky fitted number, looking effortlessly polished, like this was just another day in her luxurious world.

She took in the sight of them both, then gave a warm smile. “Well…took y’all long enough.”

Kaliyah peeked from behind Kenyatta’s leg, her curiosity battling her shyness.

Krys tilted her head, smiling slightly. “Hey Miss Ma’am.”

Kaliyah’s fingers twisted in the hem of her hoodie, eyes flicking up at Krys briefly before looking away.

Krys crouched slightly, balancing effortlessly in her heels. “Well, I been hearing about you all week, so I’m glad I finally get to meet the famous Kaliyah.”

Kaliyah blinked at her, still unsure.

Krys smiled again, then added, “And between you and me, I think your daddy talks way too much.”

Kaliyah’s lips twitched. Then, the slightest giggle slipped out. Kenyatta raised a brow, completely off guard.

Krys grinned, standing up straight. “See? Told you we’d be cool.”

Kaliyah tried to keep her composure, but she stared at Krys like she was the prettiest person she had ever seen in real life. She didn’t say it out loud, but it was written all over her face.

Krys saw it too. She asked gently, “Wanna come inside?”

Kaliyah hesitated, then nodded.

Kenyatta was shocked. His daughter wasn’t rude, but she also wasn’t the type to just warm up to people instantly. It usually took time, trust, a certain level of effort. But with Krys, one moment in, and she already had Kaliyah on her team. Kenyatta wasn’t sure if he should be impressed or concerned.

The second they stepped inside, Musa was there.

Not in the way a regular dog would be; barking, wagging his tail, running up to greet them. Nah. Musa didn’t do all that.

Instead, he was stretched out near the sleek, glass coffee table, massive and regal, his glossy black coat soaking up the warm interior lighting. His golden eyes lifted lazily, sweeping over them in disinterest at first…until they landed on Kaliyah.

His expression didn’t change; it never did. But Kenyatta could tell he was making an assessment. Calculating. Measuring.

Kaliyah stilled at the sight of him, her little fingers curling into the fabric of her hoodie. She wasn’t exactly scared, but she wasn’t stepping too close either.

Krys noticed. “You can pet him if you want. He won’t bite. Unless I tell him to.”

Kaliyah’s big eyes flicked up at her, uncertain. Kenyatta grimaced, shaking his head. “That supposed to make her feel better?”

Krys just grinned. “Musa, come here.”

The dog stretched first; one of those exaggerated, bone-deep stretches, then moved toward Krys with a slow, measured gait, like he had all the time in the world. He was huge, damn near the size of a small horse, his muscular frame moving like he owned the place. Which, to be fair, he did.

Krys motioned toward Kaliyah. “She’s with me.”

That was all the instruction needed. Musa closed the distance, coming to a careful stop in front of Kaliyah, then lowered his giant head just enough to sniff at her hand. A test.

Kaliyah’s little shoulders stayed tight at first, but then, with careful hesitation, she lifted her hand and let it rest against his fur.

Musa didn’t flinch. Didn’t react. Just let her.

“Whoa…” Kaliyah whispered, fingers running over his smooth coat. “He’s soft.”

Kenyatta chuckled, watching her get comfortable. “Yeah, don’t let that fool you.”

Krys laughed. “Musa’s got a reputation, but he’s well-behaved.” She glanced at Kenyatta, lifting a brow. “Probably better trained than you.”

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