Page 56 of Atlas Uncharted

“Get back in the car, Lu.” Ebony and Kairi were walking out at that exact moment. “Both of you, get in the car.”

They didn’t argue, hurrying back to the vehicle as I headed inside to pay. The cashier, a middle-aged woman with a cigarette dangling from her lips, raised an eyebrow. “Nice punch. He’s always out there fuckin’ with somebody.”

I nodded, paid for the gas, and headed back to the car.

Ebony was giggling in the back seat as I got in. “That was some big dick energy,” she said with a grin.

Kairi laughed, shaking her head. “You’re a mess, Ebony.”

Lu leaned forward slightly. “Thanks, Atlas.”

“No problem,” I said, starting the car again. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted in my favor. Thank god for that guy being a prick.

“What’s the plan when we get to Miami, Atlas?” Ebony asked, her earlier attitude nowhere to be found.

Chapter 40.5

Atlas-

I had set up dinner on the rooftop terrace of the hotel. I knew the Miami skyline would impress Lu and Ebony, especially since neither had been here before. As much as New Yorkers liked to act unimpressed, an ocean view at sunset got them every time.

I waited in the hotel lobby for them to come down. I’d booked one of the most exclusive suites for them to share—spacious enough to give them privacy, with a separate living area, a full bar, and an ocean-facing balcony. I wanted to share a room with Kairi, but I needed her to see that I wouldn’t keep pushing into her life without boundaries.

As I adjusted my jacket, a woman approached—a tall blonde in a tight red dress, with an overly confident smile. "You here alone?" she asked, her voice low and sultry.

I did a double-take because, for a moment, she looked like Ashlen. My heart sped up briefly. Her presence reminded me that I needed to finalize the divorce as soon as I got back. Ashlen had been avoiding direct contact, directing my lawyer to speak only to hers. I hoped I wouldn’t have to deal with her much longer.

"No," I answered flatly, keeping my eyes on the elevator.

She poked out her chest. "Are you sure about that?" she asked, inching closer and brushing her hand against my arm. "I’m just looking for some company tonight."

I pulled my arm away, my tone turning cold. “I’m not interested.”

She pouted, clearly unaccustomed to rejection. "Come on, you don’t have to be rude, handsome."

"I said I’m not fucking interested," I repeated. "Move along."

She muttered something under her breath and walked away, her heels clicking angrily against the marble floor. I didn’t spare her another glance.

Finally, the elevator doors slid open, and Kairi and her friends stepped out one by one. They all looked incredible. Kairi wore a sleek black dress that hugged her curves perfectly, her hair pulled back to reveal her pretty face. Ebony had on a bold red dress that demanded attention, and Lu wore a form-fitting gold dress that made her skin glow.

“Fuck. You all look good,” I said, smiling. If they'd been Ashlen’s friends, I might've tried to fuck all both. But this was different.

“Thank you, Mr. Moneybags,” Ebony joked, winking as she adjusted the gold necklace around her neck. “Now let’s go so you can buy us all the lobster and steak this place has to offer.”

I laughed, but my eyes lingered on Kairi, who was trying to hide a smile as I stared at her. She looked beautiful. We took the elevator to the roof, and once we settled at our table, the conversation shifted toward Kairi’s books.

“So, Atlas,” Ebony said, leaning forward with a grin. “You really thought Kairi was writing about you in her books? Which parts exactly?”

I glanced at Kairi for permission, and she nodded.

I leaned back, running a hand over my jaw. “The scene in the grass, where the two main characters were fucking with a party going on in the house? That was definitely inspired by me.”

Ebony gasped, nearly spilling her drink. “Outside, with people around? Damn, Kairi, you wild.”

Kairi rolled her eyes, but a blush crept up her cheeks. “That was a long time ago, and we didn’t have sex,” she muttered.

“So you’re admitting you wrote about me?” I teased.

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