Page 27 of Abel

I watch as a single tear slides down her cheek. She quickly swipes it away before it has time to fall. When she tilts her head to look at me, I can see her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Marrone Dolce,I’d do anything to never see you cry again.”

She stands on her tippy toes and wraps her arms around me. “Thank you.” She whispers, laying her head on my chest, listening to my heartbeat. “You’re going to make some woman happy, Abel.” Some woman?

I want to ask, what makes her think she isn’tthatwoman?

But I don’t. I simply smile.

“Come on, let’s get you out of here. This was only a taste of what the night holds.” I smirk, grabbing her hand, and guiding her to the bathroom door. Swinging it open, we’re met with a small line of people. “Take a long, good look, because this is what happiness looks like.” I smirk, looking over at myMarrone Dolcewho’s sporting the deepest shade of red on dark skin. Others might not see it but I do. “Remember what I said about the man letting the lady walk out first?” I ask, stepping aside when she only nods. “Good, now walk in front of me with your head held high.” I order, smacking her ass when she brushes past me.

“Why are they looking at me like they know what just happened in there?” She asks, smiling nervously at the crowd of people.

“Marrone Dolce, the whole club knows what we were doing in there.” There’s nowhere for her to run and hide, so she just keeps on walking, head high, feeling good.

The thing about the club is, we’re all family here. So there’s absolutely no judgment. Plus, I’m not the only one who’s fucked someone in the bathroom I’m sure.

“Oh, okay. It’s no biggie then?”

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Be proud of what we just did. You’re a beautiful, black woman who just got royally fucked, let them see it.” Placing my hands on her hips, I guide her to the spot where the guys will be. “Come on, I want you to meet my crew before we get out of here.”

“Okay.” She says, sounding like she’s on autopilot.

No, we’re not doing that at all. I stop walking, causing her to jerk back. Spinning her around to face me, I say, “We don’t have to meet them if you don’t want to.”

She rewards me with a perfect smile, one that reeks confidence. “I’m more than okay. If you want me to meet your people, lead the way.”

“That’s my good littleMarrone Dolce.” Kissing her forehead, we start walking again. This is not something I normally do, introducing a woman to the guys. I’m not sure where this is headed, but I’m not ready to let her go just yet.

“Abel, what’s up?” Capone walks up, greeting me just as my phone rings.

Looking down at the screen, I see Em’s name flash there. “Son of a bitch, Em, I’m so sorry. Where are you?”

“Hey, Abel, it’s totally okay. I got lost, but I’m pulling in now. Do I just park anywhere?” She asks, squealing with excitement.

“Once you get to the club, you’ll see bikes out front. Follow them around the building and park back there. I’ll meet you at the front entrance.”

“Okay. I’ll be there in a jiffy.” She says, before hanging up.

Leaning over, I shout to Ivy, “I’m sorry, I forgot I invited one of my friends from work and she just made it.”

“Oh, I see.” She says, dropping my hand, ready to bolt. “Thanks for a wonderful time.” She says.

Snatching her hand back the fuck up, I ask, “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Well, I just assumed-”

“One thing about me, don’t assume nothin’ because it’s never what it seems. Come on.”

She gives me a beautiful smile before saying, “Okay.”

Moments later, Em walks through the door in a cute outfit that Capone is gonna go nuts over. “Abel!” She calls out, smiling when she sees me.

“Em, you made it.”

“Yeah, I’m really bad at directions. Even though I plugged it into my GPS, I still got lost.” She says, bringing her hand to her mouth where she starts nibbling on her nails.

“If it’s any consolation, I’m the same way.” MyMarrone Dolcechimes in.

“Really? Now, I don’t feel so bad.” Em chuckles, sticking her hand out. “I’m Emily by the way.”

---