Page 36 of Objection

I got in the car and drove off immediately. Not even a block later, Serenity burst into tears. I wasted no time pulling over and pulling her onto my lap—into my arms.

Serenity

Two Weeks Later

I’d been kind of down about what happened with my parents. Of course, since Kaos suggested I go, he felt bad about it. Even with me telling him it wasn’t his fault, he still intentionally made amends. I felt like it was more so on my father’s behalf than his, and that made me appreciate and respect Kaos even more.

He’d been softer with me. Gentler. Looking at me with pitiful eyes. I told him all I needed was real love and authentic energy around me, and he gave that, but he also took me shopping because I love gifts. As I showed Taylor and Nessa the new stack of David Yurman chains and bracelets he’d gotten me, they swooned. Having a man that was financially stable was a flex; having a generous man who was a giver was an even bigger one.

“Okay, Sissy. I just need to make sure you leave these to me in your will,” Taylor said with a smile.

“Girl, we’re not that far apart in age. By the time I die, you’ll have your own,” I clarified, making them both laugh. “Ido intend to continue to build my collection though. I’ve been sleeping on the brand.”

“It’s truly a classic, classy brand,” Nessa added. “I said I’d splurge on my first couple of pieces once I become a little more mature. It takes a certain kind of woman to pull these stacks off. I’ma stick to my Van Cleef dupes for now.”

My eyes rolled playfully as we laughed. I could admit I did feel different though. I wasn’t sure if it was because of my time with Kaos or just life’s circumstances. My mentality had changed, and so had my style. We talked a little while longer before the girls left, giving me time to cook my man dinner and freshen up before he arrived. Even though he wasn’t working at the office anymore, he went today for a meeting with the rest of his partners.

By the time he arrived, I had dinner finished, along with an ambiance fit for a king. I wouldn’t say Kaos was romantic, but as he would say, he was tender about me. Like me, he appreciated the effort, so I lit some candles, got him a bouquet of roses, and picked up a gift for him. While he stepped away to take a call while we were shopping in Houston, I had the sale’s associate grab a few pieces that I wanted to have shipped home for him, so he’d be surprised. If I tried to get it for him while we were in David Yurman, he would have paid for it himself.

“Yeah, man,” he said on the phone as he walked into the foyer. “Tristan is the ultimate strategist. If you need help coming up with—” At the sight of me, a wide grin spread as his steps halted. “Let me uh . . . I’ll send him your contact.” Absently, Kaos disconnected the call before sauntering over to me. “Princess . . . you look delectable. Divine. Damn.”

I giggled as he wrapped his arms around me. I had on a red silk gown with a matching robe and pumps.

“I’m glad you like what you see.”

“Ilovewhat I see. Wow.”

When he kissed me deeply, it took all my strength to push him away before things went too far. As much as I wanted him inside of me, I’d put a lot of effort into the evening, and I didn’t want it to go to waste.

“I hope you’re hungry,” I crooned, leading him into the dining room by his hand.

“Oh wow, Serenity. This is beautiful. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, baby.”

“And it smells good as hell in here. You cooked?”

The skeptical look he shot my way made me laugh. “Yes, Kaos. I cooked.”

“Okay, okay, I see you. I ain’t know you had it in you to throw down like this.”

I wasn’t offended because I usually cooked something quick and light if I even cooked at all. But tonight, I’d prepared a feast. Since he loved soul food so much, I made a collard and mustard green mix with turnips, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and sweet potato cornbread. For dessert, we’d have homemade chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.

After I pulled his suit jacket off, I kissed his back. “Mm,” he moaned, grabbing my hand before I could get too far away. Kaos pulled me close and gave me another kiss. “Thank you, princess.”

“You’re welcome. You’re always taking care of me, and I wanted to do something to remind you that I appreciate you. I respect you. I trust you. I love you. I know I say it all the time, but I wanted to put a little action behind it too.”

“I really appreciate this, but you show me those things daily, whether you realize it or not.”

I hoped I did but hearing him confirm that made me feel good. I wanted to always be as good to him as he was to me. Kaos said I was the prize, but I wanted to make sure he always remembered and believed that.

After hanging up his jacket, I came back to the dining room to find he’d already devoured a third of his plate. Chuckling, I poured him a glass of Kool-Aid though I preferred wine.

“I already plan to marry you, Serenity. You know that, right?” he asked after moaning and almost eating his piece of cornbread in three bites.

“Yes,” I confirmed through my sniggle before sitting down.

“I don’t want you to think I need you to be my chef, but now that I know you can cook like this, I’ma need at least one homecooked meal a week, princess. This is good as hell.”

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