Page 75 of Bear
“I do. I didn’t know y’all were having an important dinner.” She sniffed the air and peered around me at the food on the table. “Bear, did you cook? Can you save me some?”
“Yes. Now go.”
“Thank you.” She started toward the back door leading to the guesthouse but paused to look at Tito. “Nice to meet you, Tito.”
“Very nice to meet you, Miss Kareema.” He walked over to her and kissed the back of her hand. I don’t think I’d ever seen Kareema blush until that moment. “Join us for dessert later?”
“Um…yeah. Sure. If it’s okay with Bear.” She glanced at me and I gave her a slight nod. “Wait, you’re not married or anything, are you?” She asked, opening the back door.”
“Me? Nah, I’m not married,” Tito chuckled.
“Good. Bear’s last friend was fine as hell but he was married. At least I know I can openly lust over you without feeling bad about it.”
I swear that goddamn girl wouldn’t know couth if it hit her in the fucking face. At least she was real and unapologetic. Tito seemed to enjoy her thoroughly.
During dinner, he asked several questions solely dedicated to Kareema. I was shocked. He didn’t seem like the type that would go for someone so outspoken but he made it clear that he was attracted to her.
“Let me get right to it,” Tito said, finishing his first plate of food. “I want to work with you, Bear. I like the way you operate. I’d like for us to establish an ongoing connection. I bring you large shipments of heroin and you move it through Louisiana and Texas.”
“I like the sound of that.” I nodded, resting my hand on Cecily’s thigh under the table. “Is heroin all you have to offer?” I stroked my chin and watched his face. He weighed my words and relaxed in his chair.
“No. I have cocaine as well. I was under the impression that you had a coke connect.”
“I do. However, the connect I have is through my father. I’m looking to cut him out of the business. He’s been in jail for seven years and this operation has become mine. When he comes home in a few days, he’s going to steamroll over the progress I’ve made without consulting me. I’m not okay with that. It’s showing a lack of trust and appreciation.”
“I agree. So you’re looking to cut out as many connections to your father as possible?”
“Exactly. If you can supply the coke then I only need to secure pills and weed. I don’t deal meth.”
“You know what, Bear? You’ve proven yourself to be a man of your word by turning this shipment into gold for me. Plus, I like you and Cecily. I have a good gut feeling about you two. I like seeing a man who isn’t afraid to bring his woman around. It speaks volumes.
Your woman says a lot about you. She says you’re loyal enough to love someone and you know who to trust and when to trust them. I wouldn’t have bothered with dinner otherwise.
I’m willing to give you access to my men if you need extra muscle to secure your other two connects. If you need help putting your father down…well, give me a call.”
“Absolutely, Tito. This shit is personal though.” My grip on Cecily’s thigh tightened as my jaw flexed rapidly.
“Once anyone threatens me, it becomes personal for Bear,” she said quietly, stroking the back of my hand under the table.
“As it should,” Tito agreed. “I understand tough decisions, Bear. I’ve had to make my own many times in this business.”
“How long have you been in business, Tito?” I quizzed out of sheer curiosity. He didn’t look to be much older than me. The way he carried himself and the way he longed for love told me he was older than me though.
“A couple of decades,” he grinned.
“Wait…what?” Cecily laughed. She was getting ready to say something else but the backdoor opened and Kareema waltzed in like someone summoned her. “Girl, I was going to call you before it was dessert time,” Cecily sighed.
“I can’t trust y’all. You’re in here having fun while I’m out there texting and watching TV. You might have forgotten about me.”
“I think that’s a hard thing to do, Kareema,” Tito said, motioning for her to have a seat beside him. Her ass was in the chair in no time.
“Your accent is gorgeous. Where are you from?”
“I’m from Botogá, Colombia. Your accent is beautiful as well. Are you from Louisiana?”
“Yup, born and raised.” I was glad I secured the deal before Kareema came back in because they couldn’t stop staring at each other. “How old are you? You look so young but I’m getting a cool older guy vibe from you.”
Tito’s laugh was hearty as he grabbed a glass and poured Kareema some champagne. It wasn’t like she needed any to loosen up. She didn’t have a shy bone in her body.
