Page 79 of A Kingpin's Weakness
“I got you,” I said, leaning down to kiss her lips slow and deep, like I was pouring everything into that moment. Then I headed into the bathroom to run the water, letting the oversized tub fill while the soft glow of the resort lights bounced off the marble.
This tub was big as hell. Big enough for both of us. But I wasn’t gonna force that. I was on her timing. Always.
I adjusted the water to the perfect temp, threw in some of the fancy shit she liked lavender oil, rose petals, a little sea salt. I didn’t know much about bath rituals, but I paid attention when it came to Stormi. She didn’t have to ask for this kind of treatment. I wanted to give it to her.
“I swear you’re the best,” she said behind me, her voice floating into the room like a breeze.
I turned to see her standing in the doorway wearing just the resort robe. Skin glowing. Legs bare. That look in her eye like she still didn’t fully believe I was real. And I didn’t know what I’d done to deserve her.
“I’m gonna order food,” I said, leaning against the doorframe. “You want anything?”
“Just a fruit bowl... and wine.”
That made me chuckle a little inside. Of course she wanted fruit and wine. That’s why that pussy stay tasting like paradise. I didn’t say it out loud, but the thought lingered as I stepped out the bathroom and grabbed my swim trunks. I headed to the second bathroom to shower real quick, letting the hot water roll over me, trying to wash away the heaviness of the day my pops’ birthday, the memories, the weight of everything I never got to say to him.
Stormi had no idea how much peace she brought just by existing near me. By the time I was dry and dressed, I made the call for room service fruit bowl, wine, and a few extras I thought she’d like. I kept it light. She liked to snack, not feast.
I walked back into the room, and like clockwork, she was still soaking. Eyes closed, head leaned back, her curls pinned up with a clip. Legs stretched, one resting over the tub edge like she lived in luxury her whole life. Skin glistening, water hugging every inch of her.
I left the room and walked outside to the pool area to get some fresh air.
Ring! Ring!
“Hey, Ma,” I said, leaning back on the lounge chair outside by the pool, the sky starting to shift to that deep blue of evening.
“Hey, son. I was trying to reach you earlier.”
“We did a tour of the city today. Service was trash in those back alleys.”
“You and Stormi really enjoying yourselves, huh?”
I looked through the glass door at the bathroom where she was still soaking, probably half asleep. “Yeah, it’s a vacation we both needed.”
“I hope you not playing with that girl.”
“Ma,” I said, a little smile curling at the corner of my mouth. Here she go.
“I’m serious, Seth. That girl got a softness to her. She’s been through things. I can see it.”
“I know, Ma. I’m not playing.”
“You better not be. She the first woman I seen bring calm to you.”
Beep! Beep!
Another call came through. It was Rich.
“Mom, I’ma hit you back. It’s Rich calling.”
“Alright. Don’t forget to call me back, though.”
“I won’t,” I said, switching lines.
“My second godson been conceived yet?” Rich’s voice hit my ear, full of that usual sarcasm.
“Nigga,” I said, half-laughing, shaking my head. “You ignorant.”
“I’m playin’, I’m playin’. How’s vacation?”
