Page 132 of Imperial: The Corvidae Family
Baylyn shifted, peeking around me to look at Yair. “What about you? What’s your type?”
The playful energy shifted enough to make me glance at my brother.
“Honestly? I just want someone who gets me.”
His voice was lighter than usual but there was weight behind his words and something unspoken lingering. For a minute, none of us said anything.
Rachelle sensed the shift and refused to let the moment get too deep. She clapped her hands. “Well…lucky for y’all, I have range.”
Kades frowned. “What?”
Rachelle turned to him and grinned. “I can have sex with you and understand Yair. Two for one special.”
Baylyn choked on her drink. Yair swung his head toward her and the room was dead silent for two full seconds before the alcohol caught up to all of us and we lost it.
Yair was caught off guard and just stared at Rachelle. “Did you just?—”
“Yep.” She winked at him and he laughed, shaking his head.
Kades groaned. “This is the worst conversation I’ve ever been a part of.”
“She’s serious as hell too. So I agree,” Yair mumbled.
Rachelle shrugged. “I’m just saying. Win-win situation.”
Baylyn wiped the tears from her eyes from laughing. “You need help, friend.”
Rachelle lifted her glass. “Thank you. I try.”
The laughter died down and we started talking about the dumb things we did as kids and other random shit like whether pineapple belonged on pizza…it didn’t.
It was one of those rare nights where everything just clicked. No stress or outside bullshit. Just the right people and a little too much liquor, but a perfect vibe. This was our family and I fucked with it.
Epilogue
Baylyn
Six months and some change…
Vibe & Vision was officially a part of me. It had been six months since Emir handed me the keys to an event space that rivaled Tae’s. I had offices and an open concept layout I personally designed to fit my brand and more work than I could handle most days. Just like now, I was in the middle of one of the most extravagant birthday parties Crescent Falls had seen in a while, making sure every detail was perfect.
Gracie Barrett’s birthday was a full blown production. The backyard had been transformed into a high fashion runway with white and gold seating lining both sides of a long stage. Tallfloral arrangements stood at the edges with twinkling lights weaved overhead, adding to the over-the-top feel.
Looks by O’ni had the girls decked out in custom outfits which were stylish and age appropriate, fit for a runway. Glam on the Go took care of their makeup, keeping it playful and fun with shimmers and light glosses.
Gracie looked like a star with her fresh silk press brushing her shoulders. She was currently in a golden dress that flowed as she twirled in front of the cameras. I made sure to have a paparazzi set up. Her father offered an open ended budget to make it fabulous so I did not disappoint.
I loved how Sol stepped in with Gracie, raising her as his own. He never made a distinction between her being adopted or his blood. Gracie was his. Period. And from the way she clung to his side every chance she got, it was clear the feeling was mutual. Tonight his baby girl had whatever her heart desired.
Music played softly through the sound system and the girls were inside, finishing up their glam, while the parents and guests mingled, drinking virgin cocktails and catching up. Cami was here somewhere, making sure the social media coverage was flawless.
I almost died when she asked Tae if it would be okay for her to work with me instead of staying with Haute but Tae didn’t care. She had already assumed Cami would make that decision because we were close. I was just grateful the decision didn’t create tension but Tae was chill and understood.
Cami also trained her replacement; so that helped. I had a few other assistants here tonight handling the schedule, but the bulk of tonight was all me. So I was constantly moving, checking the seating arrangements, making sure the catering was flowing, and adjusting last-minute details to make sure everything was seamless.
And I felthim.
Emir’s presence was impossible to ignore. Even in a space filled with such big names and egos like Sol’s industry people and Crescent Falls’ money and power, my man stood out.
