Page 266 of Invisible Bars
He nodded in agreement, understanding my feelings.
“Well, if we do this, where they gon’ stay in the meantime? Especially since yo’ sister already said she's not trying to go back.”
I sighed heavily, rubbing the back of my neck in frustration.
“Amaka can stay here; that won’t be an issue. But as f-for my parents?” I bit my lip, feeling the tension build. “T-they can’t stay here. I don’t mind covering the hotel cost until the house is done, but…”
My voice trailed off, leaving an unspoken burden dangling in the air. My fingers toyed nervously with his ear.
“But what?” Imanio asked, brows raised slightly in curiosity.
“It… it wouldn’t be my money.”
My shoulders rolled hard, twice, like I was trying to shrug off a lie.
“Dirty dollars don’t buy peace!”
I clenched my jaw and dug my nails into my palm, grounding myself.
“Naji, stop that shit… and I’m not talking about your tics. I’m yo’ husband. The money you’re stressing over? I don’t wanna saychump change‘cause that sounds arrogant, but let’s just call it what it is—light workto me. I know the owner of that hotel. He actually owes me. So I can get it extended for next to nothing. It’s done.”
“Th-thank you.”
“I got you. And while we’re on the subject… Naji, don’t ever be scared to spendourmoney. You’re my wife,” he said, his tone firmer now, but still warm.
“What’s mine isyours.You got my card… run that shit up. It’ll be replaced by the next morning. I promise you that.”
I chuckled, leaning into the moment.
“After what h-happened at the restaurant, I’ll take cash.”
He brushed a hand down my arm.
“Fair enough. But what if I give you yourowncard? Your name. Your limit—unlimited.”
“Even better.”
Imanio leaned in, close enough that his words grazed my skin.
“Next time you hesitate, remind yourself who you married. I take care of what’s mine.”
I tilted my head, smirked, and replied, “So do I,” as my hand slid down between us—bold and unbothered—finding exactly what I was looking for.
So many changes were coming, and I couldfeel the excitement mixed with apprehension.
My sister, someone I never anticipated forging a close connection with, was set to come stay with us. As for me, I was still adjusting to the reality of beinglovedso loudly… so fiercely. I was also confronted with elements of my past that I had always believed were long buried, waiting silently in the shadows.
I was no longer the timid girl I once was—hesitant and fearful of change. The prospect of facing those fresh realities no longer paralyzed me; instead, it invigorated me. I welcomed the uncertainty with open arms, ready to explore the beautiful chaos that lay ahead.
Chapter Forty-Four
IMANIO “GATEZ”
“Say, bro. You won’t believe who’s in the club,” Chi said in a low whisper over the phone.
“Who?”
“Aaliyah’s cousin Sasha. So you know Aaliyah’s ass ain’t too far behind.”
