Page 21 of His to Have
“Yeah, I know. And this is what’s so concerning. He coordinated the timing, location, payment... everything. But the money didn’t come directly from Roland. This transfer came from an unknown source. I can find out, just need more time to trace the transaction.”
Isabella leaned forward slightly, her interest suddenly piqued. “I can handle the financial tracing if you want. I’ve got connections with some of the offshore banks. That might speed things up.”
“Nah. Sophia’s got it handled.” I shut that down immediately. “If she needs your contacts, she’ll ask,” I told her flatly.
Isabella’s smile didn’t fade, but something flickered behind her eyes. “Of course. Just thought I could help move things along faster.”
“Well,” Gianni said, leaning back. “I’ve given you everything I know and delivered you the key piece of the puzzle. Roland’s in Tommy’s trunk outside whenever you’re ready for him. Consider this a gift.”
I stood, extending my hand to Gianni. “Appreciate this.”
Isabella rose as well, running her hand down the length of her tennis skirt. “Teo, before you head back to Atlanta...” She paused, her tone carefully casual. “I know you said Sophia’s handling the financial tracing, but if you need someone on the ground there to coordinate with your people, I could—”
“I’m good,” I cut her off. “Got everything I need.” I told her as I headed for the door.
She nodded, but I caught the way her jaw tightened slightly. Isabella was looking for reasons to attach herself to me in anyway, and that was a complication I didn’t want or need.
“Rocco will stay with you Soph, I’ll hit you tomorrow.”
With that I left to get some answers, only Roland’s punk ass could answer.
six
Ayanna
The night had been restless. Between dealing with Corey’s back to back calls all night and thinking about Teo coming to see me, I hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep. And to be honest, I didn’t know which one of my dilemmas was worse— my ex-boyfriend throwing tantrums like an adolescent, or Teo. That’s exactly why I’d dragged myself to my bestie’s morning yoga class, hoping to find some peace before the storm.
“Stay in this moment,” Tasha whispered quietly, bringing my focus back to the classroom and back to the familiar comfort of child’s pose.
I let my forehead rest gently on the mat and took a deep breath. My arms rested comfortably by my sides as I tried to clear my mind of the chaos outside.
“Be here fully,” she said. “Free yourself from daily distractions and reconnect with the natural world around you.”
It all sounded good. Easy even. But I was struggling this morning. Even as she guided us through a series of gentlestretches meant for relaxation, my mind kept drifting back to what my new life would look like. Questioning how things would change for me, or if I would even enjoy it.
Would Teo and I get along as a married couple? Has he even committed to anyone?
Not that I was aware of. I mean, I knew he wasn’t celibate, or anything like that, I would have to be a fool to think he’s been sitting around not having sex. But I did wonder if he had someone he regularly dealt with. I’d never seen it, and maybe that was intentional on his part, but that was something I wanted clarity on. Especially after hearing the mystery woman in the background last night. She seemed to know him well.
I sighed, exhaling a long breath. Yoga this morning was supposed to help me find my calm, but at the moment it wasn’t doing a damn thing. It was only freeing space in my mind to dwell on more uncertainties.
As the class continued, I tried to push these thoughts aside, reminding myself that answers would come in time. If anything, Teo was a man of his word. I would see him today... whether I wanted to or not.
But who was I kidding? I wanted to see him.
“Lord, help me,” I mumbled to myself, twisting my body into a different pose.
“Focus on your breath,” Tasha’s gentle command cut through my thoughts. “Let the gentle aroma of lavender fill your senses. Let it guide you toward tranquility.”
What she was asking was easier said than done.Anytime I thought I was making progress, my mind said — nope.
Bitch, you are about to marry Teo — Fine, sexy ass, Teo.Domineering, crazy ass, Teo.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, willing myself to concentrate on Tasha’s instructions. Anything to stop my mind from wandering into places it had no business going. Like,what was grown-man Teo like in bed? Would we still have that chemistry from that night? Would it be better? Could he make me cum on command?
These were all the questions I’d successfully avoided asking over the years, but now knowing he was my future, my mind ran rampant.
Ugh! Focus, Ayanna. Just for a few minutes, please. Clear mind, clear mind.
