Page 44 of Emani's Way

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The meeting with the Dalonzo’s went better than expected, and in no time at all, I will be able to pinpoint exactly who tried to betray us and when it all started. But for now, I have to pretend that I don’t know shit is going on. It will be hard for me because I’m a revenge now kinda guy, but I guess it’s like they say: revenge is better served cold.

I’ve been mulling over everything Cameron told me all day. Even with reassurance from Niro that he would get answers ASAP, my gut is turning. However, when I pull up to Emani’s house, I switch my thoughts about work off so I can give her my full attention.

Before I can get out of my car, my phone buzzes with a message.

Niro: I have what you need.

Me: Excellent. Jump drive?

Niro: Encoded one.

Me: I’ll pick it up later tonight.

Niro: Fantasy @ 10.

Me: k

Niro got the information way faster than I expected, but I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s a reason that I go to him before I even go to my security. I have pleaded with this man to start a security company, but he says he doesn’t want the headache.

He might as well start a company. Hell, he does so much for us that he might as well be on our payroll. But Niro likes to be paid in favors. I’m just glad that he’s not a lunatic like his cousins, although he does have his moments.Must be a family trait.

I make my way to Emani’s front door and ring the doorbell. I hear a rustling sound before she opens the door with a beautiful smile gracing her face.

“Hey there, Santa.” She pulls me inside with a playful giggle.

“Santa?” I quirk my brow at her.

“Yeah, you sent the beautiful gown and shoes for the gala, right? A girl loves to get unexpected gifts.”

“I’m glad you like the dress, gorgeous. But I thought you were calling me Santa ‘cause I’m a white man with a beard.”

Emani’s giggles turn into a full belly laugh. “No, silly. Besides, Santa was black at our house.”

I chuckle and pull her gorgeous ass in for a kiss. I love the way her plump, soft lips feel against mine. I could kiss this woman for the rest of eternity and still not be satisfied.

“Come on in. Dinner is ready.” Emani walks toward her dining room where there’s a steaming hot meal ready.

The fact that this woman worked all day and still wanted to fix me a home cooked meal makes me love her even more than I already do. Emani is a nurturer, and her sweet nature is so welcoming that I love coming home to her. It’s one of the reasons I wanted her to continue staying with me. I miss her face when she’s not there. I missed her not being in my bed, so being without her lasted all of a week before I showed up at her door.

Now, we take turns staying at one another’s house. I would ask her to move in with me, but I know she’s not the shacking up kind of woman, and I respect that. I also know she’s not ready for marriage, but as soon as I get an inkling that she’s ready, I’ll be dragging her ass to the altar.

“I have to go out later to meet Niro, but I’ll be back to tuck you in.” I smile at Emani as she finishes plating the food.

“Okay. You know, if you have something to do, you don’t have to come back,” she says, sitting down.

“No, ma’am. I will not miss the chance to have you in my arms.”

Emani’s smile gets brighter, and she blushes. “Okay, I’ll give you a key. You already know the code.”

I nod because exchanging keys gets us another step closer to moving in together. “So, how are classes going?” I ask between bites of smothered pork chops.

The meat is so tender it melts in my mouth. It’s one of my favorite dishes that my Mama made, and now that I’ve had Emani’s, I won’t have to beg her to fix it for me anymore.

“They’re going okay. But I’m definitely looking forward to Christmas break.”

“Speaking of… how would you like to take a little getaway over your break?”