Page 34 of Search My Soul (Taylor Family Saga #3)

The sound of my bills running through the money counter was music to my ears.

Last night was a good night, and I could tell by the stacks of bills that I made at least six bands, which was cool for a weekday.

I smoked my blunt as I scrolled through videos my cousin Peaches sent me from a party her and her twin sister, Passion, went to.

It looked like it was lit, and I hated that I missed it, but the money was calling.

My phone rang, and it was a video call from her. I answered, then propped my phone up so I could finish my count.

“What’s up, fav!” I smiled into the phone as I wrapped another stack with a rubber band.

I’ve been meaning to go to the bank so I could finally set up an account, but I’ve been so busy lately.

At some point, I needed to go ahead and take care of it because I had too much money sitting around my apartment.

The neighborhood I lived in was decent, but you never knew who may be watching you.

“What’s up, fav! Girl, when I tell you that party was everything! I can’t even make it up. Luxx the rapper made a guest appearance and Sagon Riley. It should be a crime for men to be that fine. I wish I would have worn some panties because I would have thrown them at them.”

“Peach, please get your life together. They probably would have thrown you out of the party.” I giggled when she shrugged in the camera.

“It would have been worth it. I’m so mad you weren’t there.

They had some strippers there, and they looked like someone picked them up from the swap meet.

The wigs were stiffer than a sugar daddy on Viagra, and the BBLs were botched.

Kwame gave me some money to throw, but I tucked that shit right in my purse. ”

“Cousin, you ain’t right. You’re supposed to throw the money.

They might have needed that money for their rent or something.

” I reasoned. This was a hot topic at the club because men would bring their girls to the club, and they acted like they didn’t want to throw the money.

I rarely went to strip clubs unless I was on vacation, but I loved throwing money at the dancers.

“By the looks of it, they probably stay at the trap house.” She scoffed. When I looked at the clock, I realized I only had forty minutes to get dressed for my hair appointment. My wig looked good, but I wanted to switch it up to something different.

“You are a mess. Speaking of parties, how are things coming with the party planning?” The twins were planning a birthday party, and I had already made plans to attend.

It was going to be one of the biggest parties of the century, plus they were some of the few family members who hung around outside of my dad’s family, who lived in Virginia.

My aunts and cousins on that side would visit occasionally.

“It’s all coming together. All of the vendors have been paid, and the caterer is a beast in the kitchen. We had an appointment to sample the food, and it was the bomb. I’m telling you this party is about to be one for the books.”

“I know that’s right. Well, I can’t wait to turn up with y’all. I’m getting my outfit custom made because I’ll be damned if I step on the scene and another bitch has my outfit on!” I exclaimed.

“Exactly. We ended up getting three outfits designed. One for our entrance, one for the actual party, and one for the after-hours spot. Y’all better rest up because we are about to be up all night and into the morning!” Peaches yelled excitedly with her hands in the air.

“You deserve it.” We continued to talk while I got ready for my appointment. I heard the sound of a knock on the door and wondered who it could be. When I checked my phone, there were no missed calls or messages.

“Hold on, cousin. Someone is at my door. I’m gonna call you back later.

” My face was twisted up into a frown until I checked the peephole.

The smile came before I even realized it.

I never gave this man my address, yet he was standing at my door at eleven in the morning, as if he had an invitation.

Pulling the door open, I came face to face with the star of all my dreams and nightmares.

“Are you a stalker now?”

“I can’t stalk what’s mine. I like to think of it as checking on my investments.” The cocky smirk on his face made my nipples harden. This man made me feel things that were out of the ordinary for me, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

“Real smooth, but you’re still a creep. I never gave you my address.”

“And? I’ve had it for a while, but I wasn’t sure if I should use it after the way you played me.” I giggled, but Soul must not have found it funny.

“Oh, my bad. To be fair, I heard that you usually kick bitches out of your place, so I made sure to get the fuck out before you got the chance to embarrass me.” He smirked again as he stepped into my space.

“Where are you about to go?” His eyes raked over my outfit. I had on a pink two-piece short set from one of my favorite boutiques.

“I have a hair appointment, then I have a few errands to run.”

“What time is your appointment?”

“Eleven forty five. I was just about to head out before you popped up unannounced. You might now want to do that because I could have had a nigga in here or something.” His eyes turned into slits as he stared me down.

“Naw, you ain’t crazy. I know you wouldn’t want to have someone’s blood on your hands like that.” His threats turned me on, and I realized I was already in too deep.

“The fact that you said that with a straight face is crazy. You still haven’t told me what you’re doing here.”

“I wanted to spend some time with my woman.” I gulped but played it off with a laugh.

“You’re still running with this, huh?” I questioned with my arms folded across my chest.

“I meant what I said at the shop. I don’t know why you thought I was playing around.” There wasn’t a hint of a smile on his face, and I instantly grew nervous.

“What do you even know about having a girlfriend? I’m not some stupid bitch that you can parade around while you fuck every bitch in the city.

I have standards and expectations in a relationship, and I’m not gonna let you play with me or embarrass me.

” Men like Soul were dangerous. Not only because of his lifestyle, but because of the power that came with a man like him.

Women were ready and willing to throw their morals to the side for a minute of his attention.

The last thing I had time for was to be fighting bitches over a man that was supposed to be mine.

I’ve been there, done that, and could write the book on it.

His family’s name carried a lot of weight in our city, and indeed, the whole state.

I refused to let my feelings get hurt and be embarrassed publicly.

“You’re talking to me like I’m some young nigga with a gang of baby mommas and no self-control. I ain’t no fucking cheater or none of that. I rotated bitches because I was a single nigga doing single nigga shit. You can’t hold that against me.”

“What makes you think you’re ready for a relationship?

I mean, you’ve been a bachelor this whole time with all the freedom in the world.

Why are you trying to tie yourself down?

” I probed. Everything about this man scared me, and I could admit it made me leery.

I refused to get my heart involved only to end up hurt in the end.

Because then I would have to beat his ass, and I’m sure his family wouldn’t be too happy about that.

“What do you want me to say? Shit, this is all new to me. I wasn’t even looking for a relationship until you came along. I don’t have a clue what I’m doing, but what I do know is that I want you. All of you, and I don’t want anyone else to have access to you.”

“What about you? Am I gonna be the only person who has access to you?”

“Of course. Like I said, I don’t cheat. Besides, now that I’ve slid in that pussy raw, we’re basically married, so I’m not gonna fuck that up.” We both laughed even though I believed he was serious.

“I guess we’ll have to play it by ear. I need to get to my appointment?—”

“Let’s go.” Soul held his keys up, which caught me off guard.

“Umm, what do you mean?”

“I told you I want to spend time with you, so I guess I’ll be tagging along while you run your errands. We’re taking my car though. My tints are better, and my shit bulletproof.” I wanted to ask why he needed a bulletproof car but decided to save that question for another day.

“Alright, boo. Let me get my other client from under the dryer, and I’ll check you out.

” My hairstylist, Kartrea, announced once I stood up from the chair.

Baby girl was the best in the business, so whenever I could get into her chair, I did.

I decided to get a quick weave with layers and barrel curls.

My hair was thick and flowing down the middle of my back.

“You like it?” I shook and flipped my hair in front of Soul. I still couldn’t believe he sat in the salon while I got my hair done. The women were whispering like crazy, but every time I glanced over in his direction, he was staring at me. He made me feel nervous and giddy, and I wasn’t used to it.

“You look perfect. Now, turn around for me one more time. I need to get the full view.” I rolled my eyes as he winked at me. Soul had this aura about him that was intoxicating. Even when I tried to play it cool, my smile would betray me.

“Come’re.” He gestured for me to come closer to him.

I almost forgot we were still in the shop as I stepped between his legs as he sat in a chair.

His hands gripped the back of my legs, and I could feel them begin to travel up toward my booty.

Mannish ass. “Gimme those lips.” Clearly asking wasn’t in his vocabulary, but I didn’t mind.