Page 35 of Search My Soul (Taylor Family Saga #3)

“You do know we are in a room full of women. Someone is probably recording us right now and posting us on their story.” Soul’s face twisted into a frown, and it was the cutest thing I had ever seen.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean to me? I can’t kiss my woman in public?” The butterflies in my stomach started doing somersaults as I stood in front of him.

“I’m your woman?”

“I thought we already established that when I had you on all fours in my office,” he replied without hesitation.

“I-I don’t recall you asking. You bark out a lot of demands, but you don’t ask for anything.”

“You have another man or something? ’Cause we can stop by his crib and handle that before we go out to dinner.”

“What do you mean by handle that?”

“I don’t share what’s mine. You can take that however you want to take it.” Soul shrugged his shoulders as if he hadn’t made a threat to my imaginary boyfriend’s life.

“Well, lucky for you, no one else is trying to claim me. Too bad I can’t say the same thing about you. I’m sure you have a stable of bitches who are waiting patiently for their turn with the infamous Soul,” I retorted with a hint of jealousy in my tone.

“Let me explain something to you real quick, Juicy. I’m not a man who is easily moved by bitches or pussy for that matter.

Those two things have always been available to me in abundance, so I’ve never been pressed about it.

I can have any woman I want, but there has never been a woman who made me feel like I needed them until I met you.

“I’m not here to sell you a dream or make any promises I can’t make good on.

There might be a gang of bitches that want to be with me, but you’re the only one who has the option.

Well, you don’t have a choice because I’ve already decided that you’re mine, but you get the point. My focus is on you and you only.”

I was ashamed to admit how much the arrogance in his tone turned me on. I loved a man who stood on business and made their intentions clear. It wasn’t something I expected from a man like Soul, but I was learning that he had more layers than I even realized.

“You are a very interesting individual, Mr. Taylor.”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet, Juicy baby.” My coochie was beat boxing, but I refused to let him know that. As much as he made me smile, I was still on the fence as to whether I should let my guard down or not.

“Okay, boo. I’m ready for you.” Kartrea called out to me as she stepped behind the receptionist’s desk. Soul stood up and immediately took hold of my hand, making me smile once again. Kartrea’s eyes glanced between the two of us, and she nodded her head in silent approval.

“Alright, boo. Your total is $275.” I let go of Soul’s hand to open my purse, but he caught me off guard when he snatched it from my hand. Kartrea burst out laughing while I stood there confused.

“Hey, what was that for?”

“I hope you were opening your purse to grab your lipstick because I know damn well you weren’t about to pull your money out while I’m standing right here. I don’t even play like that, baby.”

“Oop. I know that’s right,” Kartrea interjected. She was enjoying this moment way too much. Soul reclaimed my hand before focusing his attention on Kartrea.

“Do you have an option for me to pay in advance? Like, if I give you some money, can you deduct the total per visit? If it’s too complicated, let me know. I just want to make sure she has credit on her account because I can already tell her ass won’t ask me for shit.”

“Yes, you can. Nee-nee’s a regular, so I can add the money to her profile. Do you want to use cash or credit?”

“I’ll use my card. You can pay for her hair today and then put five bands on her account. I’ll give you my information so you can let me know when she needs more money.”

“Don’t be too hard on my friend. She isn’t used to a man trying to take care of her.” Kartrea snickered while coming to my defense.

“Well, she better get used to the shit. Got me out here looking like a lame.” I stood there while he and Kartrea laughed and joked about me as if I wasn’t there.

“I can’t believe y’all are doing me like this. I’m not that bad.” I huffed, even though everything they said was true.

“I don’t care about you over there pouting.” Soul leaned down, pressing his lips against mine. He smirked when he pulled back because my lips were still poked out. I was slowly becoming addicted to his kisses.

“I never thought I would meet a man who could make my girl shut up. Just make sure you don’t break her heart because I love to fight,” she warned him.

“Naw, you ain’t gotta worry about her. I’mma take good care of her.

” Soul winked at me. We walked out of the shop hand in hand.

After my hair appointment, we went to the mall and then out to dinner.

Soul was charming without even trying, and I found myself growing more and more intrigued by him.

It wasn’t love, but the feelings were intense.

I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out, but I was excited to be along for the ride.