CHAPTER 14

JABARI

If there was anything I loved doing much aside from being a free bird, it was cooking. When I was younger, I usually stayed by my mum’s side in the kitchen. I loved the fact that her meals were always perfect, and as a result, I developed an interest in cooking.

I could have ordered food since I have no chef at home but I decided to cook, not to impress anyone in particular though. After cooking, I took a cold bath, calming my introspections. I thought of what I would wear but honestly, my closet was ninety per cent full of black, pressed attires. I stood in front of the mirror in my briefs as I put on a long-sleeve shirt, slowly I buttoned the shirt up. After adjusting the collar, I reached for my pants and wore that as well, tucking in to get the perfect, decent look.

I checked the time on my wristwatch when I walked into the next room where my shoes were kept. “She will be here soon,” I said to myself before finally exiting the living room. A quarter past seven pm, Marion, my trusted chauffeur, was at the front door with Morgan. Instantly, I walked to them.

She looked stunning, there was no way that was a lie. I stared at how boldly she stood before me, not flinching. She wore a thin, strapped, white silk dress that stopped mid-thigh. Her outfit accentuated her curves nicely. My eyes were glued to her pleasant countenance until she cleared her throat out loud and spoke.

“Let’s get this over and done with, Jabari.” She spoke, making me take my eyes off her.

“Let's eat first,” I suggested and led us to the dining area where food was already served. I pulled out a seat so she could sit.

“Thank you,” she spoke in a small voice. Opposite her, I took my seat as well.

“I hope you like what I made,” I said as I passed a bowl of chicken cordon bleu. “A dish that always impresses guests.”

“You, you made this?” She asked puzzled.

“Of course. I prefer to cook rather than have others do it for me.”

“That's quite impressive.”

“Well thank you.”

We ate in silence, a comfortable silence. She must have felt me staring because she paused her eating and looked directly at me, her cheeks tinting red at my still gaze.

“What do you want from me, Jabari?”

I cleared my throat while getting up, her eyes reaching my height that was hovering over her. I walked over to her, pulled her seat behind me, and helped her up on her feet.

She looked confused.

“I want something you also want,” my words trailed off.

She asked, “And what is it that you want?”

“Simple— I want a no-strings-attached relationship with you.” I let the words come out with ease.

The next thing I did not see coming was her reply.

She gave a humourless laugh at first and then looked back at me with a hard stare.

She crossed her arms over her chest, making her breasts come up a bit.

“What do you take me for, Jabari?” My brows unintentionally raised her question. “How do you see me? Do I look needy for your money and your body?”

I stared at her without saying a word, allowing her to finish.

“You don't just walk into my life, tell me to be a private dancer for you, then go ahead and tell me to quit my job, and then, let me come here, for you to tell me to be in a no-strings-attached relationship with you. I decide whom I want to move with. And besides, there are so many women out there, why are you hell-bent on having me?” She asked

“As I said earlier, you’re mine. Do I need to prove that to you?” I asked in my deepest voice, pulling her by the waist to me in a quick reflex, which had her bumping into me. She let out a little gasp, looking into my eyes. “So, are you going to say yes or no?” I teased her skin by running my fingers on it. She tried to stand still but I could feel her legs wobble a little.

Finally, after a few seconds, she slowly pushed me away from her.

“I choose whomever I wanna have a no-strings-attached relationship with, didn't you hear me the first time I said it? You don't get to tell me what to do, am I understood?”

“Perfect!” I muttered. “You are just perfect for me. I love that attitude and this is why you won’t get to choose anyone but me.”

“You are a psychopath, Jabari,” she spoke through gritted teeth.

“Trust me, baby girl, you wouldn't want to know what this psychopath can do to you,” I replied to her. Me being too serious for her liking, she moved back and I could tell she was having a battle in her head by her facial expressions. What a lovely sight to see. It's not always you get to see a real pretty lady who wears little to no makeup

“Are you done thinking about it?” I asked nonchalantly and she immediately looked at me.

“I am not going to agree to this flakey request of yours.”

“This is not flakey, it's very normal and common, and it is no more a request.” Without warning, I pressed my lips against hers, and that little puff she did gave me the chance to take her tongue in mine. I expected to be pushed away but she didn't do that, instead, she kissed back hungrily after regaining her composure.

“You and I know there's always a sexual tension between us, tell me I'm wrong.” I moved back and rhetorically asked. “Our desires seem to rise every time we're close. You know it, too.”

She said nothing.

“I am attracted to intelligent women, women who are smart and know their left from their right, and you happen to be just that kind.” I tucked a strand of hair on her face behind her ears, “Think about what I have said.”

“Well, thank you for explaining yourself to me. If you're done, I would like to go home now.”

I stared at her and she stared back, not even flinching.

“You do realize you can't leave this place, right? You're in my territory, Ms. June and you can only leave if I say so.”

“Ugh!” She growled. “Bari, I can not deal with this thing you're doing right now. Would you let me leave already?” She asked but I just gave a half smile and said, “Let me drive you home.”

“No, thank you. I will order a ride.”

“Suit yourself, then. It's either I take you home, or you don’t leave at all.”

She sighed and unfolded her arms which were folded earlier and replied, “Fine. Take me home.”

The night was a beautiful one. The ride was quiet and the music in the car was calm, creating some kind of romantic ambience I guess. When I finally pulled up in front of her apartment, I turned her face to mine and kissed her one last time.

“What was that for?” She asked.

“That was for a good night's sleep and for being a good girl tonight.”

“Unbelievable,” she shook her head and got out of the car. I didn’t drive until I watched her go inside before I drove back to my house. My mind abruptly drifted off to Morgan again like she was not with me some hours ago. I couldn't stop picturing her in the outfit she wore to my house, and I can't tell the number of times I undressed her with my eyes, wanting nothing but to be buried deep inside of her, but they were all just thoughts that got me hard and at the end, I had to hit the shower again.