Chapter 17 Jariyah
It’s Saturday morning, and I’m lying in bed mindlessly watching TV. My attention moves from the TV to the pillow beside me where my phone is. I pick it up and smile when I see Righteous’s name along with a new message.
Righteous:
Tonight, I need you to put on your ‘mayor’s’ best. I’ll be at your spot at six-fifteen.
I have been home and in my own bed all week.
Initially, I didn’t mind Righteous’s desire to keep me underfoot, but with the threats no longer a risk, I was safe to leave.
So, I left the cozy warmth of my man’s arms and house to return to my place.
At first, I felt uncomfortable because I knew Mom’s spies were lurking.
But then I remembered that she disowned me, and I haven’t heard a peep from her since.
It feels great to not have to worry about Mom’s heavy thumb or influence.
I feel free to be me for the first time since I became an adult.
My doorbell rings, and my brows hike because it’s too early for Righteous, and I’m not expecting any visitors.
I ease out of bed and slip into my robe and slippers, before I exit my room for the front door.
I rise to my tiptoes to look through the peephole, and a wide smile forms as I quickly unlock the door and pull it open.
“Good morning, baby girl,” Dad says.
Tears instantly fall from my eyes when I see his wide smile before he pulls me into his body. While Mom and I have always had our differences, Dad has been my champion. Not talking to him has been the most challenging part of the separation between Mom and me.
“I missed you,” I whimper.
“I had to give the old ball and chain time to cool off. You know, happy wife or however that mess goes.”
“I know, and I’m not mad at you for standing by your woman.”
Dad is the most nonchalant man I know, and I know he loves his wife. I knew eventually he and I would connect, but I didn’t know when or how. When Mom digs her heels in, she becomes a brick wall. So, I’m sure she’s been giving Dad pure hell.
“I don’t care what’s going on between you and your mother; I’ll never abandon you. I’ve told her repeatedly to let you live your life as you see fit.”
A sigh slips from my lips as I step out of Dad’s embrace as he fully enters my apartment and secures the door. Then we move to the living room and sit side by side on the couch.
“I’m sorry if it’s been rough for you. But thank you for always advocating for me.”
“It’s my job. But who is this rascal your mother said you’ve been ducking and dodging gutters with?” The lopsided grin he wears only slightly lightens his intense eyes.
Oops! Maybe this is what brought Dad to my front door.
“I’m in love, and it’s crazy because I didn’t see it coming. But he’s everything I need. When I think about how he protects me, loves me, and comforts me, I can’t help but think he reminds me of you.”
“Hm. Then make sure he and I have an introduction if things are gonna become permanent.”
“I will.”
Dad and I spend some time getting caught up on things in the world of the mayor’s husband.
Thankfully, the discussion doesn’t venture too deep into mine after I give him some high-level details about Righteous.
Some things are meant to be left unsaid, and I definitely don’t want to discuss any sensitive information about Righteous or Baxtown Iron.
After Dad leaves, I go through my closet to pick something to wear.
Once that is done, time seems to fly, and before long, I am dressed and waiting for Righteous.
My heart races, and a giddy smile forms when my doorbell rings thirty minutes later.
There’s something about having on elegant attire with a killer pair of heels in anticipation of being with my man that adds an extra sexy sway to my hips.
My hands tremble slightly as I unlock my door and pull it open.
My mouth drops, and my pearl moistens when my eyes connect with Righteous.
Righteous is in a burgundy suit jacket, a white tuxedo shirt, a black bow tie, black slacks, and black shoes.
The silver watch on his right wrist glistens like a chandelier.
His full beard is pristine, and his hair is braided back into a man bun that rests at the back of his head.
“Damn,” tumbles from my mouth the longer I stare at the sexy package of my man.
“Touché, Navae.” Righteous smirks. His eyes shine with merriment and admiration, increasing my body heat.
Tonight, I’m thankful that I chose to wear black because Righteous and I will definitely complement each other.
My dress is a one-shoulder, wrapped, glitter design that molds perfectly to my body and gives a peekaboo effect to my breasts.
I also chose to wear a pair of open-toe heels with an ankle strap.
Even with the extra height, I only come to Righteous’s chest.
“Come on before you have us fucking up my plans for the night.”
I grin before going inside long enough to grab my clutch and keys. When I’m on the outside of my apartment, Righteous takes my keys and locks the front door. Then he interlocks our hands before we walk to the elevator.
“Just in case I forget later, I had a great time tonight. Thank you,” I say when we enter the elevator a minute later.
“You deserve this shit.” My pulse races when Righteous lifts my hand and places a light kiss on it.
A giddy sensation flows through my body when Righteous leads me off the elevator and out the front doors, where a limo awaits.
“Oh. You’re bringing out the big guns, huh?”
“This is nothing but a glimpse of what I can do.”
Righteous opens the back door of the limo and waits while I scoot inside without giving anyone a glimpse of my goodies.
“Where are we going?”
“Somewhere that’s up your alley. How was your day?”
“Pretty boring. But my dad came by, and it was good to see him. I wasn’t sure how long he would let Mom keep him away.” My chest tightens with those words because Mom can dig her heels in and not budge or change her mind.
“That’s what’s up. I’m glad he isn’t a thongs-wearing nigga.”
“What?” I giggle.
“You know the type, where the wife wears the pants in the relationship. I can’t respect that shit, because a man should always be a man.”
All I can do is nod my agreement because soft men are the reason we’re here right now. I want and need a man who has a little bass in their voice and hardness in their delivery. Like, tell me to shut the fuck up sometime.
“What have you been doing today?”
“Preparing to blow your mind.” A mischievous grin slides into place, and I nod as my heart leaps.
Merriment fills me, and anticipation settles within my bones because I have a feeling that this will be a night I won’t soon forget.
“I’ll be looking forward to it. By the way, you’re wearing the hell out of that suit. I would have never imagined you owned anything like it.”
I shake my right hand like it burns as I give Righteous another once-over while I appreciate all of him.
“Don’t sleep on your man, Navae. I’m full of surprises.” Righteous winks, and my pearl stands to give him a high-five that causes me to clench my legs.
Thanks to my distraction with Righteous’s attire and body, the ride to our destination feels quick.
When the limo comes to a stop, I fight the urge to bite my bottom lip.
I’m not sure why I suddenly feel anxious, but the jitters in my stomach have me momentarily out of sorts.
Righteous is none the wiser as he opens the door and exits the limo before he extends his hand to assist me.
“Ooh. I’ve always wanted to come here,” I utter when I’m out of the vehicle and see where we are.
We’re at Mhm, Taste & See, which is a relatively new steakhouse in Kaigood, Ohio. I have been seeing rave reviews online for the establishment for months but haven’t had a chance to come see what the hype is about. Kaigood is a neighboring city, only thirty minutes from Ribax.
“Good. I want to be who you experience all of your firsts with.” Righteous connects our hands and leads us to the front entrance. “Good evening. Reservation for Redmond, please,” Righteous greets once we’re inside and at the hostess booth.
I lose track of the exchange between Righteous and the hostess as my eyes bounce around the interior.
Whoever the owners hired to design and decorate this restaurant did a great job.
The style is a cross between modern and classic.
There’s a mix of warm, orangish-red colors, and black.
It gives off a sexy yet intimate vibe that I assume Righteous was going for.
“Right this way,” I hear before Righteous lightly squeezes my hand to gain my attention, and he leads me behind the hostess.
My forehead wrinkles as we continue our journey past many available tables before we enter what appears to be a side kitchen of sorts.
“Your server and Chef McQueen will be with you shortly,” the hostess says before she leaves the room.
My eyes shift from the closed door to Righteous, whose warm brown eyes are already on me.
“Why are we in here? I feel like we got in trouble and had to go to detention.”
Righteous chuckles lowly before he releases my hand and pulls out the first available chair for me to take a seat.
“I see your ass has been a problem your whole life. This is the best seat in the house. We’re about to have the chef provide us with a tasting menu that most don’t receive the opportunity to experience.”
My mouth drops, and my eyes blink excessively as I process Righteous’s words. I have been to many fancy dinners and events, but this will be my first chef’s tasting. Before I can reply, the door opens, and an older black man enters the room.
“Good evening. My name is Jeffrey, and I’ll be assisting with tonight’s meal. Can I get you anything from the bar?”
Well, damn! I’m impressed already.
Righteous nudges me, and I mentally shake myself before I order a glass of wine. Righteous shocks me when he requests the same. If I didn’t know I loved Righteous before, I certainly do now. He’s already showing me the best of whatever world he’s in. I feel like I’ve won the jackpot more than ever.
“Howdy, folks. It’s about time you pulled yourself away long enough to make your way to our fine establishment, Chayse.” A black man with a white coat and chef’s hat walks through a door in front of where we sit.
My pulse races at the knowledge of him knowing Righteous by his first name as I sit stunned in my seat.
“This is the first time I’ve had a reason to.
Let me introduce you to my forever.” When Righteous’s humorous eyes land on me, all I can see are stars and hear wedding bells.
“Navae, this is Chef McQueen. He and I have similar track star vibes since we’re both running from our pastor’s spiritual influences. ”
Chef McQueen laughs heartily before Righteous goes through the motion of introducing him to me.
“Bro, Jariyah is the one who forced me to take women seriously. She’s supposed to be forbidden fruit, but even Adam fell for the okey doke after experiencing temptation.”
Righteous, Chef McQueen, and I laugh at his words just as Jeffrey returns with our drinks. Seconds later, Chef McQueen gets down to business, and my stomach rumbles like a newborn who’s slept for three hours.
“A chef and a motorcycle club member who owns a diner . . . How can your parents be disappointed with those accomplishments?” I whisper so only Righteous can hear.
“Easy. Our fathers want us to take over when they retire. The problem for me is that Big Homie and I are cool. But He ain’t never been forgiving of my inability to stop snatching lives as I see fit. I ain’t a hypocrite, so Ribax is home instead of Columbus, where my parents reside.”
“Oh.”
What can I say to that, especially when I, too, have recently snatched a life?
Conversation takes a back seat when the chef sets a small plate of some type of risotto in front of us.
“Let’s give thanks before you cause us both to suffer the consequences of not doing so,” Righteous says before I have a chance to pick up my fork. He quickly prays over our meal, and the minute he’s done, I pick up my fork and dig in.
“Mm.” I moan when the risotto melts in my mouth.
“Don’t do that shit unless you want me to fuck you on this table.” Righteous’s voice is deep and husky as I turn to see the desire in his darkened yet heavy gaze.
While sex can definitely be on the menu, I nod before I continue to eat while attempting to contain my enjoyment. The evening continues with more of the same, and I realize when we get to dessert that I’m seconds away from asking Righteous to roll me out of here.
“Whew. Everything has been so good,” I gush.
“Only the best for the woman who is my best.” Righteous winks.
Chef McQueen sets a bento box before us, and my smile could light up the entire room when I see the contents. There are several chocolate-covered strawberries, a miniature crème br?lée, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
“Thank you for dining with us tonight. I hope to see you again soon,” Chef McQueen says as he bows before extending his hand toward me.
“Thank you,” I say.
“Don’t let too much time pass before I see you again, Chayse,” Chef McQueen says as the two men do some type of handshake before the chef leaves the room.
“Are you ready to shut it down for the night, or do you want to stick with your man a little while longer?” Righteous asks a second after.
“I’m sticking with my man.”
“Say less. Let’s finish this dessert and get out of here.”
It takes us no time to finish our bento box before we return to the limo and are on our way to the next stop on Righteous’s agenda.
When Righteous’s hand meets my exposed thigh, a high I could never pay enough for surges through my body.
Hell, Righteous could be taking me to a land mine, and I would follow him without hesitation.
I turn to look at Righteous, and he speaks before I’m able to utter a word.
“Tonight, I wanted you to experience something other than the chaos that sometimes is my world. I wanted to create another memory for you because it’s what I plan to add to our lives.
I want you to know that choosing me will never cost you anything.
I’m a man with many layers. This one is for your eyes only. ” Righteous winks.
A lone tear slips from the corner of my eye, and Righteous catches it before he gently wipes it away.
While I didn’t expect Righteous to be this type of man, his actions fill me with a sense of gratitude that overwhelms me.
Sure, I didn’t want the stuffy man, but getting to experience a man who can be dangerous and romantic is something I can embrace forever.
Righteous is who my heart needed to settle the void that no man before him could fulfill.
I feel like a millionaire beside this man because I know with him, I’ll never lose.