Sons Of Audiemar

Chapter 10 #2

The more Kong watched her, the more intriguing she became.

Ayla was like night and day, with many layers that she was able to compartmentalize.

It reminded him of his mother, Jane. She used to tell Nay and all the other fast little girls coming behind her sons that there was a time and a place for everything.

She didn’t believe in secondhand embarrassment because a motherfucker didn’t know how to act.

It was the quickest way to get cut off. Kong and his brothers knew the art of finesse before they were ever the sons of Audiemar Blackmoor.

Ayla’s sweet and nurturing nature drew the darkness inside Kong to her.

Keeping things going with Nay recently was his way of distracting himself from the growing attraction to this young, talented woman he’d hired.

She was the best chef they’d had in quite some time, and he didn’t want to blur those lines.

Yet Ayla was perceptive, noticing how Kong would get quiet or distant when watching his kids.

She would wonder what was on his mind. Having to deal with the ghost of his children’s mother was bound to be a burden on him and any woman who dared try to get close to him.

“Twyla died giving birth to Kara,” Kong confessed. “One minute she was fine. I left the room to go with the nurse to make sure my baby girl was good for their routine tests, and when I came back… she was gone.”

Tears swelled in Ayla’s eyes, and she quickly reached up to wipe them.

Kong didn’t tell the story for any kind of empathy.

He hated talking about it because he always seemed to relive it.

He had nightmares about it until this day.

It was so hard to look into Kara’s angelic face and not hold resentment for his baby girl. It wasn’t her fault.

“I’m sorry,” Ayla whispered.

“I love my daughter,” he expressed. “Sometimes it’s hard looking at her, though. She’s so full of fire and attitude. It’s almost like Twyla left, and her soul went right into Kara.”

“Maybe you should try some one-on-one time with her. Like a daddy daughter date?” Ayla suggested.

“I know for me… I’d give anything to have that with my father again.

We didn’t have a lot, but he made sure to always give me and Inari quality time.

Whether it was a picnic, a movie date, or ice cream and a walk in the park.

It might help both of you,” she suggested with a shrug.

Kong paused and lifted his head slightly before both brows cinched above his eyes.

“What happened to your pops?”

Ayla cleared her throat. “They were in a building that collapsed. I was ten. Inari was fifteen.”

“They?” Kong repeated.

“My mama and daddy.”

“Damn.”

Now he understood that sliver of somberness he caught behind her eyes. He’d wondered where it came from and what she’d been through. Hearing her story gave him a glimpse into who she was.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he muttered, admiring her strength and resilience.

“You learn to live with it, right?” Ayla half shrugged, and Kong nodded in agreement.

“I just know what it’s like to lose both parents.

You might not be doing it purposely, but you are depriving Kara of you, and she doesn’t deserve that.

She already lost her mother before she even got a chance to know her. ”

Kong took those words to heart. He’d avoided conversations about Twyla in the past because it was too hard.

Opening up to Ayla was easy, effortless.

She didn’t push or pry. She let him talk through it and divulge what he was comfortable with.

Not many people had given him that courtesy.

Everyone was always telling him how sorry they were for his loss or asking if he needed anything or was okay.

How the fuck was he supposed to answer that?

It was easier to say he was fine, so they would leave him the hell alone.

“I could definitely use that drink.”

“I guess a couple couldn’t hurt. It’s been a long week.”

“Grab your stuff and meet me outside.” Kong turned for the door, and Ayla did a last-minute check in the mirror.

She made sure she had everything she needed in her purse when she was done and scurried out her bedroom door to meet him. Kong wasn’t driving either. Instead, they took the Maybach with a driver, arriving in style outside the bistro.

“I’ve heard about this place, but I’ve never been,” Ayla gushed when Kong got out first, then held his hand out to assist her.

The night had turned brisk, but there was still a little humidity in the air as he released her hand but placed his on the small of her back.

Sparks of electricity shot through her veins, right to that sensitive spot between her legs.

Although still a virgin, Ayla found herself turned on in a way with Kong that she wasn’t used to.

He was six years older than her and a father, so obviously, the man had experience.

She had no idea what his ex looked like, but Nayelli’s soft beauty was intimidating, and she wondered if that was what he preferred.

Stepping inside the restaurant, her eyes surveyed the room before she saw a hand go up in a far corner facing the front and rear entrances. Moose was already seated alone in a large booth. Frowning, Ayla wondered where her sister was as Kong led her to the table.

Moose was casual in denim jeans and a blue Tom Ford button-up shirt with YSL sneakers.

His jewelry was mild, a simple Cuban link chain with a matching bracelet and Patek on his wrist. Grabbing his glass of cognac, he brought it to his lips as Kong allowed Ayla to slide into the booth first. He slapped hands with Moose before adjusting his blazer and sitting beside her and peering around.

A few of their men were on post in the restaurant, which he expected.

“Where is Inari?” Ayla queried.

“Right here,” her sister replied with a huff.

She was clearly flustered. The aquamarine-colored strapless dress hugged her thick frame as she tucked some of her hair behind her ear, showing off the diamond hoop earrings and Cartier love bracelet on her wrist.

Moose licked his lips and admired her from head to toe.

“Sorry about that. I had to drop Dane off at his friend’s house before he drove me crazy.”

Moose slid out of the booth so she could get in.

“You look good,” he complimented, giving Inari slight pause as she set her gold Chanel clutch on the table and glanced his way.

“Thank you. So do you.” She looked him over in his casual threads, admiring the way his supple looking soup coolers aligned with his precision lined beard and goatee.

His locs hung loosely past his shoulders, and the blend of the oil he used and his mahogany scented cologne turned her nipples into daggers against the material of her dress.

“What you drinking on?”

“A martini, please. Extra dry with two olives,” she requested like a boss.

Propping an arm against the table, she leaned toward her sister and nudged her.

“You look cute! That dress been hanging up, collecting dust long enough!” Inari kidded. “Take a selfie with me.”

Moose flagged down a waiter, and Inari snapped a few pictures with Ayla before scoping their setting.

“Where are Mozzi and Coast?”

No sooner than she opened her mouth, voices carried through the restaurant.

“Five minutes in them damn heels, and you already complaining. Told you not to wear that shit, trying to be cute,” Mozzi griped, shaking his head behind Coast as she sauntered to the table in the black see through dress that Royal had picked out for her.

It was too cute not to wear, and she didn’t know when she would be able to get into it again. With each sway of her ass, it jiggled a little, captivating him. She both purposely and concurrently was trying to turn him on and piss him off.

“Well, look at you showing out.” Inari gassed her up as Moose scooted closer.

The warmth of his body beside hers left Inari tingling. Coast did a little spin in her dress with her arm in the air, and Mozzi side eyed her heavily.

“Don’t be co-signing this little shit,” he snarled, more fixated on Coast than he cared to admit.

She was easy on the eyes with minimal effort, and he didn’t get tired of looking at her.

“Don’t listen to him. He bought it.” Coast slid into the booth next to Moose, and Mozzi was right behind her as a waiter approached their table.

Everybody ordered liquor except for Coast, who was busy looking at the menu to see what appetizers she wanted. Everything sounded amazing to her as she skimmed the different items.

“Coast, you Mormon or something?” Moose asked once his glass had been refilled, and he tipped it to his mouth.

“She’s pregnant,” Mozzi announced, making his brother choke on his drink.

“Thank you for the announcement,” Coast muttered, glaring at him.

“Oh, shit.” Moose swallowed his liquor.

“I don’t know why you want to keep this a secret. Got that little shit poking out like ain’t nobody gon’ peep that.” Mozzi picked up his menu and cackled.

“Don’t forget that glow.” Inari picked up her glass and sipped demurely with both brows lifted.

“Anyway, I want to order something to eat.” Coast rolled her eyes. “Since we’re all here, why don’t we get to know each other or play a game?” she suggested.

“This ain’t summer camp,” Mozzi scoffed.

Kong, Moose, and Mozzi all exchanged stares.

What Coast was suggesting was harmless; the three of them just weren’t in the business of sharing things about themselves.

She and the other ladies at the table caught the subtle stricken expression and tittered.

The Blackmoor men were something else. Each heavily reticent in one way or another.

“Nobody is going to jail. Geez. Relax,” Coast mocked.

“We don’t play games.” Kong swallowed his bourbon and twirled his glass on the table.

“That’s because Mozzi always cheats,” Moose accused, eyes darting across the table to his little brother. “That’s why Jane banned us from playing games.”

Kong didn’t say anything. Instead, his eyes searched the faces at their table and the exits.

His kids weren’t here, which meant he was only half present anyway.

Often his thoughts drifted to them and what hell they were putting Audiemar through.

His father didn’t interact with children.

With Kara and Kyro, he spoke to them like they were adults.

Although he was stern, his grandchildren still pushed boundaries with pretty much anybody.

“Aw, is that why y’all are so damn cagey?” Inari jested, playfully pouting.

“Seriously,” Coast muttered. “Lighten up.”

“We all grew up here.” Moose leaned forward. “Where you from, Coast?”

“I was born in Ree Heights, too, thank you very much. My parents just uprooted us when I was like five.” She grabbed a tortilla chip so she could dip it into the lobster dip that had arrived.

“So, do you consider this home?” Kong wondered, making her pause.

“I don’t know. I guess I’ve always been kind of nomadic.” She chewed with some thought. “My parents always instilled in us that home was wherever we all were together. We haven’t been together in a long time, though.”

“You got siblings?” Inari picked up her martini glass and sipped.

“Two brothers. Llyr and Zale. I talk to them every now and then, when they’re in between cons.”

“Tell me more.” Inari grinned and leaned forward on her elbow.

“Oh, I could write a book on those two.” Coast snickered.

“We spent most of our lives making up shit as we went along. One minute I was Coco or Chantel. It used to be fun, but… I don’t know.

I guess I was tired of trying to keep up with all the lies.

It was easy for them. My daddy said it was because I was always looking for a deeper meaning in everything.

Whatever that means.” Coast looked off to the side.

“It means you want more.” Inari swallowed and calculated for her. “And there’s nothing wrong with that, Coast. Trust me. Even if you’re the only one with the vision.”

“Sounds like you know a little something about that.” Moose stretched his arm behind her and looked into Inari’s glowing amber eyes.

“I might,” she muttered, breaking his intrusive stare.

As the night carried on, the drinks continued to flow, and Kong, Mozzi, and Moose all ducked outside on the patio to smoke while the ladies remained inside.

When they returned, dessert was ordered, and about halfway through, Kong’s phone vibrated against the table.

Glancing at the screen, he frowned, and Ayla noticed.

“Something wrong?”

“It’s Kyro facetiming me.”

“Answer it,” Ayla encouraged, leaning closer as he swiped to pick up.

Those kids were giving her a run for her money, but it kept things interesting. Kara’s face filled the display, too close to the camera and squinting at Kong and his surroundings.

“Daddy.”

“Kara, what’s wrong?”

“Grandpa Audi made us take baths and get in bed,” she pouted.

“What did you do?” Kong tossed his napkin on the table.

“I didn’t do nothing!” she objected as Kyro stepped into the camera.

“He ate the last of the chocolate chip cookies Ayla made in our face, and Kara threw a fit!” Kyro disclosed, which sent Moose and Mozzi into roaring laughter. “Miss Phoebe and Nay are here too. Downstairs. Miss Phoebe said we had to be disciplined.”

“And I don’t like them!” Kara screamed.

“I’m with my niece,” Mozzi said after sipping his drink.

“Oh, my God.” Ayla groaned, sliding behind Kong in their camera view. “I’ll make more cookies tomorrow, okay?” She tried to reason with them.

“You promise?” Kara put her face back in the camera and only the top of her head and eyes were visible. “Extra chocolate chips?”

“Yes,” Ayla agreed with a soft smile.

“Didn’t I tell you to go to bed!” Audiemar barked in the background.

“Mean Audi!” Kara squealed before Kyro snatched the phone and quickly disconnected the call.

Kong shook his head as Mozzi and Moose cracked up.

“You better make sure you send some of those cookies to the house before your nephew comes looking for you,” Inari warned, throwing her napkin on the table. “You know he don’t play about his auntie’s cooking.”

Moose peered down at his phone screen and tapped a few things in before sending a message and looking up at the rest of the table.

“What y’all on tonight? You want to come by the shop and get faded? DJ Scratch is in the building. I got a few clients coming through for some work,” Moose declared.

“Ayla, you love DJ Scratch!” Inari piped up, kind of tipsy from the three martinis she’d imbibed.

“Word?” Moose brought his glass to his lips and swallowed the last of his liquor. “Well shit, let’s roll. I’m doing specials tonight, so the shop is packed. Moz, you still trying to get that new ink?”

“Fuck it, let’s roll.” Moving to the edge of his seat, he stood tall and dug into his pocket for a few bills.