7. Nazai
CHAPTER 7
NAZAI
“ W here are we?” Cashlynn questioned, following me with Carson close at her side. She looked around the lobby as I ignored her.
“Charles.” I nodded at the doorman.
“Mr. Tavarez,” he greeted. “You got a package delivered earlier today, sir.” He went behind the desk and picked up the brown box.
Going into my pocket, I grabbed my wallet and pulled out a fifty-dollar bill. “Thank you, Charles.” I handed him the money and grabbed the package. “Also, I would like to introduce you to my fiancée Cashlynn and her brother Carson. Familiarize yourself with them. You’ll be seeing them a lot.”
I could tell he was caught off guard but he quickly fixed his face and nodded. “Yes, sir. Nice to meet you two.”
Charles was an older black man and had been working here as a doorman longer than I’d been living here, which was three years now. I purchased the penthouse for the privacy it offered, not to mention the twenty-four hour attendants at the door and security was never an issue I had to deal with. The luxury building housed a lot of elite people throughout, and it was a pretty penny, but worth the buy.
“Anything else?” I asked Charles.
He shook his head. “No, sir.”
Nodding, I started for the elevator that led to the penthouse. I had my own private entrance, which was another bonus. Using my key fob, I scanned the tag that opened the elevator door. Once inside, I typed in my access code on the keypad by the PH button for the doors to close and the car to move.
“I’ll have key fobs made for you and get your code set up so you can get inside.” I said, looking down at Cashlynn.
The fob was needed to get inside and the doors wouldn’t open without the code. If entered wrong too many times, it would send a security alert to my phone. The only other way to get up here was if I buzzed the person in from the top. The doormen had fobs to get visitors up here as well.
“Where are we?” she asked again with hardened eyes.
“My house. Well… our house, I guess now.” I chuckled bitterly. I still couldn’t believe I had been forced into this situation.
“I thought we were at your house already?” Carson asked.
Once we had everything settled, I had them collect their things and Devin brought us to my actual house. Carson wasn’t that bad of a kid. He was quiet, to himself, almost like he was used to making himself small and invisible. While I had Cashlynn in my basement, he stayed in the room I’d placed him in for the most part, only coming out to eat, then going right back.
“That was my other house. I only use it when I need to get away. This is my main residence.”
I also had cameras set up in the elevator so I always knew who was trying to access my place. Emmet made sure the security was foolproof. Only a couple of people outside of my staff had a code, but every code was different so I always knew who was entering and when. The elevator opened into a hallway that housed a single door. We walked to the door and I used my key to unlock it.
It was a four-bedroom, four-and-half bath, three-story apartment with a chef’s kitchen, breakfast bar, and top of the line stainless steel appliances used daily by my chef. Off from the kitchen was a fully-stocked wine cellar. The floors were black and gray marble.
The first level also housed the living room, den, laundry room, my office, dining room, and a bedroom, and one and a half baths. It was an open floor plan on this level. A large gas fireplace was set on the wall in the living room and den. My favorite feature was the four large, tall windows that showed the city from the living room. Often I drew the automatic blinds to bring in natural light and the city’s skyline.
To the left between the kitchen and living room held the door that led to the private balcony. On it was a private pool and jacuzzi, deck, changing area, as well as a terrace with a grill and seating.
The second floor had the second and third bedrooms and two bathrooms, a gym with a built in sauna, another office, and the media room.
The final floor was where the master bedroom and bath were. It came with two walk-in closets, a sitting area, more large, tall windows, another fireplace, and a skylight.
“Shit,” Cashlynn gasped. Both her and Carson’s eyes widened as they took in the high ceilings. The second floor could be seen from the first, but I made sure the third was closed off. Even if I lived alone, I still valued my privacy when I was entertaining. When I did bring women home, I rarely took them to the third floor, usually using the bedroom on the first floor.
“Wow, look at the fish, Cash!” Carson gushed, rushing over to the built in fish tank full of exotic, imported fish.
“Neither of you are to touch it either. Those fish cost more than your lives combined.”
Cashlynn turned and glared at me. “No one wants to touch your damn fish.” She grabbed Carson, pulling him away.
Pulling my phone out, I tapped the screen a couple times, assuring my brother was on his way, then slid my phone into my pocket.
“I’ll give you two a tour later, for now we’ll get you set up in your rooms. You two stay down here,” I told Jackson and Luke who were with us. I nodded for Cashlynn and Carson to follow me, heading to the second elevator.
“Are they always gonna be around?” Cashlynn asked.
My gaze narrowed on her. I wasn’t sure if she was asking because she wanted to try some slick shit or because she was genuinely curious. “For now, they are.”
She rolled her eyes as I hit the button for the elevator.
“Why not just take the steps?” Cashlynn asked. “Kind of lazy if you ask me.”
Smirking, I stepped inside and hit the second floor button. One thing that sold me when I bought the penthouse was the inside of the elevator being glass. I enjoyed being able to see the floors when inside.
“This floor is where your room will be, Carson. There are two bedrooms, pick whichever you want.” We stepped out of the elevator into the hallway. He looked around, still in shock, then faced his sister. It was clear he was waiting for her direction.
“Go ahead, bud,” she encouraged.
He gave her a faint smile before moving down the hall.
“That boy needs to toughen up,” I mentioned, causing her to spin and face me with a spiteful glare.
“He’s fine and if you do anything to him or say anything, I swear?—”
“Relax, Wildfire.” I waved her off. “It’s just an observation. With a sister like you, I just expected him to be more tough.” I shrugged. Her eyes darkened and her jaw clenched.
“I’ll take this one,” Carson called down the hall, hanging out the doorway. The room he chose was the biggest on this floor.
“Good. Set your bags down and get comfortable. There’s a media room at the end of the hall with games and shit, feel free to make use of it.” His eyes lit up and he nodded. I made a note to call my personal shopper to go shopping for him. Carson only had two bags with him and Cashlynn had one large bag, a book bag, and a duffle bag. I didn’t know the full story with them but I figured they had to travel lightly being on the run.
“I’ll take the other room.” Cashlynn went to walk forward but I grabbed her arm. “Uh uhn.” I shook my head with a crooked grin. “You’ll be staying upstairs in my room.”
Her eyes widened. “No. The agreement was that I marry you, not stay in your room.”
My grip tightened on her arm. “The agreement is whatever the hell I say it is. You’re staying in my room. Now let’s go.” I yanked her, causing her to stumble. Her eyes flared with anger and her cheeks grew red.
When we were back in the elevator, I hit the button to the third floor and Cashlynn snatched away from me.
We stopped on the final floor and it opened to a small hall with my bedroom door directly in front. Stepping to the door, I pushed it open. “This is the master suite. The second closet will be cleared for your things.”
“Yeah, like I have tons of things to fill it with,” she said sarcastically.
“I’ll have my personal shopper get clothes and whatever else you need. You’ll also have a credit card tied to one of my accounts to get what you want.” While I wasn’t keen on the idea of taking a wife, I had to make sure she looked the part to stand by my side. While she was beautiful in looks, it was clear she had seen better days. It was now my job to make sure she was taken care of.
“Must be nice to just throw money at people and they do what you want, huh?” She stared at me blankly.
“It is.” I nodded and stepped forward. My California king bed was in the middle of the room. On the right side was the sitting room, to the left was the door to the small, private balcony. “The bathroom is through there. There’s a double sink, feel free to use the side my things aren’t on.”
Cashlynn ignored me, set her bag down, and began exploring the room. My phone vibrated in my pocket.
“Yeah?” I answered, watching her. I had taken the two weapons she had on her, so I knew she was unarmed. Still, I couldn’t be too sure she wouldn’t try to use something else to take me out if she wanted. Not that she would make it far, Jackson and Luke would end her before she fully got off the elevator.
“Mr. Tavarez, your brother is here to see you.”
“Send him up.” I hung up and locked my phone. My brother was one person with an access code to get to my floor. “C’mon, you can look around later. We have more important things to handle.”
Cashlynn turned and faced me, confused. “Like what?”
“You’ll see.” I turned and hit the button to open the elevator.
Rolling her eyes, she sighed and walked toward me. “You would think you’d be less snappy with someone who’s saving your life.”
“I didn’t ask you for shit,” she snapped, glaring at me. “And you seem to need me as much as I need you.” We stepped into the elevator and I crowded her as soon as the doors closed.
“Make no mistake, I don’t need you for shit. I saw an opportunity and took it. The moment I feel like you’re more of a hassle to keep than marry, you’re done. Don’t take my generosity as weakness, because I promise you, you won’t like how I react then.”
Her nostrils flared.
“Are you gonna tell me what was so important that I come here?” Lucas questioned after I opened the door for him.
“Follow me and I will,” I said and faced Cashlynn. “C’mon, Wildfire.”
Cashlynn muttered something under her breath and followed us. “You can get set up in here. I want a full health screening done.” I pushed the door open.
“What’s going on?” Cashlynn asked. She looked around the room hesitantly. Her eyes were guarded.
“You know I’m not a primary care doctor, right?” he complained but set his bag down and opened it up anyway. He pushed his glasses up and his eyes circled the room.
Lucas was the perfect blend of my parents. His skin the same golden brown as our mom’s. He was the shortest of the four of us, at six foot even. He kept his face clean outside of a mustache and chin hair. He was medium built. My brother didn’t care for the gym much, but body didn’t reflect it.
“Lucas is here to give you an examination,” I declared, then faced my brother. “I’m sure you know how to do the basics though, correct?”
Lucas shifted his eyes to Cashlynn. I could see the questions bouncing around them.
“Examination?” Cashlynn asked.
“Yes. Full STD panel. As well as an overall health screening.”
“Excuse me! Wait a minute,” Cashlynn protested.
“Make sure you don’t half ass this either, Lucas. I want everything tested and brought back to me.” I went to leave the room.
“Hold on!” Cashlynn stepped in front of me. “Who said I approved of this? You never asked for my permission.”
I snorted. “If you believe I’ma put my dick in you raw and not have you thoroughly examined, you’re outta your mind. You were engaged before I met you and who knows what or who you’ve been with besides him.”
She inhaled deeply and blew a heavy breath out of her nose. “What are you trying to say?” She balled her hands at her side.
“That you’re gonna go sit on that bed and let my brother take your blood and do whatever the fuck else he needs to.”
Her eyes narrowed. “And what about you?”
“What about me?”
“If I’m forced to do this, then you should be too! Don’t think I don’t know you’re a manwhore! I’ve seen the pictures.” I smirked. Her right eye twitched. Even with her face twisted in anger, she was still attractive.
“Fair,” I agreed. I was clean, one thing I always made sure to do was wrap my dick up when I had sex. The last thing I needed was an unwanted leech attached to me.
“Let me know when you’re finished with her. I’ll come in for my turn.” I waved my hand dismissively and went to leave. I could feel Cashlynn shooting lasers in my back but I paid it no mind. For now, I needed to get things settled for this marriage that would be happening soon. The sooner I said “I do”, the sooner I could take my rightful position.
____
“I’ll have the results to you within three hours,” Lucas assured me.
“Make it two,” I told him.
He gave me a deadpan look. “Care to tell me what all this is about in the first place?” He hiked a brow.
“In due time, little brother. For now, just get those results to me and I’ll see you at Mom and Dad’s.” He pressed his lips together tightly, but he didn’t object.
“You owe me for this shit,” he mumbled, heading for the door.
Cashlynn was sitting on the couch in the living room with her arms crossed. I checked the security cameras a little bit ago and Carson was locked in the media room playing the PS5.
“You need to go get ready,” I told her.
“What now?” she groaned, rolling her eyes to the ceiling. My eyes locked on the leather band around her neck. A sense of ownership passed through me. It was made to look like a necklace and had a steel band between the material so it couldn’t be cut off easily.
“We’re having dinner at my parents’ house.”
She sputtered. “Your parents’ house?”
“Yes. We’ll be announcing our engagement as well.”
“It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours yet.”
“Your point?” I stared at her blankly.
Cashlynn hopped up and stormed my way. “My point is, you’ve demanded I wear this fucking collar, I had to get pricked and prodded, now you’re forcing me to meet your parents. I’m not gonna keep jumping like your fucking lapdog.”
My mouth curled into a tight sneer. Reaching out, I grabbed the top of the “collar”, as she put it, and yanked her forward.
“Your life is in my hands. So if I tell you to jump, you’ll say how fucking high with a smile. Now take your pretty ass upstairs and change into something more suitable. I had some clothes dropped off for both you and your brother. I’ll be waiting for you down here. Don’t take all day either.” I pushed her away.
While she was getting examined, I made a call to my personal shopper to have a couple of outfits for both her and Carson delivered.
“You better hide every knife you have in here tonight,” she threatened, causing me to smirk.
“Some have tried to take me out, Wildfire, and I’m still here.” I tilted my head and ran my eyes over her. I could see it in her eyes, she wanted to fight me. Her right eye twitched and her nostrils flared. Swiping her full, heart-shaped lips with her tongue, she turned and stalked toward the steps that led upstairs.
I would break Cashlynn one way or another. That fighter in her would keep me on my toes. I already could see it. But even the hardest stone could be broken with the right amount of force.
____
Cashlynn and Carson were quiet on the ride to my parents’ house. Instead of letting Devin take us, I decided to drive my car. My custom, matte black Lamborghini with black and gray interior and tinted windows was one of my most prized possessions. It had been adjusted and customized to my liking from the moment I purchased it.
The large driveway was filled with cars. A couple belonged to my parents, the others my brothers.
“Are we gonna be here long?” Cashlynn asked as we walked up the stone path to my parents’ front door.
“Long enough.” I rang the doorbell.
It took a few seconds before the door was opened. Macy, the main house attendant, stood in front of us. Her hair was in a tight bun, just like it’d been since I was a kid. She had overseen the house upkeep for as long as I could remember.
“Hello, Macy.”
She gave me a light smile. “Mr. Nazai. Welcome. Everyone is waiting in the dining room.” She stepped out of the way, allowing us in.
My parents’ house made the house Cashlynn broke into look like a one-bedroom cottage. It was massive with several bedrooms and bathrooms. There were basketball and tennis courts as well, out back along with an indoor and outdoor pool. A bowling alley, gym, and many other rooms my parents probably never touched. They had lived here since me and my brothers were kids. My dad had it built from the ground up and added onto it as the years went on.
“Shit. Your family truly is as loaded as the people say,” Cashlynn muttered, causing a half grin to form on my face. A lot of articles came out about my family, most were rumors reporters pulled out their asses. In the eyes of the public we were a respectable family with respectable jobs. Those jobs also helped what we did behind the scenes. My dad’s judicial ties helped us have many city officials in our pockets and kept us in the clear too.
“Guess you lucked up, huh?” A crooked grin split my face.
She huffed and continued looking around. I took a second to look her over. My stylist did well. Cashlynn was dressed in a black Alexander McQueen mini jacket dress with a pair of Givenchy G Cube sandals in leather.
I licked my lips. My money looked good on her.
We continued down the hallway until we got to the dining room where the rest of my family was already waiting.
“Seriously Nazai, are you ever on time to anything?” my mom huffed, laying eyes on me.
Going over to her, I leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Nice to see you too, beautiful.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s a shame a family dinner must be called for me to see my firstborn.”
“I’m a busy man, Mama.”
Standing, I turned and nodded at my dad but his eyes were locked on Cashlynn and Carson.
Sighing, I knew it would be better to jump right into things before the night started.
“Everyone, this is my fiancée Cashlynn and her brother Carson.” I walked back to Cashlynn’s side.
“Fiancée!” Mom gasped before switching to Spanish. “Wait a minute! I didn’t even know you were dating seriously.”
“Dating is a stretch,” Lucas muttered with a smirk on his face. I cut my eyes at him.
“Dad said I needed to get married, so here I am.” I shrugged.
Mom eyed Cashlynn and turned her mouth upside down. “Well act like we raised you right. Finish the introductions, hijo.” My mom was fully Black with golden brown skin but being with my dad had her speaking Spanish just as fluently as the rest of us. They made sure we all were fluent in both languages.
“Right. That’s my mom Nora, father Dominic, and my brothers Ezra and Emmet. You already met Lucas.” I pointed to each brother as I spoke.
“Hi.” Cashlynn gave a faint wave and Carson stayed tucked at her side.
“Well don’t be shy, take a seat,” Mom encouraged. “Ezra, move so they can sit together,” she demanded.
He muttered something but did as she said.
“Macy, let the cook know we’re ready for dinner,” Mom announced as we took our seats. I turned to my dad, noticing he still hadn’t commented. His eyes were still locked on Cashlynn. He always had a great poker face, so I couldn’t decipher what he was thinking.
A few seconds later, platters of food were brought out to the table.
The dinner table was silent, which wasn’t common. Usually one of my brothers would be talking shit, but everyone seemed to be studying Cashlynn.
“What did you say your full name was?” Dad finally asked.
Cashlynn tensed at my side briefly, but quickly straightened up. “Cashlynn Cavana.”
Dad’s eyes hardened. “I knew you looked familiar. I’m usually good with faces. Your parents were Joe and Brandy, correct?”
“They were,” Cashlynn replied stoically.
Dad turned to me with hard eyes and his lips pinched.
“?Estás loco, carajo?”