Page 79 of Beautiful Noise
With some behind the scenes maneuvering, Wil was able to get the company appraised and it appeared that even though she was a terrible, morally corrupt person, she was damn good with business. Elite was valued at a little under a million dollars based on the accounts she held, the equipment, and potential for new accounts. Elite was the most sought after, high-end cleaning service in Atlanta.
“Nine hundred and eighty-three thousand dollars.”
Kori stared at me like I had lost my mind. I smiled, knowing she surely thought I had. “It’s reasonable.”
“In what universe?”
“The one where she used her business to help her execute identity theft.”
“I don’t follow.”
“You’re going to ask for profit from the sale of Elite and she’s going to agree.”
“And why would she agree to selling her business and giving me part of the money?”
“Not part, all of it, and she’s going to agree because giving you the money is better than going to prison. I get that you don’t want to take it there and wouldn’t but she doesn’t have to know that. She won’t know unless you tell her and and you’re not going to fucking tell her, Ri.”
“I…” The argument was there but I cut her off before she could debate me.
“You’re going to agree and you’re not going to feel bad. People like Chantel Dior do unethical shit like this all the time with little thought or consideration to the lives they’re disrupting and ruining. Sometimes you have to make an example of people. For once in your life, put yourself first. Be selfish. It’s the perfect alternative to you letting me help your stubborn ass.”
“I never refused your help.” She frowned.
“Technically you haven’t, but you damn sure don’t want it. The money will be yours to do what you want which means independence from me, your parents, hell any fucking body. You get to be in this relationship as an equal and don’t say it doesn’t matter or that you don’t weigh my situation against yours, because you do. I love that about you; so say yes so I can call Wil and tell him I have your permission to move on this.”
She worried the corner of her lip, moving it between her teeth before she exhaled a sigh and leaned closer to kiss me. “You can call him but that doesn’t mean it will work. She has to agree. She might decide to fight this.”
“There’s no fighting this. Either she agrees or you prosecute…”
She opened her mouth to debate me but I quickly clarified. “I know you won’t but as far she’s concerned you will. My team can be very convincing with shit like this. They’ve had a lot of practice.”
“I bet they have,” she mumbled, causing me to laugh.
“Some things are what they are. Now are we done? There are much better ways we can spend our evening besides talking about Chantel Dior.”
A smile slid across her face slowly and I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing I was the one who put it there.
“Oh, that’s right. You were supposed to be utilizing your tools for when I’m not agreeable.” She leaned into my chest, grinding her pussy against my very hard dick, smiling softly when I groaned my approval at what she was insinuating. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” My hands moved under the hoodie and slowly glided up her back. I pressed my mouth to the column of her neck and almost got lost in the low hum of the moan she released.
Everything about her pulled the rug from beneath me over and over again, knocking me off balance, but she also centered me like no one ever had. A reminder that I was willing to relinquish control as long as she was the reward.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Kori.
This was my second night standing backstage while I watched Ezren perform. The beauty in how this man owned the stage was a visual I would never tire of. Leijah went on first, doing three songs, and now Ezren was at the end of his set. And during their joint performance, the smile on my face threatened pain as they harmonized words I knew by heart. Words I had written.
The impromptu performance from Houston was more intimate. I preferred the intimacy to what I watched tonight, only because in Houston, Ezren sang for me. On stage, he sang to the adoring fans. But regardless, this man on stage, his soulful voice promising things that made you believe in love, had me mesmerized.
His head was tilted toward the stage. A seductive smile teased at his lips while his large hands cradled the microphone. The muscles in his arms challenged the strength of the black T-shirt that hugged his biceps while his jean clad legs were spread in dominance, adding to the promise his beautiful voice delivered.
I’m gonna make you scream, you said I’m your dream
Reality’s so very sweet, when I’m diving in deep
Oh, fuck.