Page 83 of Beautiful Noise
“I can’t but only because I have something really important to take care of. If it weren’t a legal thing…”
“Legal… Shit, what’s going on, Ri? Can I help?”
I grinned, appreciating how concerned Leijah was. We were new friends but our bond was so genuine and strong that I looked forward to this new journey she and I were both on.
“No, but thank you. It’s handled. I’m going to finalize everything.”
She flashed a smile and turned to the driver who asked where we were going. She gave him Ezren’s address as the first stop.
“Oh, so your man took care of it for you.”
My eyes rolled playfully and I pointed to the building. “We’re leaving Clay.”
“I know. He’ll find a way home. I promise he’ll be there for a while dealing with them.”
“Are you sure?”
“Very but I owe you a drink to celebrate and we’re having that drinkverysoon. Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Good…” She smiled widely. “Now let me get on your site and tell you which poems I’m officially claiming as my own.”
While Leijah swiped and called out titles, I half-listened, feeling the reality of what my life was now. Ezren, Leijah, this new career as a songwriter…
In the blink of an eye, my world had done a one eighty and I still couldn’t process that this wasreallyhappening…
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Ezren.
“What have you been doing all day while I was gone?”
As we moved through the parking lot, Kori slipped her hand in mine and I pulled her into my side before I let go and dropped my arms around her shoulder instead. She wanted a connection and I wanted her close. It was a win-win.
“Chillin’, waiting on you to bring your pretty ass home.”
She looped her arm around my waist. “You weren’t in the studio?”
I smirked and released her long enough to open the glass door so we could enter the lobby. We stepped inside and I dropped my arm around her shoulder again.
“Nah, my lady just got a big ass promotion. Word on the street is she’ll be making some serious change. I think I’m gonna pull back a little with my grind and let her take care of me.”
Kori barked a laugh. “I guess that means you’re open to a change in lifestyle because your lady can’t afford the life you currently have. Not even with that big ass promotion. You might want to check your resources next time. I suggest you press the gas on your grind. She can’t take care of you, buddy.”
I grinned and pressed the button to call the elevator. After the doors opened and we stepped inside, I leaned against the wall and brought her into my chest, sliding my hands down her back to cuff her ass. “I don’t require much. In fact, what I need I already have. Unless you plan on dipping out, then I’m straight.”
A smile blossomed on her pretty face which I captured with a kiss that I only ended because I heard the doors open. We left the elevator and Kori was tucked at my side until we reached my attorney’s office.
“Don’t let her intimidate you. You don’t have to say a damn thing if you choose not to. Let JJ do all the talking. He’ll make this quick. I’m guessing twenty minutes tops and we’ll be out of here.”
I was fucking pissed that Chantel called herself trying to stick her chest out. Instead of doing what the fuck she should have, she threatened to show up today with her lawyer to fight for her company. There was not a damn argument she would present that my attorney, JJ D. Raines, wouldn’t chew up and spit back in her face. He was just that damn good and cost me more than I cared to think about to keep on retainer. Over the years, his services proved to be a valuable necessity. He saved me more than I paid for his services by helping me avoid frivolous lawsuits.
“Honestly, I’m okay with him doing all the talking. I’m over this and ready to get Chantel out of my life for good.”
“I’m almost disappointed you’re not going to give me pushback. I had my argument locked and loaded.”
She rolled her eyes when I reached around her to open the door. “I’m not that combative.”