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“I will tonight after the gala,” Aella sighed, linking her arm with her sister’s. “The only thing I want to focus on this morning is being pampered.”
“Then let’s do it,” Ilaria grinned as they strolled into the salon.
Once their appointments were complete, Aella decided to go off-script and grab lunch alone, so the two went their separate ways, each with their security detail in tow. After pulling into a parking space, Aella fished her phone from her purse to quickly call Smoke.
“What’s up, Sis?” Smoke answered.
“Hang back. I’m doing a to-go order, so I won’t be long.”
“You sure?”
“Positive. If I’m not out in ten minutes, feel free to invade my privacy as usual.”
Smoke’s resounding laughter revealed he wasn’t offended by her joke. “Bet. In and out, Elle. You know, normally I’m not on your case, but I’ve had a weird ass feeling all day.”
“I got you. In and out, I promise.”
Ending the call, Aella headed straight for the restaurant doors, keeping her head on a swivel despite knowing Smoke was watching her every move. The to-go station was clear, and she had no issues placing her order. That was until a son of one of her father’s associates spied her on a bench waiting.
“Aella?” he called, capturing her attention.
Looking up, she forced a smile, wishing she’d brought headphones as a distraction.
“Harlan, hi,” she gave a short wave, hoping he’d leave it at that and go on about his business.
No such luck.
“I thought that was you,” he grinned, occupying the space beside her. “It’s been a while. How are you?”
Fighting the urge to sigh, Aella crossed her legs. “I’m fine. You?”
“It’s always good on my end. I’m glad I caught you. I’ve been meaning to reach out these past few days, but life at the office has been hectic.”
Quirking an eyebrow, she asked, “Reach out to me about what?”
“I thought it’d be a good idea for us to make dinner plans.” As he spoke, his hand made its way to her knee. “I know we’ve only seen each other around here and there, but there’s no denying how beautiful you are, and it might be beneficial for—”
“What would be beneficial is you getting the fuck out of her face,” Cassius’ voice ripped through the air, unnerving Aella. That just his voice had the power to force her body to bend at its command amazed her. She may not have liked him, but there was no denying an attraction on her part.
Harlan’s head whipped around in surprise as Aella stared at the enraged, handsome man. “I—I’m sorry?”
“I didn’t fuckin’ stutter,” Cassius replied coolly. “Move. Now.”
“Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?” Harlan inquired indignantly, taking a step closer.
Aella had to give him credit for his bravery. Not only did Cassius appear to be at least thirty pounds heavier, but he cleared Harlan by at least three feet. It wasn’t a fight she would have picked, but she understood Harlan’s desire to defend himself.
In the blink of an eye, Cassius had Harlan pinned to the side door by his collar, his face mashed into the glass.
“You, nigga. What the fuck do you plan to do about it?”
“Cassius,” Aella hissed, noticing several pairs of eyes on them. “Stop. Let him go.”
Thankfully, he obeyed her demand without much of a fight.
“I don’t know who you think you are,” Harlan sputtered, trying to adjust his shirt. “But I—”
“I’ma show you exactly who the fuck I am the next time you decide to touch my wife.”
