Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
As I observed the interactions, I couldn't help but compare them to the rigid, hierarchical structure of Crimson Mob.
Here, in the heart of Viper Mob, there was no apparent air of superiority or underlying tension.
It was a gathering of equals, of people who shared not only a common profession but also a bond that went beyond business.
Maybe. . .it would be fun to join them.
Two kids, a boy and a girl, both clutched Foxie Cherry dolls, and approached Carmen.
My baby girl got further behind Zuri's leg.
I chuckled to myself.
But, the kids were not discouraged. Their faces lit up with smiles as they noticed her doll and rushed around Zuri's leg.
“Hey!” The girl's eyes sparkled. “You have Foxie Cherry too!”
Carmen blinked and then nodded.
“Yeah!” The boy chimed in. “Let's have a party for them! My daddy said we can have cookies.”
These must be Anthony's kids.
Carmen, initially hesitant, slowly let go of Zuri's leg and stepped in front of the other children. Her initial shyness melted away as she showed off her Foxie Cherry doll, immediately finding common ground with the other kids. “My Foxie Cherry loves parties, and cookies.”
The girl gestured. “Let's go.”
Carmen looked at me. “Can I go, Daddy?”
“Umm.” I didn't want to interrupt Zuri with her conversation, and I also didn't want Carmen too far from us. “Okay. How about we go together.”
“No. No, Daddy.” Carmen shook her head, looking absolutely embarrassed. “I'm a big girl.”
“Oh. But where will this party be?”
The boy pointed to the massive Viper Mob Christmas tree. “The kids' area is there.”
“Okay.” I looked over and saw a group of nannies watching over a small sea of children.
They were gathered around a separate, smaller Christmas tree set up in a corner of the room, designed just for them.
The tree was surrounded by miniature tables and chairs, perfect for a child-sized gathering.
The nannies looked exhausted yet vigilant, their eyes constantly scanning the group of energetic kids.
Surely, they were the unsung heroes of the night, managing the boisterous bunch with patience I couldn't help but admire.
Near them, a man dressed as Santa Claus sat in a large, ornate chair. He looked a bit overwhelmed, his beard slightly askew, as children climbed onto his lap, each eager to tell him their Christmas wishes.
Beside him, a couple of elves, who looked like they were having a rough day chasing after the kids, tried to organize a line, but their efforts were met with little success.
I couldn't help, but laugh. “Okay, baby girl. You can go over there, but I'll be watching.”
“Okay.”
“That's my Daddy.” Carmen pointed at me. “He's an Ass-Knot.”
What?
“Wow!” The kids gazed up at me. “Cool!”
“He studies the stars.” And then they rushed away, before I could help Carmen correctly pronounce astronaut.
With my gaze, I followed my baby girl.
Together, the children giggled and orchestrated the perfect doll party.
It was a heartwarming sight, seeing Carmen so happy and carefree.
Wow. I'm a father.
I turned back to Zuri, who was now free from her conversation with the women from church. She caught my eye, and we shared a knowing look. This was the kind of environment we wanted for Carmen—safe, happy, and full of love.
“Looks like she's about to have the time of her life.” I wrapped my arm around Zuri's shoulder and pulled her close.
“She'll be passed out for days after this.”
A wicked smirk spread across my face. “Hmmm.”
“You are so nasty.”
“I didn't say anything.”
“You didn't have to, Dante.”
“But since we're on the topic.”
She shook her head.
I leaned in close and nuzzled against her neck. “You know what I'm thinking?”
“What?”
I whispered into her ear, “Once our baby is sleeping, I'm going to get all of those pretty satin ribbons from the Christmas gifts and tie you up. Then make love to you until the sun comes up.”
Zuri shuddered.
Passion stirred within me. “Is that okay?”
“Yes. I like that idea.”
“Good.” Shifting the topic, I took a deep breath and steeled myself for the conversation I needed to have. “Zuri, about Viper Mob. . .”
She quirked her brows.
“I'm seriously considering joining them, even if I don't get all of our demands.”
“I can see why.” She nodded. “This feels different, more like a family.”
“You feel it too?”
“I do. However, after Francesca, I don't want you to jump into anything.”
“I get it.”
“Let's put them on a probationary year period. We'll see how they operate and if they truly stand by their family values.”
Relief washed over me. “Perfect.”
Right as I was going to give her a kiss, a member of the Viper Mob staff rang a bell, signaling that dinner was ready.
Conversations ended, and Carmen rushed back to us.
I scooped her up. “Did you have a good time?”
“The best.”
“And baby girl, it is as-tro-naut.”
“Yes, Daddy.” She smiled. “I know.”
Together, we walked toward the dining area.
Just as we were about to head in, Carmen tapped my shoulder and pointed. “Daddy, a miss-a-toe!”