Page 36 of Caden the CEO
The last time she saw Caden, it was earlier that morning. It was inventory day, and since he liked stopping by all his pharmacies when it was time to update inventory, she wasn’t expecting to see him. Removing his shades, Caden’s eyes landed on Dru, and he smiled.
“Hey, bae,” she spoke, walking into his arms.
“Wassup, beautiful?”
“New car, big bro?” Dreya asked.
“It’s for your sister actually.”
“Wait, what?” Dru questioned excitedly.
“I know you loved your car, but for the amount it was going to take to get it fixed, I just decided to get you another one. If you want me to get it fixed, I can, but?—”
“Fuck that car!” she yelled, snatching the keys and bolting toward the Lexus.
“Wait a minute, Dru,” Caden said, trying to hold back his laugh.
He crossed his arms over his chest, head shaking as the sisters laughed, squealed, and acted a fool over the car. Once Dru was finally settled enough to talk to him, Dreya hopped into the passenger seat, and Dru made her way back over to him.
“I love it! This was my dream car, K. How do you remember everything I tell you?”
“I always remember the things that matter most, and anything concerning you is at the top of that list.”
“Thank you, baby. I love it! Thank you!”
“You’re welcome. Now until we get this Galloway situation under control, I’m going to have a guard on you and your sister. Two actually. One will be in front of you when you drive, and one will be behind. When you’re with me, they won’t be around, but if you’re ever alone or with family or Stevie, they’ll be on you.”
Her head shook as she huffed. “I’m so sorry I brought this drama to you. If I would have known reaching out to Vontae would have led to this, I wouldn’t have done it.”
“Well, I believe everything that happens can be turned into something good. I met you before the Galloway situation, but had that not happened, you wouldn’t be living with me.”
“Always the optimist,” Dru teased, wrapping her arms around him.
“Nah, just grateful as hell to have you, regardless of how it happened.” He placed a kiss on her forehead before saying, “I’llbe home late tonight. I think someone is stealing pills from one of the pharmacies, so I need to look into that.”
“Oh no. Okay. Handle your business, bae. If I’m sleep when you get home, I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Most definitely. You know I’m not going to miss Dreya’s homecoming. I’ve already rearranged my schedule, so I’ll have a busy morning and afternoon, but I’ll be at Marilyn’s house to see them off with you.”
“Perfect!” Dru replied after she squealed. “Since I have these guards, I guess it’s safe to assume Galloway hasn’t come out of hiding yet?”
Caden’s head shook. “Not yet. He didn’t take the bait, so we disposed of the body. I suspect he will remain underground until he makes his move. That’s why I need you to be careful and aware of your surroundings. I’m not going to ask that you stay in the house or no shit like that, but just be careful, sweetheart, and listen to the guards always.”
“Yes, sir. Let me take her for a spin, and then I might actually bring her and Granny to the house if that’s okay? I know they’re safe at home, but I’d feel better if they were closer to me.”
“Of course. You know we have more than enough room for them at the house. They can stay a night or until I handle Galloway. Whatever y’all are comfortable with.”
She giggled. “You’re saying that now, but you’ll change your tune when you got a house full of women bothering you.”
Caden laughed as his head shook. “Maybe if it was someone else, but these are your people, which means they’re my people too.” After giving her another quick kiss, he said, “Let me know if y’all need anything, aight?”
“Okay, bae. Be safe.”
Caden walked her to the car, then waited until she and the guards drove off to pull behind them. Even with the threat of Galloway lingering, Dru felt safe and at peace. She was confidentCaden would handle that situation like he’d handled all the others. In that moment, all she wanted to do was make sure her sister enjoyed homecoming. Nothing else mattered.
It didn’t matter how much she tried to keep them away, Dru’s tears kept falling. Everything had come together perfectly for Dreya that evening—the dress, her hair and makeup, her nails and accessories.
“You look so beautiful, baby sis. Ugh, I can’t stop crying,” Dru said, putting one of Dreya’s stray curls back in place.
