Page 77 of Solomon’s Temple

She took my hand and interlocked our fingers. The smile on her face and joy in her eyes made me smile.

“I believe it’s the other way around, baby. You look so much like Nikki that sometimes I would watch you sleep and cry. I love you, baby, and I’m so proud of you.”

I smiled and kissed her hand, feeling as if life for me had finally turned in the right direction.

I walked inside of Lucid and headed to Arie’s office. I knew she would most likely kick my ass right out the door as soon as she saw me.

Toni informed me that she had been asking about me since I left for Italy; I just hadn’t been in the mood to step foot in here since, technically, I was still on my honeymoon.

It was still kind of early on a Sunday, so Toni wasn’t here yet, but the regulars were in the building and greeted me as I walked by. Deanna and Lala worked the bar, and I waved to them, keeping it moving. Once I made it to the stairs leading to Arie’s office, I saw Marlo guarding the door. He smiled at me once he saw me.

“What up doe, Temptress?”

“Hey, Marlo. I’m here to see the boss lady.”

“You can go on up.” He moved to the side, and I made my way up to Arie’s office. When I approached the door, I raised my hand to knock but heard muffled moans coming from inside.

I laughed and listened for a bit. I could hear skin slapping and who I assumed was her husband talking her through it.

Just when I thought to call my husband, my phone buzzed with his name on my screen.

I smiled and stepped away to answer. “Hey, babe. I was just thinking about you.”

“My Beauty. I saw you called me this morning, but I was at that boring-ass conference with the mayor. I’m just getting back to my hotel room. I miss you though.”

“I miss you too, king. So bad.” I groaned a little, wishing it were me getting pounded into.

“FaceTime me and show me how much,” he said lowly.

“I wish I could, baby. I’m at the club⁠—”

“Why?” he asked before I could even finish.

“Calm down, love. I came to sever ties with this place and clean out my locker.”

“Oh, okay. You were about to have me on a flight back home to snatch you up outta there.”

I laughed. “No need for all that. I have no interest in climbing the pole unless it’s for you.”

“It better be. You ready for next week?”

“Almost. I’m down to four dresses. Me and the girls are going to the bridal shop tomorrow so I can decide. I’m nervous and excited all at once.”

“No need to be nervous. Just focus on me and our forever. That’s all that matters.”

I smiled. “You’re right.”

“A’ight, love. Handle your business. I’ll see you tomorrow night, and I want you face down, butt up when I walk in.”

I smiled and bit my lip. “I shall be ready.”

“Call me as soon as you get home, and try not to drink. If you do, drink responsibly.”

“I got you, baby.”

We said our goodbyes just as the door to Arie’s office opened, and she and her husband stepped out. He grabbed her by her ass and drove his tongue into her mouth.

I kind of wished I could be a fly on the wall because her husband looked the fuck good and looked like he could put a bitch through the headboard.