Imani’s POV

The music wasn’t loud enough to shield his bruised ego. It was written all over his face.

“Girl… we’re about to get turnt!!” Justin whooped, pouring himself a tall glass of the wine.

I stared at the wine warily, and a lump formed in my throat.

“You know I don’t drink, Jay.” I said flatly.

I hated not being in control. And alcohol was an easy way to give that up.

“Cmon babes, it’s just tonight! And it’s not like you’re getting wasted.”

“I have a meeting, can’t show up drunk.” I replied, my tone resolute.

“So you want me to get drunk by myself? What kind of best friend are you?” He pouted, his voice whining.

“The responsible kind. And I’d never let you get drunk by yourself.”

I gestured for Peter, my body guard, “Youll have Peter by your side all night long.” I said with a smirk.

He downed the wine he had poured, his cheeks flushed as Peter sat beside him.

“Enjoy the night with your crush.” I teased, whispering in his ear and rose up.

His eyes widened, his face somehow more red. He really thought I wouldn’t notice the stares he gave Peter when he thought I wasn’t looking.

I glanced at my watch, “As much as I’d love to watch you get drunk, I have a meeting to get to.”

He pouted,“So much for a celebration.”

“I’ll leave that to you both.” I said lightly and walked away, but not before catching the small smile creeping up his lips.

That hoe. He has probably been thinking of ways to get alone with Peter.

I decided to go to the restroom first, but a part of me anticipated what happened next.

As I stepped out of the restroom, there he stood, leaning against the wall in his crisp beige suit.

His hair was still the same, just a bit longer. But asides from that, not much had changed.

His hazel eyes finally met mine. Ignoring the drumming in my chest, I walked past him.

“Congratulations on your win tonight.” His voice was smooth, deeper than I remembered.

I paused infront of him, “You seemed pained about it.”

“Of course not, just… surprised.” He said, feigning nonchalance.

“That you lost?” I let out a small laugh, “You should start getting used to it.”

“I’m not sure you’ve heard of me before now.” He said, an air of arrogance surrounded him.

Oh, I know you. You haven’t left my mind since that day.

How could I possibly forget you?

“Cody Simmons, CEO of The Sims Industries.” He stretched out his hand, his chin lifted.

I regarded his outstretched hand, “Youre right, I haven’t heard of you before.” I said flatly and turned away.

“Not even a thank you?” He asked, his voice laced with indignation.

I laughed, “For that mediocre wine? I apologize for my more refined taste.”

“Who do you think you are?” He spat, his voice tight with brewing fury.

“Exactly who I think I am. Imani Rodriguez.” I raised my chin in confidence.

“Act high and mighty all you want, but you’ll know soon who I am.” He hissed, his eyes burning with anger.

“I think I know you now…” I leaned in, and I felt his breath cease, “A man that lost to me. And that’s all you’ll ever be to me.” I said, my voice firm.

I caught his jaw clenching so hard before I turned away, each step defiant as I left the club.

Once I got into the limo, my phone pinged in my pocket.

I pulled it out and read the message. A smirk grew on my lips.

“Driver.”

“Yes maam?”

“Could you take me to the hotel, I’m quite spent for the night.”

“Okay maam.”

As we drove in silence, jazz music played solemnly from the radio.

It was one of few things about my past I didn’t discard. My love for jazz music.

It was also her favorite.

My heart ached as I thought of her. Eight years since I heard her voice, since I saw that infectious smile.

Now all I had were her memories. Memories filled with pain and regret. If only I could go back in time…

“We’re here maam.”

I snapped out of the my thoughts.

“Roy, Stephan,” I addressed my bodyguards, “You should get some rest.”

They protested, “But boss, we can’t leave–”

“The hotel has very tight security, so you don’t have to worry about me.” I reassured them.

After a brief moment of hesitation, they agreed,

“Sleep well maam.” The driver tipped his hat to me.

“You too.” I smiled faintly and stepped out of the car.

I walked into the lobby, and the gold accents on the marble pillars and chandeliers gave it an elegant feel.

“Miss Rodriguez!! We’ve been expecting you!” The receptionist said excitedly, quickly handing me my keys.

“Have a lovely stay maam!”

I smiled at them and walked off to the elevator, clicking the 10th floor.

As the doors closed, i closed my eyes and began to hum her favorite song.

It was the only way I didn’t feel completely suffocated. I tried therapy, medication, constant exposure–nothing made it go away permanently.

The claustrophobia wasn’t the only thing that stuck with me from my past.

As the doors opened, I jumped out, leaning on the wall for support as I took three deep breaths to calm my racing heart.

After a moment, I walked down the hall to my room.

When I entered, the scent of toasted cinnamon reached my nosetrills. The room matched the elegance of the lobby–gold accents in the marble tiles and on the bed frame.

A large painting hung behind the bed. It held a nude woman, laying on a velvet couch, and at her feet was a man on his knees.

The muse reminded me of myself. I had to be stripped of everything to be the woman I am today. Worshipped. Adored. Powerful.

There was a knock on the door.

I didn’t bother to ask who it was. I knew.

As I opened the door, his toned body leaned against the door frame, his curly hair almost concealing his dark brown orbs.

“Youre late.” I stated, leaving him at the door.

“Something came up.” He said, shutting the door behind him.

“That’s very unprofessional and I don’t take such lightly.” I said sternly.

He closed the gap between us, “I know, and I’m sorry.” He said softly.

“Since when did you apologize while standing?” I cocked a brow.

His eyes not leaving mine, he knelt down slowly, “I’m sorry, mama.”

“Your words are not enough.” I said as I sat on the bed.

I stretched my feet to his face, “Show me how sorry you are.”

He took off my shoe slowly, and placed soft kisses on my bare feet. Then he wrapped his tongue around each toe, sucking each and every one.

A soft moan escaped my lips as his mouth covered my toes.

The he looked up to me with pleading eyes, “Please, allow me to please you.”

I stood up, and grabbed him by the neck. He let out a low grunt as I spoke, “Open your mouth.”

And he obeyed. He always did.

And slowly, I spat in his mouth, and I could see his suit pants bulge.

“Take it off.” I commanded, and he began to take off my pants.

“Fold.” And he obeyed.

He folded it in the corner of the bed. He did the same for my thong.

I sat on the bed, and spread my legs slowly open, his eyes snapped.

“Eyes up.” I said sternly.

The look in his eyes satisfied me. He wanted me. Craved me. Adored me.

I fed off of it.

“Beg.”

“Please mama, please, I’ll be a good boy.” He begged like a child.

“Eat.” And with that, he dove in like a raging animal, his tongue caressing my core aggressively.

I threw my head back as I groaned, my hands grabbing his hair tightly.

“Youre such a good boy.” I moaned as he continued to ravage me.

If my mother could see me now, she’d wonder where her innocent Laura went.

She died along with you.