“I won’t be fine with it.”
Everyone turned to see Liam standing in the doorway of his study. Candace stopped dialing. Rena shared a look with Imani who joined her on the long seat at the other end of the stately room.
Liam patted Pitch’s shoulder, urging him aside. He went to Candace. “A car is waiting outside for you and Imani when you’re ready,” he set the receiver back into its cradle and took her hand. “I’m sorry for the way you were treated in my home.”
Candace nodded, her expression equally apologetic. “It was Imani they said it to.”
“It offended you all and I’m sorry,” he kissed Candace’s hand.
Rena stood when Liam approached to take her hands.
“There’s a car to take you to Harlem,” he said. “I’m sorry for tonight, love.”
“Thank you, Sir, but um,” Rena looked to Aaron who stood in the hall talking with Stone.
Liam saw Aaron, nodded and then kissed Rena’s cheek. “Good night,” he said.
Rena went to meet Aaron at the door. Pitch and Candace followed. Alone with Imani then, Liam offered her his hand.
“Is Humphrey alright?” She asked.
Liam smiled and took the place Rena had vacated next to Imani. “I see why my son loves you so.”
“Mr. Tesano, I’m so sor-”
“No. I won’t hear that,” Liam interrupted. “This house has seen far worse fights than the one here tonight. Are you sure you want to leave? You’re welcomed to spend the night.”
“Thank you, but I should go-” Imani bristled, her luminous eyes widening slightly before they dropped to her lap.
Liam saw Roman in the doorway. He squeezed Imani’s hand and left the sofa. “Make this quick, boy,” he instructed when he met his son at the door. “You say good night and let that girl go home. Understood?”
“Yes, Sir,” Roman nodded obediently. He waited until his father was gone before he moved any further.
“Are you okay? Imani?” He called when she didn’t immediately answer.
“My father was right. Temper...is dangerous.”
Roman swiftly closed the remaining space between them and went to his knees before her. “I’d never hurt you,” his tone was fierce, genuine.
Imani shook her head. “I’m not talking about me. You could have killed your brother.”
“He earned every hit.”
“And you could have killed him with them.” she scooted closer to the edge of the sofa and clutched his shirt cuff. “Thank you for coming to my defense, but even the best friend gets sick of fighting battles.”
“I love you,” switching tact, Roman gripped Imani’s elbow firm enough to steady her but not enough to hurt. “That won’t change, no matter how many times I fight a battle for you.”
“Fighting my family is one thing. I can’t be the cause of you fighting yours...or worse.”
“Then I won’t take you around them. Ever.”
“And you?”
“I could live the rest of my life happily without seeing them.”
Her gaze turned tumultuous. “What are you saying?”
“I said it.”
A knock hit the door. It was Liam. “Ro? It’s time.”
Roman gave a single nod and squeezed Imani’s elbow one last time before releasing her. “I’ll see you in a couple of days, okay?”
“Roman,” her fingertips brushed his cheek. “I do love you.” Quickly, she stood and left the room.
~62~
Two Days Later~
Humphrey raised a finger to stay Vale’s comment when he walked into his bedroom that morning. Humphrey looked immensely satisfied, despite the fact that his face was still a swollen mess from the beating he’d taken. He closed the call he was taking, after thanking the person on the other end for helping him make ‘this’ happen.
“What’s that about?” Vale asked when the receiver was back on the phone cradle.
Humphrey made an effort to grin. “That was about the boat I’m buying. Stone can think again if he believes he can stifle me on the shipping end.”
“What about The Wind Rage?’ Vale noted the other ship his brother owned.
Humphrey winced when he shrugged. “What about it?” He challenged tightly. “It’s working very well, but what that tells me is that I could use more like it. More and more investors are wanting a piece of it which means more capital for more vessels. With any luck, I’ll be adding to the pool in another month or so.”
