A Billionaire's Revenge

Ch. 17: Ifemi

CORDEN

Despite the fact I told myself I'd stay away from Hadari three months ago, the second she showed up in Lincoln's office this morning changed everything. I found out she's dating Archer, a fucking cop, which puts her in far more danger than becoming involved with me. If anyone who attends The Harbor found out she was messing around with Archer, she'd be a dead woman walking.

Is she truly safer with me than him? I want to say yes, but really, I'm just using that as an excuse to see her again and for once in my life go after something that will make me happy. Life has been hell the past three months without her, and I don't plan on wasting another minute alone.

So, I reached out to Delano, who sent over her file to my phone. Carmen Abdullahi is a twenty-seven-year-old entrepreneur who graduated with a business degree and opened a flower shop on the Upper East Side with her best friend, Riley. Her family is from Apomu, a small village located in the Osun state of Nigeria, and after doing some geographical research on the area, I understand completely why she wired the money I transferred to her for dancing over to her mother, Abeni Abdullahi. She's supporting her parents, ensuring their safety, but I'm not sure why I was expecting anything different from her.

Women I've dated before splurged my money on designer purses and whatever new fashion piece dropped recently, and although Carmen loves the finer things in life, her priorities lie with her family and keeping them safe.

Something we have in common.

Thanking my driver as he pulls up to the curb, I exit Carmen's file and admire the outside of her shop while I stuff my phone into my pocket. Different arrangements line the sidewalk, a cute mom-and-pop sign displaying open in the bay window. With the chill of October, I'm thankful for the blast of heat when I step into the shop, overwhelmed by the heavy scent of flowers.

A bell chimes above me, but no one is here from what I can tell. I take my time wandering the space, eyeing different arrangements that catch my eye when Carmen comes through a door in the back, stopping dead in her tracks when she sees me.

The corner of my lips tilts at her appearance. She's changed since this morning, now wearing a pair of jeans that have soil on her knees, a stained t-shirt, and her braids are held back by another intricate headwrap. She's fond of those, it seems. I wonder if any designer brands make them. I'd bet she'd love one made of silk.

Her eyes dart around, ensuring we're the only ones here. "What are you doing, Corden? At my place of work?" She scoffs, folding her arms over her chest. "Or should I say Jett?"

She's done her research too, it seems.

"I prefer Corden," I hum, skimming my fingers over the shelves. "It's nice to see you too, Carmen." Her name sounds good on my tongue for the first time. I like the way it rolls off smoothly, like fondant on a delicious piece of cake.

She fidgets at the counter, fumbling with papers when she says, "You shouldn't be here. My... The people in my life, including your brother, have no idea I dance at The Harbor. They can't know we've met before."

"Who says I was planning on telling them?" I inch towards the counter, licking my lip at how messy and dirty she looks. She's perfect. "For the record, my brother doesn't know what I am involved with, either, so if the courtesy could go both ways, that would be appreciated."

She dips her chin in agreement. "Fine. It's a deal. Now, if that was all you came for, I'm helping my business partner by repotting some plants while she's on lunch. So, if you'll excuse me, I—"

"Carmen." My voice carries a plea to it, and I'm not sure if that's what makes her stop to give me the time of day, but she waits for me expectantly, so I take advantage of it. "I'm sorry for...pushing you away. I plan on making it up to you."