At Her Best.

Six.

"Come on Raja, listen to me!" Jamal Mason begged. "I was out of town for a couple days handling business so I couldn't get around to what you asked. I had to get my money in order, you can understand that right? When else have I ever failed you? I always come through and you know it! Politics ain't even my forte but I'm down to help because I got you. Girl, you really buggin' right now if you ask me. Stop being hard headed."

I rolled my eyes at the fine ass club owner and tapped my foot impatiently. Glancing around Jamal's office, I tried my very best to look irritated. When he called earlier to meet up so we could discuss his disappearance, I was more excited to see him than annoyed. But in true Raja fashion, I had to show up absolutely beautiful with an attitude on ten. Mason had to know I wasn't to be messed with in no shape or form. And as he stood here before me in a clean cut tux and pleading eyes, I think he got the picture. I just wished his exterior would stop doing things to my vagina and let me focus.

"What can I do to make it up to you?" Jamal asked softly, stepping closer to me. "You know I always keep my word."

Aw shit, here he go. Mason was towering over me, and I had to avoid eye contact so I wouldn't give myself away. I hated that he knew how fine he was, for all the attention he's gotten from women over the years has surely gone to his head. Jamal pressed up on me, and I felt his whole package against my stomach. I figured he had a lot to offer, but Mason was definitely holding. His shit just might stretch a bitch out.

"Back up friend." I said sternly, pushing Jamal back a little. "I found my information so your services are no longer needed."

Mason looked at me conflicted, clearly at a lost for words. This man really thought I was going to linger around and wait for him to come and save the day. Man, was he in for a rude awakening. Over the years, I could tell Mason was the type to be authoritative, and wanting to make all the moves. And that was one of the main reasons why I never gave this man the time of day. We now lived in a world where women took action and were their own superheroes. Mason probably thought I was meant to only cook, clean, lay on my back, and play second to him.

"So what did you find?" Jamal questioned, leaning on his desk.

I eyed Mason intently, fishing for my own conclusion. Why was he asking me this? Why did it even matter to him? Although I knew Jamal for years and had some attraction to him, it didn't make me stupid to reality. I'd side eye anybody that came at me with what looked like an angle. Shit, call me overly suspicious, but sometimes I didn't even fully trust Renzo.

"I mean, so I can top whatever it is." Jamal uttered, trying desperately to correct himself after seeing my unconvinced gaze. "Because if you can find something that's worthwhile, just imagine what I can do."

Now this made me roll my eyes. Classic misogynistic answer. His arrogance was such a turn off, it actually made him look ugly. Mason smirked, for he knew he'd gotten under my skin with that bullshit response.

"So I take that you're over my proposal about Mason's?" Jamal inquired softly. "You know Raja, I really think you should think about this some more. There's a whole lotta benefits that come with this."

I laughed sarcastically, clearly picking up on the sexual undertones of Jamal's last sentence. This man was not slick. And his game was quite corny. But still, I played along. Let him think he actually had a chance. That only gave me time to figure out what else I could get out of Mr. Mason. He did after all come up short with Stanley.

"Give me a tour." I answered. "Let me see your vision. If I like it, we just might be in business."

Jamal cracked a smile, and held his arm out for me to grab. I obliged, and for the next ten minutes Mason took me all over the huge building, explaining his bullshit theory. The more he talked, the less interested I became. Jamal Mason was letting me know his true intentions without even realizing it. His speech and body language alone told me that he really didn't give a fuck about me. This man thought that he could sway me with his extensive vocabulary and good looks, but I was on to him. And I sure as hell wasn't buying what he was selling.