Chapter Four

CAIRO

The day runs seamlessly. I stand on the small stage, addressing the men who now fall under my command. Taking over as the Baccaro mafia boss on my birthday—it doesn’t get much better than this.

My father's smile is contagious. I don’t miss the bags under his eyes. I can't help but wonder, was he always this tired when he held this role? Will that be me one day when it’s my son’s turn to take over? I shake off the thought, not ready to look that far ahead. Tomorrow, I’ll meet with Carlos, lay it out clearly—Baylor is mine. And to call off the ridiculous wedding.

As the evening progresses, Tiana sidles up to me, slipping her fingers through mine, her smile beaming across the room. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Baylor in deep conversation with Bennie and Lee Lee. My gut tightens with the urge to stride over and claim her with a kiss in front of everyone—let them all see who she truly belongs to. But I know I can't do that; I have to act like my beautiful wife isn't even here.

My father rests a hand on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, son.”

I glance at him, feeling like I’m staring at an older version of myself—only he lacks the touch of my mother’s Egyptian features that set us apart.

I smile. “Thanks, Dad.”

“You can finally take the plunge and marry Tiana,”

my father says with a grin in her direction. He’s clearly taken with her charm and wit.

Tiana raises her crossed fingers and beams. “Maybe the proposal will come on Christmas day.”

What the fuck is she doing?

I’m ready for this farce to be over.

The later it gets, the more I drink with my men.

Tiana slides her hand along my back to let me know she’s returned from the restroom. I want to push it away.

“Are you ready to go?” she asks.

“Yes,”

I reply without meeting her gaze.

I don’t see Baylor anymore. Did she leave?

“Crush,”

I call out, waving him over.

He steps closer. “Yes, boss?”

“We’ll be leaving soon. Check the car and then do a perimeter sweep with Vicious. Make sure no one’s lurking.”

“Got it.”

Crush walks ahead of us.

Tiana waves and flashes a bright smile as she clutches my hand, practically dragging me toward the car. Crush gives a quick nod as we approach, signaling it’s all clear. I slide into the driver’s seat, shut the door, and start the engine, cranking the heat to combat the freezing air. It’s easily twenty degrees outside, and I’d skipped a coat tonight to keep my exit smooth and quick.

Dad’s voice echoes through the parking lot as he shouts a goodbye.

“Your dad’s coming,”

Tiana whispers excitedly.

She climbs over the center console and falls into my lap, her pussy rubbing against my cock. She wraps her arms around my neck and hovers her lips over mine in anticipation.

“What the hell’s gotten into you tonight?”

I mutter, trying to focus through the buzz from all the drinks. I can’t afford to look sloppy in front of my men; my reputation is everything.

“Cairo, you pay me a lot of money to be your fake girlfriend,”

she says, smirking.

“We need to discuss that,”

I tell her, but before I can say more, there’s a knock on the driver’s side window. I roll it down, and there’s Dad, grinning wider than ever.

“Didn’t mean to interrupt,”

he says, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Just a reminder—we’ve got some business to cover tomorrow.”

“I know. I’ll be there,” I reply.

“Good. Enjoy your birthday.”

He winks and heads off.

I roll up the window and turn to Tiana. “Okay, show’s over. Get the fuck off me,” I growl.

My head is pounding, and the car feels like it’s spinning. There’s no way I’m driving in this state. Crush can drive me to Santa’s workshop instead.

Her hands come up and cup my face. “I don’t want this to be pretend anymore,”

she whispers, rocking her hips in my lap.

The car windows start to fog up and I realize I forgot to turn on the defrost.

She leans in to kiss me, but I catch her arms, pushing her back. “Tiana, I’ll send you the last payment I owe you. This fake relationship is done,”

I say sternly.

“No,”

she growls, trying to break free from my grip.

“Tiana, chill out,”

I warn her as there’s a knock on the window

“Tiana, get the fuck out of the car,”

Baylor roars.

“Fuck,”

I mutter, shoving Tiana into the passenger seat, my head pounding.

I open the door to find Baylor glaring at me. “What the hell is going on, Cairo?”

“Tiana’s been acting out of line. I just told her it’s over—”

Tiana cuts off my words, adjusting her skintight dress. “You interrupted us.”

I throw her a sharp glare. “Do you have a death wish? I’d advise you to shut up.”

“No, your dad wants us to get married. You can never be with her,”

she snaps, crossing her arms. “And you know it. Besides, she’s marrying someone else, anyway.”

In a flash, Baylor reaches in and drags Tiana out by her hair. I grab Baylor around the waist, holding her back as she throws me a deadly look. “Don’t,”

she warns.

I lean close, whispering, “Baby, not here.”

She takes a few breaths, nodding. “Fine. Okay.”

I set her back on the ground, and in one swift motion, she raises her stiletto and drives the heel down onto Tiana’s pussy.

Gasps ripple through our bodyguards.

Tiana squeezes her eyes shut, a scream escaping her.

Baylor nods at Creek and gestures towards Tiana lying on the ground. She turns back to me with a smirk. “I’ll see you at Santa’s Workshop.”

Like I said, some people just have a death wish.