Thin Ice 7 - Echoes of Reckoning Read Free Page A

hello as everyone invited them to sit down while more drinks and food were ordered. As she enjoyed the food and drink, Layla took in each of the people surrounding Tariq, concluding he had some very attractive associates. I don’t think I’ve seen this many good looking, fine, sexy ass men in one place in a long time, she thought behind the smiling façade as she took them each in. She took her time taking in Ramell and Jacoury, admiring each of their sexy well put together frames. Layla’s gaze lingered on Mook, loving the beautiful chocolate skin and sexy lips he possessed. There was one however that took her breath away when she looked at him. Damn, I have got to see if he wants to come out and play, she thought taking Shells in.
    Layla loved the dreds, the creamy cocoa skin, beautiful smile and accent were making her panties wet as they all conversed. Glancing briefly at his girl, Layla didn’t think the woman was much competition. She was pretty yes, but those types were usually frigid or a pushover. Shells rose as if on cue and headed to the men’s room. Layla casually excused herself and headed to the ladies room located down the same hallway. She lingered around long enough for Shells to emerge, head down as he smoothed his shirt, bumping right into here.
    "Scuse me gurl, I didn’t see ya dere",” he told her smiling amiably.
    Layla smiled back telling him no harm done.
    “ Where are you from, Shells,” she asked sweetly, wanting to keep him alone with her for a moment.
    “ New York, but I come from Jamaica,” he replied still being friendly.
    “ Mmm, okay, that explains the accent,” Layla continued to flirt.
    Shells smiled and said nothing more, trying to step around her and return to the party. He knew if Tae caught him here in the hallway with the woman there would be hell to pay.
    "Come now, everyone will be lookin’ for ya," he said referring to her sudden departure knowing it would spark curiosity amongst the bunch, as he walked away and Layla smiled at his back.
    Oh I’m going to get some of that, she thought wickedly, giving him a few moments before discreetly making her way back to the group and taking a seat once again.
    Everyone was having a great time, some feeling a bit better than others as the liquor flowed freely. Tariq admittedly was a little tipsy when he felt his phone vibrate. Having enough presence of mind to leave the group, he headed to the men’s room. Arriving he checked the phone smiling as he read the text. Quickly sending one back, he deleted all traces and placed the instrument back in his pocket. Deciding he would answer his call of nature, he stepped up to the urinal as Mook walked in.
    “ Your ass is lit,” Mook teased.
    Tariq chuckled and told him he was feeling pretty good.
    “ Hmph,” Mook replied chuckling as they washed their hands.
    “ What’s up with this Layla chick,” he asked giving Tariq a look.
    Shrugging lightly he told Mook the woman was Cyiarra’s best friend since back in the day.
    “ Hell maybe with her here for a little while, CiCi will stop being so damned clingy and needy,” Tariq threw out irritably.
    Mook was slightly taken aback. This was a side of Tariq he’d never seen. The man seemed to honestly dislike the woman who had his child and kept his home.
    “ Maybe she just feels the distance Top,” Mook threw out carefully.
    Tariq again sighed, shrugging, before he answered.
    “ I’m not out there like that Mook,” he replied, looking his partner in the eye. “I know you and Mell don’t like what I’m doing, but I swear it’s only once a week and we aren’t out there like that,” he explained as Mook raised both hands in surrender and told him he wouldn’t bring it up again.
    Thanking him the two men returned to the party, picking up where they left off.
    ******
    Gabrielle was careful to put on the hat and scarf before she left home. It was a habit now, not to come out in public without her aides. Taking a deep labored breath