BONUS EPISODE: HOSTILE TAKEOVER (FINAL)

"People like us need a place to break bread with our brothers and sisters away from prying eyes and wagging tongues.

Do you know what I mean? We all need a family house." He had said that to me the first time I asked the meaning behind the name.

I was lucky to have been invited into his family, a group of hand-selected individuals, ambitious, open-minded, and extremely loyal to each other.

When I got to the table that night, Bosayo stood up to greet me.

Unusual, but not out of character.

I stuck my hand out, but he only stared at my face.

"Sorry, sir.

Is everything okay?" "What are you apologizing for, K?" His voice sounded different, rough, edgy, and a little dark.

"Oh, um, nothing.

We don't have to shake hands, sir.

I just assumed." "Can I give you a hug instead?" Bosayo and I had exchanged a side hug once or twice, but those hugs were quick and perfunctionary.

They never lingered.

"K, if I overstepped, tell me and I will apologize.

Otherwise, I need a response from you.

Now, please." I felt something stir deep inside me and also between my legs.

Arousal? Fuck.

Something about the way he spoke to me in that firm and direct way scrambled my brain.

"Yes, sir.

You can hug me." "Say, 'Yes, Bosayo, you can hug me.'" Something warm and electric passed through my arms and traveled down to my toes.

What was happening to me? But I obeyed nonetheless.

"Yes, Bosayo, you can hug me." The words barely got out of my mouth when he grasped my arm and pulled me into him, a forceful surprise that nearly made me stumble.

"Sorry, was that too rough for you?" Bosayo had said into my ear as he wrapped one arm around my lower back and gently pressed my head against his chest with his other hand.

My knees shook a little.

I felt a sting of embarrassment and nervousness.

"Relax, K.