The Bet (The Badboy's Claim Series #1) ✔️

SEVENTY-FOUR

I suddenly felt nervous, seeing Kimora's family again as they came up to us. I feel like they are testing me to be the perfect one for her. Normally, I could handle pressure but, this... this was something else. Kimora squeezed my hand and I looked down at her to see she was smiling. Her eyes telling me it'll be okay and that filled me with relief.

"Look who finally made it!" An unfamiliar lady slurred. I surely didn't meet her yesterday. She did look like Shantel so I'm assuming this is another one of Kimora's aunts. The alcohol swished in the cup as she wrapped her arms around Kimora, breaking our hands apart. Kimora looked uncomfortable as she patted the lady's back.

"Nice to see you too, Aunt Larissa." Larissa stepped back with a smile before looking at me. Her eyes scanned me before she smirked. "My, my. When I heard your mother say got yourself a little white boy, I didn't think it was true. What's your name?"

"Jaxon Falls. A pleasure to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too." She turned on her heel before disappearing somewhere into another room.

Kimora rolled her eyes. "Everyone always has a drunk family member and that's her."

I chuckled. "She's pretty nice."

"She's a mess. Seriously. I bet that something is probably going to go wrong tonight." Kimora crossed her arms, taking in the scene. As soon as she said that, a gut feeling told me she was right. I kept my mouth shut though.

Shantel rushed up to Kimora, grabbing her hand. "I'm stealing Kimora for a moment." Without another word, she dragged her off and Kimora looked back at me with an apologetic smile and I only smiled back. I'll be fine on my own for now.

Marcus came up and stood beside me, staring at the crowd. I didn't say anything because I didn't know what he was going to say. Maybe he heard Kimora and I last night because I did slip up and accidentally uncovered her mouth. She was screaming pretty loud. Shit, I even hurt my hand to keep the headboard from hitting the wall.

Dammit. Why was I acting so nervous lately? I'm Jaxon fucking Falls for crying out loud.

"Why are you smiling to yourself like a dumbass?" Marcus asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I played it off. "Just thinking how lucky I am to be apart of Kimora's life and getting to meet her family," I explained and it was true. I am lucky.

Marcus glanced at me, bringing the drink up to his lips. "And I'm glad you're in her life as well."

My eyes widen in shock from his words as he walked away. I will always be shocked when he praises or compliments me. It was nice having his approval. I shoved my hands in my pockets, walking aimlessly and greeted myself to some of Kimora's family friends. I did sometimes spare some glances at Kimora who was chatting it up with Jeanne and her mother. She did meet my eyes before blushing and turning away.

I chuckled. That's my girl.

"Hey, Jaxon." I turned to Caroline and she rubbed her arm awkwardly as she shifted under my gaze. I raised an eyebrow and she continued. "Bet you're not used to the weather haha..."

Is she really talking about the weather?

"I actually am," I said shortly. I turned my attention back to Kimora who was sitting across the room. An idea popped up in my head and I turned back to Caroline. "So did Kimora have any special places she loved to go to as a kid?"

Caroline frowned before a smile appeared on her face again. "Uh... yeah. There's this ice rink but, she was always a bad skater."

"Ice rink?" I repeated. Well, I haven't gone ice skating in a while. That'd be fun to do. A nice little date with my Kitten. Tomorrow, Kimora wanted to go shopping for a wedding gift for her Aunt so I don't think that's a wise choice to go that day. Then the day after that, was the bachelorette and bachelor parties.