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

SEVENTY-FIVE

"Um. Don't call me that and let me go."

I chuckled, doing what he said. I did expect him to say yes, well, I did have my doubts. About a week ago, I confronted Marcus and Shantel.

"Mr. and Mrs. Woods, I'd like for your blessing to marry Kimora."

I watched as both of their eyes widen in surprise. Shantel grinned. "Oh my goodness! Yes! Yes! Of course!"

Marcus crossed his arms, eyeing me carefully. I smiled. "Before you say anything Mr. Woods, I know it's soon for me to even ask Kimora to marry me but, I love her and I don't think I'll ever stop loving her."

"Aww... my son in law, you're so adorable."

My face felt warm and I cleared my throat. "I just want to make sure I asked you both."

Abruptly, Marcus stood up from the couch, heading out of the living room. Shantel quickly called after him. "Wait. Marcus, you didn't give an answer."

"I'll think about it." With that, he left the room. 

Honestly, I was a bit nervous if he was going to say no for the past week or so. Yet, he finally approved and I couldn't be happier. Explains why he's been throwing me praises and compliments recently. I was glad I was on his good side now. No matter how hard he tried to hide it.

"Just make her happy," Marcus said before getting up and leaving the room. I chuckled from his words. Who did he think I was? Of course, I was going to make her happy.

I left the room, heading down to Trent's room. We were going to hang out until Kimora and Kamila came back and we'd all hang out together.

I knocked firmly on the door and after a few moments, Trent opened the door. "Hey, how'd meeting with Mr. Woods go?"

"Great actually." I took a step back as he closed his door, proceeding down the hall towards the elevator. "He actually gave me his blessing."

"That's amazing."

"I know right." I eyed Trent for a moment as we waited for the elevator to reach our floor. As if a switch flipped, he looked uncomfortable under my stare and gave me an awkward grin. "What's with the staredown?"

"Tell me. You're not a complete saint are you?"

He blinked. "What?"

"You and Kamila are very shy when it comes to each other. I find it hard to believe that you two had any sexy time. I'd like to be an uncle."

Trent's face turned red and he flailed his arms around. "W-Where did that c-come from?"

"Just curious." I shrugged, finding amusement in this situation. The elevator dinged and we stepped inside. He sighed, staring at the floor. "I don't like this guy talk."

"Well," I placed my hand on my chest. "If you want some tips, I used to deal with a handful of shy girls."

"...I'm good. I don't need any tips anyway." Trent's eyes landed back on the floor. Judging by his posture, he was still very awkward around me. I forgot Trent isn't a very social guy but, he's gradually coming out of his shell. Or maybe this whole topic is making him uncomfortable.

A smirk found it's way onto my face. "You don't need tips because you and Kamila already have done the devil's tango."

"I see why Kimora finds you annoying." He grumbled.

I laughed. "Pestering people is a bit of a specialty."

"I can tell."

"Come on, Trent. Answer my questions with an actual answer. I just want to know if you're still a pure soul unlike the rest of us."

"This is harassment."

"Don't be like that, man."

"I'm going to tell Kimora on you."

"Alright. Alright. I'll leave you alone... snitch."

***

"About time you two arrive-- what happened to your face?!" I rushed over to Kimora, cupping her face in my hands. She had a scratch on her cheek as if a cat had scratched her. It was small but, it worried me nonetheless. She tried to move away but, I kept a hold of it. "It's nothing..."

"Kimora and Caroline were arguing and Caroline hit her." Kamila frowned.

I looked back at Kimora but, she still fought trying to not look me in the eye. Obviously she wasn't going to confess anything right now. "Hey guys, we're going to catch up with you later."

"Alright," Trent said awkwardly. Kamila looked like she wanted to protest but, Trent quickly pulled her away towards a cafe next door, whispering something to her.

Kimora pouted. "I would've been fine. We all could've still hung out."

"Yeah but, you're upset still. I'm not dating Debby Downer." I pinched her cheek that wasn't scratched. She groaned, pushing on my chest. I laughed, letting her go as she got a good distance from me. She doesn't look like she was fighting... maybe Caroline looks worse. I know Kimora can give someone a good beat down. Yet, Kamila didn't say that they both got into a fight. She only said that Caroline hit Kimora... did she let her hit her?

I frowned as she crossed her arms, not looking at me still. That doesn't sound like a Kimora move at all. "What happened, baby?"

"...I said something I shouldn't have said. I wasn't myself in that moment and she said something that I'm used to and I don't get angry at things like that. But, I got so pissed off and I said something hurtful to Caroline. Then she hit me a-and-" She started sobbing. "I can't hit her back because she'd probably press charges on me and I'm too young and beautiful to be in jail!"

I stifled a laugh before wrapped my arms around her. People who were casual walking down the sidewalk passed by, turned their heads at the scene. God, this is such a bad look. "Hey, hey. Let's not cry here." I hide her face in my chest, heading back inside the hotel and to our room.

I really guess we're going to have to take a raincheck on that double date. That was such a weird reason to get upset about. I never thought someone could go through a phase of emotions that quickly. Then again, Kimora can be full of surprises sometimes.

It didn't take her long to stop crying and I would've assumed she was sleep until she started tracing my chest through my shirt. I closed my eyes, minding as well enjoying the peace while it lasted.

"Jaxon..."

"Yes, Kitten?"

She got up, fumbling with her hands, displaying her nerves. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you for the longest time but, I kept getting scared of how you would react..."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "What is it?"

She looked at me, looking for something that I wasn't sure of. She took a deep breath. "I-I can't." She got up from the bed, leaving me and going out to step on the balcony. I quickly followed after her. 

"Don't tease me like that." I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood but, Kimora wasn't having it. I didn't want to jump to conclusions of what she could be trying to tell me. She made it seem like I should fear the worst.

Was it Adam or maybe Axel came out the woodworks?

Dammit. I should've been paying better attention to my surroundings. I definitely should've brought some kind of protection. I'm an idiot...

"Jaxon..." She called me out of my thoughts, watching me attentively. "I'm pregnant."

***