“A discount? Are you serious?” He could hear arguing in the background and knew that Kahn’s attentions were divided.
“Yes, he gave me a fifteen percent discount on a roll. But you and I have done so much business in the past, I thought it wise to speak with you before I ordered more from him.”
“Wait, what? He gave you a fifteen percent discount for purchasing a whole roll? And already you are in need of more?”
Mamoon silently cursed. “This was…some time back. My rack is empty and I thought that maybe you—”
“What do you mean ‘some time back’? You just purchased ten yards from me a few days ago.”
Mamoon nodded at the phone. “That was for a special order, my friend. Abdul’s roll was being used for another order. Apparently it is the season for protesting.” He chuckled to himself and prayed the older man didn’t call him on his bluff.
Kahn sighed into the phone. “And how much of a discount do you want for my rolls of fabric?”
Mamoon smiled inwardly. “If you are happy to match Abdul’s offer, I would not be opposed to purchasing both of your rolls from you.”
Kahn was silent and Mamoon prayed he was just doing the math, ensuring that it was still profitable for him to cut his price. “Very well. Fifteen percent. But you buy both rolls and get them out of my warehouse.”
Mamoon wanted to whoop for joy. “Fine. I’ll take them both. Can you have them delivered today?”
“Come and get them yourself. My truck is broken today anyway and my people are busy working on it.”
Mamoon silently cursed again and stared at the second floor landing. “I really need those rolls today. I’d hate to have to call Abdul.” Especially considering that he had just gone through an entire roll of fabric, Abdul might realize he was in a predicament.
Kahn swore openly and Mamoon had to bite his tongue from laughing. “Send your boy to pay for it. You’ll have both rolls before nightfall.”
“Excellent. I will send Tariq now.” He punched the end call button and craned his neck to the landing. “Tariq!”
The boy stepped out from the breakroom, two coffees in hand. “Yes, sir?”
Mamoon nearly jumped. “Take them their coffees then come back here. I need you to take payment to Kahn.”
The boy nodded and started up the stairs.
Mamoon watched him go and smiled inwardly. Thanks to “the widow” and her right hand man, al-Abadi, this was going to be a very profitable week for him.
8
Oklahoma City, OK
ROGER ROLLED OVER and reached for the glass of water next to the bed. He swallowed quickly as a hand slid up his back and grasped a handful of his close cropped hair. “Get back here and finish what you started.” Brenda’s voice purred as she tugged him back under the sheet.
Roger fought against her pull and quickly swallowed another gulp of water. “I gotta rehydrate.” He nearly choked as she continued to tug.
She flipped him over and straddled him, the sheet sliding from her athletic form. She gave him a look that both frightened him and excited him. The smile spreading across her sensual lips made him ache but at the same time, her appetites were far more endurance related than his had ever been. “You can rehydrate when I’m done with you.”
Roger collapsed and gave her a defeated look. “It’s been all day and…almost all night. Don’t you ever sleep?”
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” She leaned down and bit his earlobe, making him startle slightly.
“Seriously, Brenda. I need a break.” He tried to push her off gently and she fell to the side, surrendering.
“Ugh. Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited for this? I want to wear you completely out.” She curled on her side and gave him a mischievous look.
He turned and gave her a tired smile. “Trust me, you have.” He glanced to his waist and shook his head. “I think you ground me to a nub.”
She raked her nails quickly down his back, forcing him to arch away from her and stand. “But it’s such an enjoyable nub.”
He turned and gave her a sour look. “Never tease a man about his…nub.” He marched to the bathroom to relieve himself and used the wash rag once more to wipe himself down. He glanced into the mirror and was shocked that he didn’t look like a husk of his former self. She was insatiable.
He marched back out and launched himself unceremoniously onto the mattress, bouncing her. He turned to his side and stared at her. He had to admit, he had found her attractive before, but now? She looked absolutely beautiful in the afterglow. He reached across and tucked her hair behind an ear. “Please, let’s get a little sleep. I really need to be on the road so I can check in tomorrow.”
She scrunched her face at him. “Tomorrow? I thought you were going to take a personal day?”
His eyes widened at that and he nodded. “Yes, of course. But I still have quite a bit of driving to do.” He leaned over and kissed the tip of her nose. “Besides, I can’t wait to wake up next to you in the morning.”
She gave him a look he wasn’t certain how to read. She sat up and pulled her knees to her chest. “Roger, I hope you didn’t give the wrong impression. I’m not…looking for a relationship here. This was just a…”
“A fling?” he asked.
“I suppose you could call it that.” She rolled over and grabbed the sheet, pulling it back up to cover herself, then slid down next to him, staring at him from her side. “Call it ‘satisfying a craving.’ Or acting on a long held desire. Whatever.”
Roger gave her a knowing smile. “I gotcha. No strings.”
“Right.” She tucked her hands under her pillow and propped her head up. “Besides, I vowed years ago never to date a coworker, and
