Chapter 32

I zipped up my bag happy I was done with that chore. Hunter had asked me to pack light which was vague especially for someone like me who always over packed. My rule was, it's better to have too many clothes than not have enough. I'd packed enough clothes for a week since I had no idea how many days was a few days according to Hunter.

I had officially resigned from the supermarket and was no longer an employee there. I'd also been paid all my dues so there was nothing tying me to that place. I was yet to tell my mom that I had quit but I made a mental note to inform her later.

I made sure to leave my house neat and clean with all the dirty dishes done and laundry washed and folded. I wanted to come back to a clean home when I left Hunter's. My phone pinged with a text and I smiled when I saw it was from Hunter. He was surprisingly on time which I appreciated as I hated to be kept waiting.

Bear🐻🧔

I'm outside.

I grabbed my purse and duffle bag and left the house locking the door securely behind me.

"Nala, safari ya wapi tena?"Sonie asked startling me.

Nala, where to?

I hadn't noticed her hanging up her wet laundry in the clothing lines. I'd been avoiding her for a week which she did not seem pleased about. Not that I cared anyway. I just didn't want to gossip with her which is exactly what she wanted.

"Sasa Sonie. Nimeenda kusalimia rafiki yangu, nitarudi."I replied.

Hi, Sonie. I'm just going to visit a friend, I'll be back.

She was about to ask me something else when Hunter hooted. Someone was getting impatient.

"Bye."I rushed out cutting Sonie off before she could question me and speed walked to the gate.

I let myself out and closed the gate quickly before Sonie could see anything. Hunter popped the trunk for me so I could put in my bag before I joined him at the front.

"Sorry, nosey neighbor."I apologized to him putting on my seatbelt.

"No hi, hello, I've missed you bear. You haven't seen me for more than a week."Hunter scolded me starting the car and driving off.

"We talk everyday and video called last night."I retorted with an eye roll.

"Still."Hunter lamented.

He was being such a baby. It was cute and annoying at the same time.

"Okay, I'm sorry bear. How are you? I've missed you."I asked genuinely.

"I've missed you too baby girl and I'm all better now that you're here."Hunter replied making me smile.

Just to make his day a little better I leaned over and kissed his cheek. Hunter grinned sparing me a glance as he looked at my outfit.

"You look beautiful."He complimented.

"Thank you."I replied knowing how much effort I'd put into my look to impress him.

It had worked so I felt proud of myself. I was wearing blue high waisted jeans, a cropped off shoulder ankara top with long puffy sleeves and I'd curled out my weave to give it a different look. I didn't have any make up on, just some lip gloss and my smile.

"We're going to Nyari."Hunter informed me as we merged into the traffic on the highway.

"I thought we were going to Westlands since that's where you live?"I countered.

"That was the original plan but it has changed. We'll still go there but Nyari is our first stop."He informed me.

"Okay."I mumbled quietly because that had not been the plan.

Hunter was supposed to ease me into his wealth, not slap me in the face with it. I was not dressed or ready for the extravagance I would encounter in Nyari. It was too much but I had already agreed to it so there was no backing out.

"It'll be all right baby girl. It's just you and me, I promise."Hunter reassured me lifting my hand to his lips as he gave me a comforting smile.

It didn't work on soothing my nerves so I just smiled back and put on some music.

I wanted to question Hunter about how he had managed to get off work in the middle of the day on a Friday but then I remembered he was the boss so I kept it to myself.

"Everyone has been asking about you. Maybe we can all hang out together soon."Hunter suggested talking about his friends.

"I know I'm charming and all but your friends are all way older and richer than me. Why would they want to hang out with a broke twenty two year old recent graduate?"I asked Hunter.

"I hate it when you classify us in terms of rich an poor. It makes me want to deposit a couple of millions into your account. That way you'll be rich like the rest of us ending all this bullshit."Hunter gritted out.

"First of all calm down, I was joking, mostly at least and second the day you do that, I will donate it all to the poor and disappear. You'll never see me again."I replied.

Hunter turned to me with an icy glare to which I returned standing my ground. I was not backing down from his threats. Hunter sighed and focused his attention back on the road.

"Your morals are one of the things I like best about you but seriously baby girl you need to stop discriminating us because we're older and have more money than you. They like you because you're genuine, smart and funny. How would you feel if we turned up our noses at you because we have more money than you?"Hunter asked me.

"Terrible."I admitted not realizing how much all of my self criticism was affecting us all.

"Then learn to accept us for who we are just as we did you."Hunter requested.

He was right, they had never made me feel like I wasn't part of them and I owed them the same respect.

"Okay, I'm sorry. We'll make plans to hang out."I promised Hunter.

"Good, I appreciate it."Hunter said with a grateful smile.

Being raised in a home where I didn't always get what I wanted had taught me to be reserved, especially with money.

I couldn't change that overnight since I was used to working for every single coin I had but for Hunter I would try my best to acclimate into his life of money and fame. It would be hard but I'd give it my best shot if our relationship was to grow.

"We're here."Hunter announced as we approached the highly esteemed gated estate.

It was all lush green environment, big mansions and stuck up rich people. We had to pass through security at the entrance of the estate which was necessary of course as a lot of important politicians and dignitaries lived there. Once we were cleared Hunter drove past the gate and we passed mansion after mansion mostly built in a Victorian era style but some had a modern taste to them.

I tried not to be intimated but it was hard especially with the high walls and electric fences protecting God knows what. It was also really quiet which I liked since I didn't appreciate too much noise.

"The president lives there."Hunter said pointing at a mansion that looked more heavily guarded than the rest.

"I thought he lived at the white house?"I asked confused.

"Yes he does."Hunter replied with a wink.

I laughed and nodded understanding what he meant.

Hunter drove on for a couple more minutes before making a turn to enter a compound with high walls and a very tall black gate. The gate immediately slid open and an armed guard saluted when Hunter drove in.

"Why is he armed? It's an empty house."I asked Hunter.

"Well it is worth a quarter billion with a lot more valuable items inside."Hunter replied as we drove up the short drive way.

My jaw dropped at that amount but I was quick to compose myself.

Fuck me.

Hunter parked under the open parking shade made for the vehicles and got out.

My hands and legs were shaking but I took deep calming breaths before he opened the door for me. I got out with my handbag in hand and waited as Hunter retrieved my duffel bag from the trunk.

"Let's go."Hunter said holding his hand out for me.

I took it hoping he wouldn't feel it shaking.

The compound was large and well maintained with beautiful trees and flowers. The front garden was a small circle with a fountain in the middle. Fir trees lined up the entrance with jacaranda trees on the opposite side of the car lot. They were in full bloom filling the ground with their purple flowers and the air with a sweet scent.

We walked up the steps to the front door that was slightly ajar. The mansion was a white two story building with huge windows and majestic pillars holding it up.