Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“He’s not my boyfriend. I’m not his problem.”
“What?” Ven and I say in unison.
“I think it’s time you and I talk.”
“Where’s your piece?” Ven demands.
“Home.”
“Excuse me? You’re the senator’s daughter and you’re seeing a guy who has enemies.”
“Okay, what aren’t you telling me about Kelex? What enemies?” Ven says and narrows her eyes at me.
“Read the room, Ven. You fuck with killers. Half of your friends, including your husband are savages. The kid is the only one I might give a pass, but his wife is questionable in my book. The fighter, it’s in him. Push comes to shove, he might pull a trigger or two.”
She stares at me with her mouth open. I’ve known she’s been in denial. She should have seen through Ant a long time ago, but she thinks he’s a sweet teddy bear. I wasn’t shocked at all when Ant told me his role in his family. It’s why I got over it so fast.
“Y’all been doing too much ballroom dancing. Y’all know what a savage looks like. Why do you think your panties get so wet for the guys you both chose?
“You both know in your hearts you gravitate to danger. I’m not the only one. Tell that man you’re being followed, Shawn, and stop leaving the house unarmed.”
“You guys all right?” Ant asks as he rushes into the house.
Shawn and Ven are still looking at me like I’m crazy. Ven does a double take as she looks at Ant. She palms her face and shakes her head.
“Yeah, but someone’s been following Shawna,” Ven grumbles.
“What?” Ant seethes.
“It’s nothing.”
“Don’t do that. My son could have been here. They were shooting at you,” I say.
“I didn’t mean to downplay your safety. It’s just that it could have been Danny. I never know when he’s going to come back—”
“That’s not going to happen,” Ant and Ven cut her off.
“Oh. My. God. I am in denial.” Ven gasps and looks at Ant with wide eyes.
From the look on Ant’s face, I get what she just realized. It’s how I knew my husband was dangerous, the reason I ran to protect him. There was no telling what the cops would have uncovered that did tie to his hands.
“I thought… I know Pit can… but I never thought. Aw, hell.”
“Is the picture clear now?” I ask.
“I’m going home. I need to call a friend.”
“Ven, don’t. Leave that one alone. I shouldn’t have said anything. Don’t tip that ship. I don’t want that on my head.”
“What’s going on? Someone start talking to me,” Ant demands.
“I want to talk to my husband. I know he knows what I need to know.”
“I’m not sure he does, Ven.”
“What is she talking about, Lex?”
I sigh. “I figured out who your cousin is. I think Shawn should tell him what’s going on if she’s being followed.”
“No,” he drags out. “I’m the one who needs that information. Talk to me. Leave him out of this.”
“So I’m right.”
He glares at me and pulls out his phone. “No one is leaving this house until I have someone to escort you. Lex, pack your shit. We need to find a place to stay until I get this under control.”
“I want to go home now,” Ven growls.
“Someone just shot at my wife, my brother’s pregnant wife, and my cousin’s girl. All of you take your asses away from the windows and sit down somewhere so I can think.”
“Ox,” Ven grinds out. “I’m pregnant and aggravated. I still have a few in my clip. I don’t have to kill you. I know how to wound to make a point.”
“Mayven, my brother loves you. Don’t make me fight him. I’m telling the three of you to go sit somewhere safe. I’m not asking. You’re under my roof. Do as I say. Now,” Ant barks.
“Girl,” I say and grab her hand. “Trust me, this is not your Ox. Stop arguing with him. Let’s go. Help me pack up my family.”
“Fine, but how is that child sleeping through all of this?”
For the first time since the first shot rang out, I give a genuine laugh. My son is knocked out. I look down at his little back as it rises and falls.
“I don’t care as long as he’s breathing,” I reply.
* * *
Ox
Uncle Blake took care of the responding officers. Now the cleanup begins. Literally and figuratively. I’ll need to have new windows put in and there’s glass all over the place.
All I can think about is the fact that my son could have been here. I’m going to fucking kill someone, but who could be after Shawna? That’s the million-dollar question.
Danny is dead. I helped Rome get rid of the body. He’s not coming back to do shit. I had no idea she thought he could.
Today I witnessed the difference between the three cousins. They are all smart, but only two of them have street smarts. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing.