Page 18 of Merci

Last we talked, I told Hammer about the situation, not expecting him and his brother to show up. When he arrived, he told me that he’d heard some bad things about the promoter, and though Aaron and I didn’t expect him to show up, Hammer wanted to make sure I’d be okay.

“You good, Aaron?” I checked, ready to leave. It was a weekday, and my body knew it was past time for me to sleep.

“Yeah, I’m good, Merci. I appreciate you so much for pulling up. You saved me, girl. For real.”

He gave me a hug but quickly released me when Hammer said, “Not too long,” making me laugh.

I locked eyes with the DJ, and he gave me a thumbs up, letting me know he’d received the playlist I’d sent him. It was a mix of songs from the performers that were supposed to be here tonight. As we headed out, my steps were short and slow because of my heels. I’d been running around the club all night, on top of dancing and having a good time. Now, I couldn’t wait to go home, shower, and go to sleep.

Once we made it outside, I thanked Cujo for coming before Hammer led me over to his car. He opened the door of his SUV and helped me get inside. As soon as he pulled into traffic, my eyes grew heavy. There was no doubt in my mind that I’d fall asleep before we made it to my house.

The sinister laugh that escaped Hammer caused my eyes to flutter open. He pulled a gun from under his seat, causing meto sit up in mine. Heart racing, I looked back for what he’d perceived to be a threat.

“I knew that nigga was gon’ be on some bullshit. That’s why I’m glad I listened to my intuition and pulled up,” he said, more to himself than to me.

“What’s going on?” I asked, sitting back in my seat and pulling my phone out. While I trusted Hammer, I’d call my daddy in a minute if there wasanytype of trouble. Hammer had already proven that he’d protect me, but still.

“Lamar is following us. I ain’t saying ya boy is involved, but when you mentioned Lamar running out with the money, I figured he’d show up here and try to collect more. That’s been his scheme for the last few years.”

“Wait, what? How is he still booking shows if he’s scamming people and stealing?”

“He does just enough real shows for people to believe he’s legit. I think he did like four shows last year but had around ten booked, so yeah.” He changed lanes, watching as the car that was behind us did the same. “At the last event he promoted, he waited until it was over, popped out, and robbed the artist and the host. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s been waiting outside for you to take the payment he knew Aaron was going to give you. He just ain’t know you was gon’ be with me.”

Before I could respond, he was calling Cujo and telling him to turn around.

“Are you sure y’all can handle this? I can call my daddy or my brothers,” I offered softly, not wanting to offend him, but also not wanting to risk it.

Hammer sucked his teeth and cut his eyes at me before returning his attention to the road. “Don’t insult me, Merci.”

“I’m not. I just?—”

“I’m sure your people are the only protectors you’ve known and needed to have, but you with me now. You’ll never have to call them to protect you again.”

Hammer probably hadn’t meant for it to, but that made him a little sexier in my eyes. Cujo called and told him that he had pulled behind the car. At the sound of that, Hammer abruptly hit the brakes on his SUV, causing Lamar to run right into it, and I was so glad he hadn’t driven his Porsche tonight. Pushing the door open, Hammer said, “Keep the doors locked, and don’t get out this car.”

“O-okay,” I agreed, watching as he hopped out and didn’t hesitate to pull Lamar out of his car.

Before Lamar could shoot, Hammer lifted his hand with the gun, firing rounds into the air that had the cars around us scattering. Cujo rushed to the passenger door, sending his large foot into the masked man’s face before he could get out of the car completely. I watched as they mercilessly pummeled both men, blood soaking their masks from the damage being done to their faces behind them. It was the most animalistic thing I’d ever seen in my life. They beat them so badly I felt bad for Lamar and his friend. Even with it being clear he was about to try and rob me,goddamn.

Letting the window down, I yelled, “That’s enough!” Neither of them heard me or cared enough to let my voice register in their ears. I rushed out of the SUV and ran over to Hammer.

“Bae, stop! You’re going tokillhim!”

It wasn’t until I reached for his arm that Hammer snapped out of it. He looked down at me, hand wrapped around my neck. I gasped for breath as he pushed me against the car. Quickly, he released me, body softening when he realized who I was.

“Damn, sweetheart. I’m so sorry. Itoldyour ass not to get out the fucking car.”

“We have to go. Now! You’re about to kill him. Get your crazy-ass brother and come on!”

Sirens grew louder, closer. Hammer had to physically pull Cujo off the guy who was in the passenger seat, but he was able to get him off. We all ran back to our cars, and Hammer swerved and took a hard right just as two police cars pulled up. I looked back as Cujo made a quick left, heart racing as the weight of what had just happened settled within me.

The ride to my place was silent. I’d seen people get their asses beat, and I’d beaten a few asses myself, but what I’d just witnessed… that was on another level. Hammer came to open the door for me, ever the gentleman, like he hadn’t just bashed a man’s face in for trying to steal from me. Under the lighting on my porch, I saw the blood on his shirt and hands.

“You wanna come in and clean up?” I asked quietly, staring at his bruised and swollen hands.

“Nah. I’ll handle it when I get home.”

“Sorry about this. And your truck. Hopefully he didn’t do too much damage. I can pay for it if your insurance?—”