Page 97 of Love U Down II

“Yeah, man. I’ve heard those stories.”

“And I only liked your sister half the time we were together.” I cocked my gun and his eyes jumped to her. “Do you want to think about what I’ll do for the woman I live and breathe for? Huh? My wife? What in that pea sized brain of yours made you think it was smart to try to check my mothafuckin’ wife, Trapp?”

“It wasn’t that serious. I was just trying to get with you so––”

“Well you’ve got me,” I snapped. “I’m right fucking here. What’s up?”

“Put that––”

I sent off one shot that made his head fly back before his body crumpled and Retta and Niecy both screamed.

“Shut up!” I barked. “The next time you want to send a shot at my wife, keep in mind I send real fucking shots back.” I pressed my gun back against Niecy’s head. “I’m tired of mothafuckas pressing my wife. Make that last interaction at the studio the last time you ever even utter her fucking name. Do you hear me, Niecy?” I leaned into her. “You’ve known me long enough to know I mean what I say when I say it.” I looked down at her, tears streaming down her face. I pulled my gun from her head. “Tell your friend about me too.” I glanced at Retta. “Andwatch yo’ fucking mouth moving forward, bitch,” I warned. “Get your dead brother cleaned up and it would be smart for my name not to make the rounds when you call for that clean up.” I thought about it for a beat then ran Niecy, Retta, and Trapp’s pockets.

I nudged my head toward the door and Shade let his arm fall to his side.

Niecy dropped to the ground and she and Retta crowded Trapp while I headed for the door.

Shade glanced at me as we walked down the dark street toward my truck.

“Congratulations on being an accessory to murder.” I hit him on the shoulder.

He chuckled. “This count toward earning my stripes?”

“Maybe.” I looked at the money I’d snatched and offered it to him. “I’ll talk to Dashawn about putting some credits toward your lil extracurricular.”

Shade snickered.

“Fuck you.”

CHAPTER 22

MYOME

“So, what do you think of these?” I showed Steven four of the outfits Allison was putting together for Sundaze to perform in.

“I love the outfits for the women but I feel like the outfits for the men are landing a little flat for me.”

“I get that.”

“This one isn’t that bad.” He gestured toward one. “I’d completely rework the other one though.”

I exhaled. “Yeah. I’m not super crazy about it either. I just wanted to know if I was tripping.”

“Nope.”

I tapped my fingers on the desk while I tried to think of a good way to break down what exactly I didn’t like about the outfit.

“Hey.” Soft knocking came from the door.

Steven and I looked over at Drix as he sauntered into my office.

He made a beeline for me and kissed the side of my head. I tilted it backwards and he kissed my lips with a hand resting against the front of my throat. Then he walked over and dapped up Steven.

“What’s up, man? Can I get a second with my wife?”

“Sure.” Steven pushed away from the table and hopped up immediately. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to page me.” He gave us a professional smile and left.

Drix collapsed into the seat Steven had been occupying.