Page 50 of Set My Soul Ablaze

I took a deep breath. “It is. I know what you used to do back in the day, and I need one of those kinds of favors.”

Noble raised an eye. “I thought you were done with the life of crime, superstar firefighter.”

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

In as few words as possible, I explained to Noble who Juda was and what he had done. I emphasized how, in more than one instance, he’d put my girl in danger, and as a man, I couldn’t let this slide anymore. He needed to be dealt withpermanentlybecause I wanted to build a real future with Mali, and I’d be damned if he slithered out of the consequences of his actions.

There was no remorse in my body.

I had no regrets.

I stood firm on my choice to have him dealt with and would defend my choices to Mali if she ever found out what I did.

“I respect what you’re doing. Hell, I got my hands dirty a lot for the sake of saving and protecting my lady. We can do a cash drop off next week once we have finalized the plans.”

“Thank you for this, Noble.”

“It’s no problem. Be easy.” Noble made the trek back down the trail to his car.

This was necessary. This man sucked the life out of my girl for almost ten years and wouldn’t let her go or get a hint. She deserved peace. She deserved justice—even if it came an illegal way.

I loved Mali. I was in love with Mali. I’d kill for her—or pay someone else to do it for me. All I could do was pray she saw my intentions and appreciated my gesture.

A monthlater

“Who would have thought dating a firefighter would mean I’d have all these strong men and women at my disposal?” I grinned at the sight of the 143 helping me move into my new house.

Over the last month, I’d received the insurance money, signed the papers to my new home, and spent more money than I needed to on new furniture. Life was hectic, but for the first time in a long time, I felt happy—genuine and pure happiness.

“We’re always happy to help,” Bradlee commented.

“Especially if you’re promising to cook us a delicious meal for our hard work,” Connor added.

“Of course! The grocery order will arrive in about an hour. I’ll make sure everyone is nice and fed before they head home. Now, be careful with my vanity, please.” I winked at them both as they carried the expensive black item to the bedroom.

“Oh. Bitch, I ought to beat yo’ ass for hiding all these fine-ass firefighters from me. My goodness.” Joylei fanned herself as she walked in through the front door with a box of my keepsakes. It was the only thing she’d probably carry the whole time she was here, but I was here for her presence.

The vibes were impeccable. Music played while everyone had a task. I loved the fact the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold. There was a slight breeze as well.

“You’re all right with me, Flame,” Joylei said to Artez as he placed one of the new barstools in front of the kitchen island.

One thing I loved about moving into my new house was the fact every room had a theme or color scheme it followed. The kitchen, with marble counters, had a black-and-silver theme with seafoam green accents.

I listened to them talk as I rummaged through the new set of kitchen appliances I’d gotten. As I washed the pots and pans, I couldn’t fight the smile tugging at my lips.

“Yeah? I’m glad I meet all your requirements.”

“You make my girl happy. She has a new light to her that’s brighter than the stars in the sky, and that’s thanks to you. You took your time speaking life into her and showing her a love worth healing for.” Joylei sighed. “I fear if you hurt her in any way, I’ll have to kill you.”

Artez chuckled. “I would put my life on the line if I hurt Mali in any way, as well. You’ve got my word she’s safe with me physically, spiritually, and emotionally—wholly.”

Joylei clapped her hands. “I know that’s right. Now, on to the important topics. Which ones of your station siblings are single? I’m trying to have my happily ever after just like Mali.”

Artez shook his head. “You’ll have to find out yourself. I don’t get in anybody’s love life but my own.”

Joylei playfully rolled her eyes. “Boring. Tomato. Tomato.” She mimicked throwing tomatoes at him as he shook his head and laughed.

“Lei, you need to stop distracting my man and his crew. I’m trying to get everything moved in tonight so I can sleep all weekend,” I called out to my friend.