Page 2 of Kissed By the Trillest Thug 2

His voice dropped lower, and somehow that made it ten times more dangerous.

“Work that didn’t belong to you?”

I didn’t respond. There wasn’t shit I could say that would fix this. Mr. Browne let out a slow breath, like he was calming himself down instead of losing it.

“I watched some footage,” he said after a moment.

The reality of knowing that my crime was on camera made my stomach drop.

“And I know you didn’t do that shit alone.”

My heart started beating harder against my chest. Mr. Browne nodded his head up and down like he had finally gotten the last piece of the puzzle.

“There was somebody else with you.” His eyes sharpened instantly. “Who was it?”

I stayed quiet.

“Who was it?” he repeated, this time with a little more edge.

“I can’t give you that,” I responded slowly.

His grip on the gun tightened just enough for me to notice.

“So, you’re protecting someone?” he asked.

I didn’t answer. I didn’t need to because the silence said it for me.

BLEEK

Tahari stood in front of me, trying to keep it together, but I could see the pressure sitting on him. His shoulders were tight, his breathing slightly off, and even though he was holding eye contact, there was a weight behind it that hadn’t been there before. This boy was petrified, and honestly, he should have been. I had awakened that dog that was hibernating in me. Unfortunately, he was the one to meet that crazy ass nigga. With all the fear written on his profile, still, he didn’t say anything. I kept the gun steady, studying him a little longer than necessary. There was something about the way he stood there that almost made me respect him. Most people would’ve folded by now and would have started talking to save themselves.

But Tahari didn’t. Which told me two things really quick: he was loyal, and he was hardheaded as hell.

“I don’t think you understand what position you’re in, Tahari,” I said calmly.

He looked at me, really looked this time, like he was trying to read how serious I was.

“It’s either you tell me who you were with…” I paused just enough to let it settle, “or it’s going to be you.”

I didn’t have that thing called patience in me anymore. When I think of it, I don’t think I ever did. The words hung in the air, heavy and unavoidable. Tahari didn’t flinch. He didn’t look away, and he didn’t try to explain himself again. Instead, he planted his feet like he had already made peace with whatever came next. I could see his own life flash in his deep brown pupils.

I let out a slow breath while shaking my head slightly as a thought crossed my mind. This little nigga was about to throwhis life away for somebody who wasn’t even here to stand next to him. That kind of loyalty was rare.

“I’m giving you one more chance,” I added, my tone still even. “Think about it.”

Nothing. Not a name. Not a hint. Not even hesitation. Yeah… he made his choice. The shot rang out loud and sharp. The noise echoed through the shop. Tahari folded instantly, grabbing his arm as a loud yell ripped out of him.

“AHHH… FUCK!”

He bent forward and paced in a tight circle while holding his arm like it was about to fall off. Blood was gushing between his fingers, and his voice bounced off the walls. You would have thought I just did some outrageous shit or something. I tucked my gun right back in my waistband as if nothing happened. I was completely unbothered as I watched him for a second. He was doing entirely too much. I sucked my teeth and then blew out a sharp breath before opening my mouth.

“Man, stop all that damn screaming. It’s a flesh wound.”

He snapped his head up at me. His eyes were wide, and his face was twisted in pain.

“A FLESH WOUND?” he shouted.

I raised a brow, all while looking at him like he had lost his mind. He was so damn lucky he didn’t even know it.