5. Frankie
For the last month, I had been so wrapped up in Draco’s world, I damn near abandoned mine. Though I had sold most of the pieces on my website, I wanted to get back to doing hair. It took some convincing, but Draco let me return home for a few hours to do Sammi’s hair without insisting on setting up a driver for me.
At first, I thought my fight at the clubhouse would make him overprotective, but Draco had become more relaxed. He offered me information without me having to pester about it, and he crept into my room and held me like he couldn’t be away from me. As an adoptee, I wasn’t used to someone craving my affection. I still couldn’t define how I felt about our atypical love affair, but the more time we spent together, the more I believedwe were destinedto be together.
I stepped into my home, instantly hit with the potent scent of citrus. An overwhelming sense of gratitude swept from my feet to my forehead as I looked around. My quaint little spot wasn’t as luxurious as Draco’s home, but thanks to him, it was officially mine. Since Sammi would be here in twenty minutes, I straightened up my workstation and wiped down the living room with Clorox wipes.
As I moved things around, I lay eyes on Ms. Green’s vinyl records. I didn’t bother changing the vinyl before putting the needle in place. “Love” by Musiq Soulchild played. The classic would always conjure the image of Draco andIkissing for the first time. Aside from everything written in the stars, my desire to save my mama’s home, or even Draco’s thirst for normalcy, our lips colliding awoke something inside of me that only Draco could ignite.
The sound of the doorbell broke my trance. I pulled my locs into a bun on the top of my head then pulled the door open.
“Hello, gorgeous!” I cheered.
“Mm. Hello, stranger .”
I rolled my eyes. “I prefer the name beautiful, but that works.” My teeth sank into my lip as I stared at the second person on my porch. “I see you brought... company. Hey, Jasmine.”
“It’s good to see you, Frankie. I heard you’ve been living under a rock.”
I peered down at her feet. “And it looks like you rescued your ankles fromabag of flour.”
I stepped aside and let the pair into the house along with their judgment.
Annoyed by Sammi’s standoffish attitude, I gestured for her to have a seat.
“Did you bring the hair?”
She lifted a plastic bag in the air then dropped it on the table.
“All right.” My hands latched onto my hips. “Go ahead. Tell me what’s your problem.”
“Oh, nothing. One day, I ran into my best friend in the streets with a member of a dangerous motorcycle club, and the next, I don’t hear from her for weeks.”
Instead of answering her question, I draped a cape over Sammi’s body and undid her wash and go. Iexpected her to have questions, but I still didn’t know how to answer. Sammi and I had been close for years. Any event or milestone I experienced, she was aware of it, but this go around, I didn’t want her judgment to pollute my warped fairytale.
“Do you want a beehive or cornrows?”
Sammi pursed her lips. “Francesca!”
“Okay. Okay. Here’s the short version. I met Draco?—”
“Draco?” Jasmine chimed in. “He owns the barbershop on Pacific Ave?”
A wave of jealousy fattened my nostrils.
“Yep. That’s him. Anyway, we met at the bank. I was on my way home, and he stopped me and asked if I needed a ride.”
“And you just climbed on the back of a dirty motorcycle without a second thought?” Sammi questioned, growing hyped.
“There wasn’t much time to think.” I shrugged, downplaying the truth. “The weather was bad. I didn’t want to get caught in the rain.”
Jasmine pushed out a sarcastic laugh. “Girl, you better be happy you made it home. The Sons of Eshu have a reputation of being filled with killers and thieves.”
“Stop being ignorant.” I snarled at the disgust in her tone. “I’ve been around them. They aren’t that bad.”
Sammi rotated in her seat, forcing my hands out of her head. “I also heardtheyhave a group of hoochies in rotation. They call them nightcrawlers. Is that alietoo?”
“What does that have to do with me?” I let out a shaky breath, recalling my fight with Tatiana.
“A lot! You know you’re insecure about your skin. Plus, you’ve never had a boyfriend. You may be too weak to handle being with a man like Draco.”
A heavy exhale jumped from my parted lips. “You’ve got it wrong. I’m too weak to listen to my friend talk down on me. Most members of the club are single. I expect them to have women around. Truthfully, I don’t want to hang around a group of soft men.”
“So, you prefer to be around killers?” Sammi quizzed.
My eyes raced to the ceiling as I weighed my options.
“Yeah.” I nodded with a smile. “I would. I would also ratherbe aroundopen-minded women versus a pair of broads judging from outside of the club.”
Jasmine pursed her lips. “Girl, that man is going to play you. My brother gets his hair cut at Draco’s shop. I heard his mean ass kicked somebody out with their cut unfinished for some bullshit reason.”
“I know there was a reason,” I argued. “Draco is aggressive, not abrasive.”
Jasmine raised her hands in a surrendering motion. “Excuse me. No need to get testy. I was just saying?—”
“I know what you’re saying. You don’t know me or that man, so change the subject.”
Sammi looked back at me. “Come on, Frankie. Don’t get upset.”
“Don’t tell me how to feel,” I replied, growing more annoyed by the second. “The next time you want your hair done, come by yourself.”
Had the advice come from a place of love, I may have been receptive. I actually wanted to have my friend at my side during this new chapter of my life, but I didn’t need her there. For now, I would continue to bask in the surreal illusion of safety I felt with Draco until reality highjacked my delusion.
I snatched my cape off Sammi’s shoulders then marched to the door with my lips balled up. When I yanked the door open, I heard them snicker over my shoulder.
“Frankie, you can’t be serious,” Sammi professed.
“I can, and I am serious. You’ve always thought you were Regina George, but there’s a difference between being a mean girl and being a hating bitch. Goodbye.”
Since I was already in the mood to work, I got back to cleaning up. I hadn’t been in Ms. Green’s room in months and knew it could use a good wipe down.
I threw away a lot of old receipts and junk mail, yet an envelope with my name scribbled across the front stopped me in my tracks. Taken aback, I had to find a seat to conjure the nerve to open it.
“Whew. You got this, Frankie,” I encouraged myself.
My Sweet Baby,
If you’re reading, that means you needed it. I knowyou’ve probably been tucked awayin a corner, but I pray someone has pulled you out. I want you toknowit was an honor being your mama. You taught me it’s okay to start over, and I pray you do the same. I want you to remember how much love you gave me and give it to someone else. Even yourself. I left you a little something in my Payless shoe box. Do something nice for yourself. You deserve it. Hold on to the lessons I taught you, the recipes I gave you, and the jewels you inherited. You’ll need them all one day. *Wink. Wink*
Between the letter and my argument with Sammi, I needed some fresh air. I really needed the view of the beach, but it was on the opposite side of town.
As I strolled the city, I crocheted a headband I had been working on. Every step I took launched a new worry through my mind. Though I was grateful I stumbled upon the letter from my mama, her words made me believe she wanted me to move on. I couldn’t say I hadn’t found a home in Draco’s presence, but I was still petrified at the idea of being his saving grace.
After walking aimlessly for over thirty minutes, I realized I had ended up on the block of Draco’s motorcycle clubhouse. Police lined the opposite side of the street and yellow tape created a barrier around something under a sheet. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize I had stumbled upon a crime scene.
Without thinking, I shut my eyes and said a prayer for the deceased and their family. Afterward, I did an about-face, but someone hollered my name, stifling my steps. My focus followed the path of the booming voice. Bear, Draco’s club brother, stood in the doorway of their hangout. His vision raced from the crime scene then back to me.
“Come inside. I already called Draco.”
I thought to call him out for being in my business, but there was an aura of genuine concern in his tone.
“Thank you.” I smiled, sliding past his husky frame.
The club was calmer than it was the night of the brawl. The chaos happened a week ago, but it remained fresh in my mind. A girl never forgets her first motorcycle club fight.
I hardly had time to get comfortable on a stool near the bar before the sensation of hot breath and liquor scorched the back of my neck. I twisted in my seat and came face to face with a short man dressed in a jogging suit.
“Hello.” I spoke first since I was uncomfortable under his lustful gaze.
“Hello to you, beautiful.” He licked his lips. “Where are you coming from? Nightcrawlers aren’t usually outside this early.”
Bear’s growl climbed over my shoulder. “Back up, Oz. She’s taken.”
“By who? You?” Oz tapped my knee. “Baby girl, did this dog tell you he’s married?”
“Oz, back yo’ ass up before I beat your ass then record Draco when he gets his hands on you.”
The short man frowned while pulling his pants up on his waist. “Man, you acting like she’s yours. This wouldn’t be the first time me and Draco?—”
Bear stretched across the bar top, hemming Oz up by his chains. “Watch yourself in front of the lady. I’m not going to tell you that shit again. Apologize.”
The man sucked his teeth but peered over at me. “My bad. I didn’t know shit was so real.”
I nodded. “It’s cool.”
Once Oz scurried away, Bear showed off his pearly whites, and I got back to crocheting.
“What are you doing on this side of town, Frankie?”
I huffed as Bear busied himself behind the bar.
“Damn, that bad?” His brows shot up.
“No. Not bad. There’s just a lot going on.”
“Have you talked to Draco about it? He’s pretty good at making problems disappear.”
The eeriness in his delivery made me glance up from the piece I was working on. Bear and I exchanged an awkward stare down before we started laughing. I didn’t know if the comment stemmed from Draco’s vampire abilities or his protective nature, and I didn’t bother to ask.
“I’m serious. I’ve known Draco and his brothers for over a decade. They’re solid dudes.”
“I don’t doubt that. I just question if I am.”
“You may be confused, but Draco isn’t. You wouldn’t be here if he thought otherwise.”
My fingers moved a mile a minute as my eyes raced up to Bear. “What do you mean? I know for sure Draco has brought other women around you guys.”
“Not really,” he responded confidently. “I won’t front like he’s never been here with anyone, but all that hand holding and shit has never happened.”
I smacked my lips and playfully rolled my eyes. “You’re his brother. You’re supposed to say that.”
“I’m actually not supposed to say shit, but I can tell you’re a mouse. Plus, I got a feeling you’ll be around for a while.”
Bear ushered a can of Sprite and glass of ice in my direction.
“Dang,” I grumbled. “How did you know I didn’t want something stronger?”
“Not when I’m behind the bar. Niggas already trying to talk to you. I’m not dealing with Draco talking shit because you came here and got faded.”
I chilled with Bear for close to an hour before the butterflies in my belly came alive. My back faced the door, but I could sense the second Draco entered the clubhouse. My heart pounded against my ribs, and my nose tingled at the scent of sandalwood.
“Yo’ man is here,” Bear teased.
I couldn’t see myself, yet I knewmy brown skin was coveredin red.
“I know. I can feel him.”
“Before he snatches you up, I have to ask. Can you make one of those yarn things for my lady?”
I felt my brows creep up my forehead as I asked, “One of what? A hat? A purse?”
“Can you make both? She likes stuff like that. Her colors are green and brown. I’m not worried about the price.”
With every word he spoke, my esteem for Bear matured. As big and tatted as he was, I would never have believed he could be such a softy.
“I got you, Bear.”
My limbs turned to Jello when Draco walked up and hugged me from behind.
“Are you good, Nugget?” he whispered in my ear.
I freed a sigh of relief as if Draco being close made my body light.
“I’m better now. How did you get in here? The police cleared the block?”
He nodded while eying Bear. “Everything good in here?”
I watched the human Teddy Graham glance at Oz near a pool table then over to me. As subtle as I could be, I shook my head. After the way Draco responded during the night of Bear’s party, I needed a break from the bar fights.
“Frankie is sitting here in one piece. I’d say everything is good.” He shrugged as he walked off.
Draco spun me around in my seat, leaving me no choice but to face him. He looked good in a pair of dark pants, a Lacoste crewneck, and shoes that matched.
“I know shit was hectic at the house,” he started.
My head slanted to one side as I stared at him. “How do you know that?”
Draco ran his thumb down my cheek. “Your tears left a stain. Are you feeling better?”
I twisted my wrist back and forth as to say so-so.
“All right. What would make it better?”
I tapped my chin and batted my eyelashes. “Bowling?”
“Bowling,” he repeated, his voice full of skepticism. “All right. There’s a spot on Belly Ave.”
Though I didn’t believe Draco would agree so easily, Iwas thrilledthat he said yes. We were holding off on sex because I thought we needed to get to know each other. What better way to do that than sharing something I loved with him?
The spot was twenty minutes from the clubhouse, and every second, I basked in the sensation of my cheek pressed against Draco’s back. Most times, I was apprehensive about climbing on his bike, yet at this moment, that’s all I wanted to do—be close to Draco. It was obvious I wasn’t going anywhere. Deep down, I didn’t want to.
After Draco paid for our game and shoes, we got comfortable on a couch near our lane. There weren’t many people in the building, and the ones whowere hungout near the pool tables.
“You’re going to guide me through this, Frankie. I’ve never been bowling.”
“Really? You’re missing out. I think I was a part of a bowling club in my past life.”
He laughed while shaking his head. “You know how to crotchet, and you enjoy bowling. I think you were a little old lady in your past life.”
“Shut up!” I groaned. “Speaking of past lives, do you believe in God?”
“Duh. What kind of question is that?”
“A serious one. Out of everything that’s different about us, that’s one thing I won’t compromise on. You claim to be half human.”
“Claim? It’s not a lie. What do I have to do to prove it?”
I recalled the conversation I had with Bear about Draco and his brothers.
“I believe you,” I said, jumping to myfeetthen grabbing a ball off the rack.
When Draco and I made it through half of our game, I stated, “Let’s play Truth or Dare.”
“What? Right now?”
“Yeah. We can play the game in between our turns to bowl. You scared?”
He showed off a set of pearlywhitesas if he knew I was trying to get under his skin.
“All right. You big and bad. You’re going first.”
My mouth dropped open until Draco reached out and closed my lips.
“I’m not scared.” I shrugged. “Shoot.”
He surveyed our surroundings. When his eyes stopped on a group of older ladies near the bar, he nodded.
“I dare you to go over there to the old lady gang and ask them to give you their best head trick.”
“Draco!” I shrieked. “No! I can’t do that.”
“Then drink up with yo’ scary ass.”
My shoulders snapped into a square.
“I’m not afraid. I just don’t want to be disrespectful.”
“They’re over at the bar, sipping from dick straws.” He pointed out. “Do it or drink. It’s simple.”
I narrowed my eyes at the challenge.
“How about I do both?” I quizzed, picking up my drink and taking a few sips.
“Go on, Nugget. You gotit.” Draco taunted me as I strutted away.
The more distance I created between us, the more nervous I got. I swallowed the knot in my throat and put on a smile as I approached the group of five.
“Hey, beautiful ladies!” I focused on the lady with the sash across her chest. “Congratulations to you, wifey!”
She beamed and twisted her body from left to right.
“Thank you, baby.”
“I know this is a random request.” I leaned against the bar next to the group. “You see that fine manover there?”
The thickest one licked her lips. “We see that chocolate.”
“Well, we’re playing a little game, and I have to go back over there with some of the best pro tips y’all can give me,” I explained.
Out of nowhere, the ladies laughed like a pack of hyenas.
“Girl, if you’re going to ask, don’t be timid,” the bride replied. “Let me put you on to the grapefruit trick.”
At first, I merely listened to the advice for the sake of the game, but by the time she was done, I had asked the bartender for a pen and jotted the information on a napkin.
Once my turn was done, I went back to Draco, feeling like a vixen ready to suck the soul from my man.
“Damn, you were over there for a long time. I thought I would have to come get you.” He towered over me. “You want to tell me what you learned?”
I licked my lips, already tasting citrus on my tongue.
“Nope. I’d rather show you.” I reached for my drink. “Your turn. I’m going to give you achoice, though. Truth or Dare?”
He stroked the hair that outlined his lips. “Truth.”
“Okay.” I dragged the word, trying to buy time. “Would you have dated me if we weren’t… fated to be together?”
“Yes,” he declared. “You’re smart. You’re a nurturer. You ain’t ran through. You’re a prize, Frankie.”
“What would happen if you bit me?” I asked something that had been on my mind.
Draco stepped back. “It’s not your turn.”
“I’m taking all my turns at once,” I professed boldly.
He studied me for a few seconds, then bobbed his head. “You would turn into an onyx vampire. You don’t need to do that. That would only occur during a life-or-death situation.”
“Do you have to drink blood to stay alive?”
“Never from anyone that wouldbe missed.”
I raised my hand when he separated his lips. “One more question. Does anyone else know who you really are?”
“Bear, Swag, and Sparrow are the only ones.”
“You aren’t afraid of them telling anyone?”
“Hell no!” He snarled as if offended. “Just like I’m not worried about you saying anything, I don’t worry about them. You keep your mouth closed out of fear. They do it out of love. Those are my brothers no matter what society may think about them.”