Chapter 10 #2
We were back in the car when my brother finally said a word.
“Regardless of what we just heard in there, it’s all speculation.
You can’t move off speculation, because as far as you know, he could have simply told us all that just to get his father and O’Leary out of the way.
We need proof, so I hate to say this, but you can’t react yet. ”
Everything from his lips was true. I could protect my wife, but I couldn’t go shooting in the dark. Balance only existed in this world when those with any type of power didn’t abuse it.
She was so beautiful, so unknowing of all the bullshit that surrounded her.
It all made me wanna keep her in my sight twenty-four-seven, but I knew that wasn’t possible.
So instead, I had to find a way to make this world safe for her and our future kids.
That started with clearing the entire O’Leary bloodline.
“My brother called me today,” she said out of nowhere, rolling her eyes.
“And how did that go?” I asked.
“Honestly it was weird, given we’ve never been particularly close. He apologized for being weird over the years and even claimed he wanted me to be in his kids’ lives.” Her expression alone let me know she knew that was some bullshit.
“How do you feel about it?”
“Is it crazy that I don’t? You don’t go from being the way he’s been to giving a fuck that fast. Then he said he heard about what happened yesterday and at the wedding and that he’s here for me. Whatever that means.” She held a piece of pineapple up from her bowl for me to accept.
What she said caught me off guard because the only people who knew what happened at the wedding were my people and her. “Wait, baby, you told somebody about that?”
“No. I was trying to forget it. I just thought you had.” She dropped the fruit into the bowl and looked at me, confused.
I shook my head. That was another reason I was about to clear those rotten motherfuckers out.
I was on my feet in seconds, pulling her with me into the living room.
When she was seated on the ugly, overly cushioned oat colored sofa she picked out, I sat down.
“Look, baby, I need you to do me a favor.”
She squinted. “What’s wrong?”
“I need you to stay the fuck away from all of them.”
Confusion swept her features before she spoke. “You think my family had something to do with what happened?”
“I told you I would never lie to you and I’m not gonna start. I don’t think, I know, but I’m waiting on proof. I need you to trust me.”
“I do,” she responded instantly. “Wait, does that mean Paige is in danger too?”
“No, right now it’s like it’s something with you, but just in case, I’ll make some calls for her.”
She nodded.
“You’re not gonna ask me why or what I know?”
“No, because with you, I don’t have to know everything. I trust you with me.”
“Good because I’ma always do what’s best for you and the life we’re building. You promised me five kids, Nic.”
That somber look left her features immediately. She was all smiles. “No, I did not.”
“That’s what I heard. Don’t be tryna renege on me while you’re carrying number one.”
She laughed even harder. “You don’t know that for sure, Hondo, and please don’t let your mama hear that.”
I laughed hard as fuck because she was right. Right now, my moms was eating, sleeping, and breathing the idea of grandchildren. So the mere mention would have her somewhere already shopping and decorating the room she already dedicated to being a nursery/playroom for her grandchildren.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For willing to be honest with me.”
“You ain’t never gotta thank me for shit when it comes to you, baby. Just be aware of the lengths I’m willing to go for your safety and happiness. I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against hers.
We kissed and I ended up pulling her into my arms on the table. “And since I’m being honest, this couch is ugly than a motherfucker and the fact that you got it next day delivery is blasphemy.”
She giggled. “But it’s comfortable and Amethyst says it’s chic.”
“Yo, you must ain’t seen her condo. Ain’t shit in there that matches, but you got her in here decorating our house.”
“I mean, if you have a problem with it, you can definitely help.”
“You know what, you’re right. I’m good, baby. You got it. Keep this big, ugly, sad ass couch, but don’t get mad when I keep talking about it.”
“Hondo, let it go or go to the furniture store with me next time.”
I didn’t respond immediately, but instead stood with her in my arms before taking a seat on the couch. To my dismay, she was right. Though ugly, it was comfortable.
She maneuvered so she was comfortably straddling my lap.
“Aight, so maybe this motherfucker is comfortable.”
“I told you it was.”
“You did.” I bit into my bottom lip, taking her in for the millionth time today. I couldn’t help that I loved looking at and feeling her.
“Do I have you to myself for the rest of the day or are you leaving again?”
“All yours. Any and everything of importance is in this room.”
She grinned, pushing her face closer to mine before she spoke. “You’re trying to get in my pants, aren’t you?”
“Favorite place in the fucking world.”