Chapter Fourteen.
Crown had left the chaos of the streets behind and returned home with plans for a special night with Nivéa.
He was exhausted but was determined to get her out of the house.
Knowing her well enough, he sensed she was bored, and he wanted to do something meaningful for her while also having an important conversation.
Crown had called his mother to come over, not only to watch Nyla for a few hours but also to stay until the war with the Dessalinés Mob was over. After Loki’s death, things were bound to get crazier throughout the city.
Crown couldn’t prevent everything, but he damn sure had done his part to protect the people he loved.
Long ago, he had put his home under the ownership of one of his LLCs, keeping his personal name off the property records.
It would make the house harder to trace back to him, and that was exactly what he wanted.
He wasn’t going to make it easy for a nigga to attack.
By the time Nivéa came downstairs dressed and ready, Kerri was seated comfortably on the couch with Nyla, talking to her. Crown stood by the front door, keys in hand, waiting.
“Where we going, handsome?” Nivéa smiled at him.
“You’ll see.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Ahmad.”
“Ma, go get your Birkin and let’s ride.”
Kerri laughed, watching them with a fond smile. They reminded her of how she and Ahmad Sr. used to be. The playful teasing and the way Crown looked at Nivéa brought back so many memories of when she and her husband were just as crazy about each other.
“Girl, go. What I told ya behind? Enjoy your husband. Sometimes you just gotta ride out with him. No questions asked.”
“Facts. Tell her, Mama.” Crown nodded.
Snickering at the advice, Nivéa walked over to kiss Kerri on the cheek, then leaned down to kiss Nyla before grabbing her handbag from the couch. “Mama will be back soon, baby. Daddy is taking me somewhere.”
“I know that’s right. That’s more like it.” Kerri blushed as Nyla made a soft sound in her arms.
As they headed out, Nivéa noticed Kerri’s luggage by the entrance where she had left it. Curiosity piqued, but she didn’t ask any questions. That was his mama; she was always welcome.
Outside, the Lamborghini’s scissor doors were already raised.
Crown had chosen this one because he’d had it professionally armored.
He helped Nivéa settle into the leather passenger seat before walking around to the driver’s side and pulling off.
Once they left the quiet neighborhood, his demeanor shifted.
He drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting in his lap with his finger wrapped around the trigger of his gun. His focus was intense.
Though his ride was bulletproof, Crown’s eyes were constantly scanning…intersections, cars behind and beside them. Every turn registered in his mind. Even in an attempt to relax, the streets had trained him otherwise, especially in the current climate.
Nivéa picked up on his tension. “You working right now or you with me, baby?” She asked, eyeing the gun resting in his lap.
Crown glanced over at her. “What you mean?”
“You got that look.”
“What look?”
“That Crown look. Like you preparing to tear some shit up.”
He chuckled, switching lanes. “Can’t help it. You just never know. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
“I know. I’m just messing with you.”
Nivéa reached over and rested her hand on his, taking Kerri’s advice to enjoy him while she could.
Crown glanced down at her hand for a moment before lifting it to his lips and kissing it softly, then covering it with his hand.
Their rings sparkled beautifully, making his heart race with every beat.
He’d do any fucking thing to protect this love.
“I wanted to talk to you too, ma.”
“Okay, about what?”
“Mama’s gon’ be staying with us for a lil minute. I’m not sure how long, but just until I’m done handling my business. She’ll be in the guest home, so you’ll still have your space, and she’ll have hers.”
“I’m not worried about space, baby. You know I love your mama. I’m happy to have her around.”
“Yeah, ’cause you know she’s gon’ take Ny’s fussy butt off your hands.”
Nivéa giggled, playfully smacking his shoulder. “Whatever.”
As their conversation shifted, she leaned her head back against the seat.
The drive continued with easy conversation, allowing them both to relax.
Crown stole glances at her now and then, feeling pride settle in his chest. Seeing her smile and hearing her laugh was exactly what he had wanted when he decided to get her out of the house. That shit was the highlight of his day.
After about twenty minutes, Crown drove into the parking lot of a nice spa.
Nivéa looked out the window, impressed by how elegant the building and area were.
She held onto that feeling as they walked inside, and her smile grew even wider.
The inside was even more beautiful than the outside and smelled just as good as it looked.
She quickly spotted a nail salon area, which wasn’t necessary since she had just gotten her nails done for the reception. It would be more like a treat.
The place was quiet, apart from the old school R&B music flowing from the speakers. Nivéa blushed, realizing that had to be Crown’s request. She realized no other guests were present either. A woman behind the desk smiled when she saw them.
“Hi, I’m Kathy. You must be Mr. and Mrs. Knight.”
“Yes, ma’am. How are you?” Nivéa waved as she greeted her.
“I’m doing well this evening. How about you all?”
“I’m straight as long as y’all tend to my wife.” Crown replied.
“Of course, Mr. Knight. What a lucky lady.” Kathy said, taking a moment to take him in before glancing at Nivéa. “Everything is ready. We’ll start with the massage, then you can sit for your nails, Mrs. Knight.”
“Hmph, I see.” Nivéa watched Kathy closely as she moved behind the counter, feeling a shift in her mood. The woman had literally blushed, as if she were mesmerized by Crown.
Kathy led them through the spa’s private area and showed Nivéa into a room set up just for her. Crown had arranged for a prenatal massage, followed by a mani and pedi, and access to a private relaxation area. After telling her to undress and put on the robe, Kathy stepped out for privacy.
“You had this place shut down, didn’t you?” Nivéa asked Crown as he began to help her undress.
“Yep, you know what it is…how I’m comin’ ’bout you. Don’t like them ankles being swollen.”
“You getting a massage, too?”
“Nah.”
“Good. Unless Maxwell out there is doing your massage, I don’t think I’m okay with that.” Nivéa nodded toward the guy they had passed in the hallway, having read his name tag.
“I can massage you just fine at home. Kathy is something else. I don’t wanna have to whoop her ass up in here.”
“Hush that noise, woman.” Crown chuckled, reaching out to trace her dimple with his thumb. “I figured you wouldn’t like that. However, Maxwell ain’t touching shit but a hot bullet if he lays a hand on me or you.”
“Oh, I know. I was just joking about him.” Nivéa laughed, standing on her toes to kiss his lips.
“Gone, baby. I’ll be waiting for you on the other side.” Crown said, smacking her ass.
A short while later, Nivéa lay on the massage table with her eyes closed, relishing the prenatal massage.
For the first time in days, her shoulders began to loosen, and the tension in her lower back slowly faded.
She even indulged in the spa’s new Japanese head spa ritual, where her scalp and hair were washed and massaged while she relaxed over the treatment basin.
By the time it was finished, she felt lighter.
After her mani and pedi, she met Crown in the private relaxation room, wearing a plush robe that matched the one he had already slipped into.
“How you feel?” He asked, half-asleep in one of the cushioned lounge chairs.
Nivéa rolled her shoulders slowly as she stood in front of him. “Like I got a whole new body. Thank you. It was much needed.”
“You know I got you.” Crown rubbed on her thigh.
“You like my nails? I decided to change the color.” Nivéa held out her hands.
Crown took her hands, inspecting them closely before glancing down at her feet. He noticed she had opted for a vibrant neon pink.
“Yeah, but are them mu’fuckas still gon’ glow in the dark?”
Nivéa cracked up. “Yes, silly. I made sure of it. I know you really like that.”
“Bet.”
Crown slipped out of his robe and helped take off hers, leaving them both completely naked.
They took full advantage of the private space, settling onto one of the wide submerged steps in the warm hydrotherapy pool.
The soothing sound of water cascading from a stone waterfall filled the room while soft blue lights glowed beneath the water, giving the space a calm, peaceful feel.
After a while, they moved through the water with one another, enjoying the freedom before returning to the steps.
They joked, laughed, and talked about everything except the realities waiting for them outside those walls.
Nivéa shed her mother and businesswoman personas, while Crown allowed himself a brief escape from the pressing war outside.
Still, he remained vigilant…a habit he couldn’t shake.
Two chrome-finished Glocks rested within reach.
Still, Nivéa got the man underneath the crown.
She rested her head against Crown’s shoulder and closed her eyes as she sat in his lap.
It felt good to simply be with him. Whenever she was with Crown, she got to turn her brain off and live softly, knowing whatever issue existed, she wouldn’t have to carry. He would handle it.