Chapter 23 - Steel
Neha was looking good as fuck.
I was chopping it up with Kaylynn, at the railing of our section, when I saw her and Dinah walk in.
I’d watch them dancing to a couple of songs, just fucking mesmerized by the sway of her hips.
She wasn’t a small girl when I met her, more on the thick side.
But time had filled her out even more, and that outfit was doing her body every bit of justice.
I knew my eyes weren’t the only ones on her.
It was confirmed when several niggas tried to dance on her, and she turned them down.
Thankfully, they bowed out gracefully before I had to show my ass in here.
That was how we got in this situation in the first place.
If I’d known about the abuse she’d experienced, I would have handled that shit different.
Would I have still beaten ol’ boy’s ass? Absolutely. But I wouldn’t have done it in front of her. I had too much respect for her to intentionally trigger her if I could help it.
She was currently sitting next to me, chatting with my sisters, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I was glad she felt comfortable, because I wanted her in my space. Fuck that, I needed it.
I told her my people would be cool, but honestly, a nigga was a little worried about what would come out of their mouths at times.
Of course, I’d been keeping them updated on the situation, but I hadn’t told them we reconciled.
I knew they were gonna test us tonight because that was who they were. It was only a matter of time.
“Damn, nigga, just take a bite out of the girl,” Maceo said, blowing up my shit. “You staring at her like you wanna eat her ass or something.”
I frowned. “Mind yo’ fucking business. Don’t act like you and Shar didn’t dip in the back twenty minutes after we got here.”
“Wait!” Dinah said, laughing. “Y’all be fucking in here?”
I kissed my teeth. “They be fucking everywhere, man. The club. Wedding rehearsal dinners. Other people’s houses.”
Shar scoffed. “Don’t bring me into shit. I didn’t even say anything. And stop telling our damn business. Me and my husband have a very healthy sexual relationship. Stop deflecting and leave me and my man alone. We all see you staring at her.”
“We just have the couth not to say anything,” Salima added with a smirk.
“Where was your couth on that pool table, sis?” I asked.
She almost choked on her drink. “Why are you bringing up old shit!”
“Pool table?” Neha asked.
Deuce smirked and opened his mouth to say something, but Salima covered his mouth.
“Say it, and you won’t touch me for a week.”
He grinned as he raised his hands in mock surrender. “I ain’t saying shit.”
“Oooo, y’all nasty,” Dinah sang. “I’m not mad at it, though. I know y’all are getting put through the mattress. Especially you,” she said, pointing at Jaeda.
Jaeda giggled. “Me?”
“No offense to your hubby, but I’ve had a few men with glasses, baby. I peep game.”
Jaeda blushed as Quaid leaned over to kiss her.
“I know it was the same for you two,” Renay said, pointing between us. “Kerrion is a big ol’ teddy bear that probably turns into a beast.”
Neha blushed as she looked over at me, and I couldn’t help but grin. The other night lived rent free in my head.
“Look at y’all reminiscing and shit,” Smoke said. “Shorty, let me ask you something.”
Neha tucked her hair behind her ear. “Um, . . . okay.”
“Now, you’ve been back around for a little bit.
I know y’all have ben doing the family thing for my niece, and I’m cool with that.
She should see y’all getting along. But we all know this shit is more than co-parenting at this point.
I’m just saying, you sticking with my nigga this time?
Because that’s my little brother. I don’t like anybody fucking with him.
I don’t wanna see him heartbroken again. ”
“Well, first of all, I never meant to break his heart. I was trying to save mine. Second, now that our daughter has him, I’d never take her away again. Third, . . . Kerrion and I are just friends right now. Maybe a little more.”
“You blush at all your friends like that?”
“Not too much on my girl,” Dinah said. “He’s blushing just as hard. Besides, they’re grown. If they wanna give things a second chance, that’s their business. I’m sure they’ll both be careful in how they handle each other moving forward.”
Deuce snickered. “Yeah, we have another Shar and Renay in the mix.”
Renay kissed her teeth. “Y’all love to act like a woman speaking up is a problematic thing. I’ve never been one to hold my tongue. Bad bitches don’t take shit.”
“Period!” Shar and Dinah said, slapping her five.
Kaylynn was eating this shit up. She loved an outspoken woman, and Dinah was right up her alley.
They all got into a loud ass debate that I wasn’t trying to hear.
Tapping Neha’s thigh, I motioned for her to follow me.
Standing, I reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet.
I could hear everyone calling after us as we disappeared onto the balcony outside. I led her to a seat in a quiet corner.
“Sorry about them. As you can see, my people don’t bite their tongues.”
“You’ve met Dinah. My sister was the same way, so it all feels familiar.” She crossed her legs and rested her head on her palm. “You were staring though,” she said with a giggle.
I grinned. “I was. I mean, you look damn good tonight.” My eyes passed over her once more. “Damn good.”
“Thank you. I needed this. It’s been work and mommy mode for so long. I didn’t realize how bad I needed a night out.”
“I feel you. I can imagine it’s different not having your people around and not knowing anybody here.”
“It is. That’s why I’m so happy to have my sister.
Even though I told her she didn’t have to move with me, I know I wouldn’t have been able to do this without her.
She’s always been my rock. She’s with me when I’m right and even when I’m wrong, but best believe she’s gonna get in my ass behind closed doors. ”
“As she should.” I chuckled. “Her and Kaylynn, though?”
“Right! When did they even meet each other,’cause she wasn’t at Sunday dinner?”
“Man, Kay be all over the place sometimes. She claimed she was sick of these females, but her ass was looking all in love back there.”
“Does the rest of your family know she’s gay?”
“Hell yeah. Ain’t no secret. We love her no matter what. Always will. What? Your parents don’t know about Dinah?”
“Mom and Dad know she’s into women. The rest, no. She’s a pretty private person, so I’m shocked she didn’t pretend like she didn’t know Kaylynn. She must really like her. Must be something about y’all that has the siblings running to you too.”
I chuckled. “I mean, we’re a solid group of niggas. We don’t let too many people in our circle. You gotta be special to become a Dillinger, baby. Speaking of . . .” I turned to fully face her. “Nayelli. I want to change her last name or at least hyphenate it.”
Neha smiled. “I was waiting on this conversation.”
“Oh, so you just knew it was coming?”
“I did. I’m okay with changing it. She carries your blood, so it’s only right she has your last name.”
“I can get my cousin on that next week.”
My phone started ringing in my pocket. Pulling it out, I saw that it was Nayelli FaceTiming me. I smiled.
“Speak of the devil.” I showed Neha the phone before swiping to answer the call. “Hey, baby girl.”
“Hey, Daddy. Whatchu doing?”
“Out having a few drinks. Look who I ran into.”
I angled the phone so she could see Neha.
“Mommy? Are you two on a date?”
Neha laughed. “No, baby. Your aunts and uncles are here too.”
“Are you having fun?” she asked curiously.
“We are. Are you enjoying the movie with Granny and Grandpa?”
“Granny is making us a snack.” She giggled and angled the camera at her grandfather. “Grandpa already fell asleep.”
Neha smirked. “That sounds about right. Are you behaving yourself?”
“Yes, ma’am. Daddy, you gotta meet my grandparents.”
“I do. You gotta make sure you talk them up for me. Make me sound good.”
She laughed. “They will like you. I know they will. Can we go do something tomorrow?”
“Anything you want.”
“Hmmm . . . Can we go to the water park? You gotta bring my baby brother. Can you bring Jaiden too?”
“I got you, baby. Me and Mommy will make a plan.”
“Okay. Granny is back with the snacks. I gotta go. I love you guys. Have fun!”
“We love you too,” Neha and I said in unison.
She blew us a kiss and disconnected the call. It was funny being at the club and still being in mommy and daddy mode.
“I miss her, and I just left her,” Neha commented. “I really gotta get out more.”
“You do. Take advantage of the time you have when she’s with me. You have to take time for yourself, love.”
“I know, I know. I really haven’t explored much of the city since being here. Especially not the night life.”
“Well, Deuce owns several clubs and lounges around here. You and Dinah are more than welcome to use the family name.”
“Trust me, my sister has no problem reaping the benefits of you being well connected. Maybe I’ll use you to see what this place has to offer.”
“You can use me all you want.”
She smirked as she stood and walked over to the railing of the balcony.
For a while, she just stared out at the view of the city.
I gave her a moment before I went to join her.
I planted myself behind her and rested my hands on either side of her.
Leaning in, I inhaled her mouthwatering scent.
That shit made my dick hard, and I had to move to the side of her. She turned to face me.
Cupping her chin, I pressed my lips to hers.
The kiss started out innocent, but the moment she slipped her tongue into my mouth, it became reckless and passionate.
Every kiss we’d shared recently had been just like that.
She moaned softly into my mouth as her nails sank into my arms. We got so caught up in the intensity of our kiss that we didn’t hear anything until a camera flash caught us off guard.
Our lips parted, and we looked up to see our people standing on the balcony, looking at us.
“Just friends my ass,” Maceo said, grinning. “Look at him, ready to bend her ass over this balcony.”
“Ol’ let me put the tip in ass nigga,” Smoke added.
Deuce joined in. “Ol’ I ain’t gon’ tell nobody if you don’t ass nigga.”
“Leave them alone,” Shar said, swatting them. “Get your girl, brother-in-law! I ain’t mad at you.”
“That’s my girl!” Dinah cheered.
“Would y’all take y’all’s asses back inside!” I yelled at them. “Y’all will fuck up a wet dream. Damn.”
They all laughed as they headed back into the building. I shook my head.
“I can’t stand them.”
Neha laughed. “You love them, though.”
“I guess.” Cupping her chin, I kissed her once more. “You wanna dance? Show ’em how we did it for old time’s sake?”
She smiled and nodded. “I’d love to.”