Page 174 of The Ninth

Cassie and Duke both chuckled as K3 gave me a quick smile. All I could do was smile myself, laughing at his goofy ass.

He moved behind Cassie quickly, placing his hand in the air behind her. A second later, she stepped back, almost falling flat on her ass if it wasn’t for him knowing her so well. And that’s love.

Duke and I got in the front of his truck as Cassie and K3 got in the back. Turned down music barely filled the space as I stared out of the window. My leg was bouncing even with Duke’s protective hand caressing it. He gripped it softly before clearing his throat,

“Look at me...” I turned, meeting his eyes. The red light illuminated his beautiful face. “You gotta calm down, baby girl. It don’t even feel right to a nigga having you next to me and you still stressing like you are. I’m supposed to take all of that way from you. I can’t let you walk in until you understand that we gon be aight. You understand?”

“Yes. I love you, Duke.”

“I love you more.”

“LOVE?!” Cassie and K3 both yelled, ruining our moment.

Cassie who was sitting in Kenzo’s lap, leaped forward, hugging on both Duke and I. K3 was cracking up laughing, putting his fingers in Duke’s ears as he drove. It hit me that they are both the baby of their family and they both act exactly like that.

We pulled into STK with my heart thumping. On the way in, I noticed my family’s car already parked. Of course we’re on time, but he was early. K3 and Cassie got out, casually strolling ahead of us. Duke stopped and kissed my lips before we followed behind them. Cassie gave my father’s name once we were inside the beautiful restaurant. Shortly after, we were guided to his table.

I stared at the back of his head as we all walked in a line. It started with Cassie, then K3, Duke, and me. The place was packed, but it didn’t feel like it. The voices were still lowered as the waiters quietly passed by us carrying drinks and food. Cassie’s hand slid on my father’s shoulders right before he turned his head, looking at her.

“Uncle De’von, hi!”

“Aww! Hi, baby. You already look a bit more older than when I just seen you.”

They hugged as my father looked at both Duke and K3. His head was bald at the top with hair surrounding the back. Tall, stocky build with deep serious eyes the same color as his deep brown skin. Instead of greeting either of them, he let go of Cassandra and came to me.

“Devyn,” he nodded.

I gave him a smile as we all just...stood there. He waved his hand forward, signaling for us to sit in the booth. Duke started to walk away, but K3 stopped him. I held my breath for whatever was going to leave his mouth.

“Mr. De’von. This is my brother, Duke. Devyn’s boyfriend. You already know who I am.”

“C’mon...” Cassie saw the panicked look on my face. She tugged on K3’s arm until he finally turned away.

The seating was my father, me, Cassie, K3, and then Duke. I hated how far away Duke was when I wanted him right on my hip. The casual smile on his face let me know his energy was trained towards me.

We all kind of sat silently as K3 and Cassie laughed and talked about the appetizers. Apparently they used to come all the time, so it was nostalgic for them. Their love and good energy was bringing me a sense of comfort, if anything.

“Remember the—”

“Potstickers!” they finished together. After a laugh, the waiter came to the table to take our drinks and appetizers. We all gave our drink orders while K3 was the one to place the order for all of our appetizers, not asking any questions.

My father cleared his throat, “K3. I do remember you being on Cash’s hip. He always was very fond of you.” Cassie smiled, looking down as K3 gave her arm a light squeeze. “However, for your brother, I don’t usually warm up quickly to men who hold me at gunpoint in front of my daughter.”

Duke leaned forward, “Again, I deeply apologize. Your daughter’s safety is extremely important to me.”

“Oh, so you’re her bodyguard? That gun was already out when I pulled up, who’s to say you didn’t pull it out on her?”

“DAD!”

“Uncle De’von, Duke is an amazing man. He would never do that to Devyn. If it was already out, it was for her safety. And good thing because anyone could’ve pulled up and stopped exactly like you did,” Cassie scooted closer towards me.

None of us said anything as the waiter laid the appetizers on the table. As soon as my dad’s bourbon was sat in front of him, he started sipping it. Duke still seemed relaxed. K3 however, was extremely rigid.

“When did you change your hair? I almost didn’t even recognize you,” my dad spoke out while looking at the menu.

Duke interrupted me, “It’s beautiful, Devyn.”

“It is...” my father quickly clarified. “Just different.”