Page 183 of The Ninth
“Too much is going on. Get yourself together and I’ma get both of y’all out of here and home.”
We both nodded as he stood, quickly walking out of the room. As soon as the door shut, I hugged Cassie again.
“Oh my...” is all I could offer.
“G, seeing the two of them face to face rocked my shit. Like, I’m overly throwed.”
“Why would he pop up on you like everything was kosher? Y’all haven’t been intimate in like two almost three months!” I whispered.
“Who the fuck knows. He must’ve fell out with his hoe. That nigga bogus as hell and K3 was not fucking around. I can’t even tell you what Juan had on, I didn’t look his way at all. The only shit on my mind is K3 making it back to me.”
“He will, Cass. C’mon, let’s get out of here.”
She stood, following me around the shop as I turned off everything. Duke was texting on his phone crazy once we got to the front. He pulled his gun from his waist, walking outside of the shop first before stepping to the side and letting us out. We both stood at his hip as he locked the shop up. Once he had us in the backseat of his truck, he took us towards the apartments.
My hand rested on Cassie’s knee as it bounced widely. I didn’t waste my time telling her to calm down or that it would be okay. I knew she’d be a mess if anything happened to him. I myself was concerned. We’re a family which means anything happening to K3 affected all of us.
Duke wasted no time getting us out of the truck and into the building. His big hands held mine and Cassie’s shoulder as he pushed us through the lobby and to the elevators. The worry I was feeling deepened. Anxiety was rolling off of Duke, which is rare. I knew right then he wasn’t staying with us.
Cassandra unlocked the apartment door and instantly sped inside. I turned around, leaning up and kissing my baby.
“Go. Be careful, please.”
“I’m sorry. I just got him back.”
“You never have to apologize for caring for your family. I love you.”
“I love you, my Devyn. Do not leave this building.”
“Yes sir.”
He kissed me one more time before turning away, speeding back to the elevator. I stood in the hallway watching his tensed body as he raised his phone to his ear. He didn’t look back at me before he stepped on, disappearing. I knew how Cassie felt more than ever now. I need that man returned to me in one piece.
I could hear cabinets opening and shutting loudly in Cassie’s bathroom as the shower ran. After shutting and locking the door, I pulled out my phone.
Now that both of us are overthinking, we’ll for sure need back up.
****
“I can’t believe he grabbed that man’s neck, slid him up the car, and threw him across the street into the windshield of a bus.”
“MacKenzie, I did NOT say all that!”
The three of us cackled as Cassie smacked Kenzie’s arm. Doodas was in my room asleep. Both Cassie and I are showered now. She was wearing yoga pants and a sports bra, sipping a huge glass of wine. I wore a sweat set, fully expecting to leave with Duke if he popped back up. When he pops back up. Kenzie and Tati were both dressed casually as we all sprawled out on the couch.
“Ew, Cassie. He’s so weird!” Tati who had her feet in Cassie’s lap shook her head.
“You don’t have to tell me, Tatianna. We laid that shit to rest and he still thought he could just pop up on me. If K3 wasn’t here, I would’ve treated his ass regardless. All he did was let my nigga know he knew where the fuck I be at, UGH!”
“Well, how have you been, Kenzie?” I nudged her.
She leaned up from the arm of the couch next to me, “I’m in love with TWO niggas!”
“Oh lord,” the three of us said at the same time.
“I know. I’m feeling Trent but the YN just got this massive ass dick. I couldn’t leave him alone if I wanted to.” Cassie and Tati cackled, clinking their glasses together. Kenzie continued, “Plus, we just been through too much together. It’s like damn, for nothing?”
“I definitely feel that...” Tatianna murmured. Cassie side eyed her. It was apparent every time any of us spoke to Tati that she was still very much in love with Poncho. Something I’ll never understand.
