Page 63 of The Ninth

The laugh that escaped my body as I hopped out caused him to crack up laughing. He grabbed my hand, walking me down the way. My head rolled back against his chest as he leaned down, kissing my lips and neck.

“Aight, Cass. Be for real.”

I nodded as he placed my hands on the gun how they should be. He stretched my arms forward, locking my elbows. My feet were spread shoulder length apart, and back straightened. After putting my finger on the trigger, he slowly pulled it back. As soon as the gun went off, I closed my eyes and turned my head.

“CASSIE! YOU DONE KILLED FOUR INNOCENT BYSTANDERS!” Juan yelled.

I cackled as he tried to take it away, “NOOO! One more time!”

He shook his head. This time, I at least kept one of my eyes open. After about four shots, he looked down at me. I shook my head lightly.

“Yeah, I’m too put up for this shit. Neva again.”

He died laughing from the moment we got into the car until we got back to his place. On the way, he stopped at his jewelers and picked up a diamond C necklace he had made for me. I put that cold mothafucka on before we even pulled off.

The moment we stepped inside, I took off my shirt, shorts, shoes, and socks. I went into the freezer and grabbed a bottle of liquor. This my shit, so I drank straight out the bottle. I cooked us a good ole Chicago meal. He said I was crazy for cooking in just panties. I said he was crazy for letting me be all in his place.

“This shits as good as yours, baby.”

“I hate how at home I feel in here...”

“No reason to hate it.”

I put some of the fries I fried onto two plates. Next I laid our buns down, a slice of cheese, Scott Pete Hot Beef Polish, and cooked onions. I handed Juan his plate before sitting down mine. He held my hand, caressing the back of it with his thumb as he said his grandmother’s prayer. We kissed and began eating.

“Are you staying safe out here?” I asked while covering my mouth with my hand.

“I’m trying to, baby.”

Lightening flashed seconds before rain started pouring down.

“You just make sure you make it home every night.”

“I can promise you that. You don’t want nobody to take me from you?”

I smirked, “Absolutely not.”

“Why you ain’t asked me to leave the streets for you yet?”

“Nigga, you ain’t leaving them fucking streets!” We both laughed.

“I am considering getting a house soon, though. Daddy getting oldddd!”

“No you’re not!” I cackled. “Where you thinking?”

“It’ll be outside of the city. I need something with space, wood, yards. I’m not pouring into something that my opps can slide on when they feel like it. It’ll definitely be out the way.”

“Mmmmm. Wood on all the floors?”

“That’s what I’d prefer!”

“Noooo. I like having a nice carpet in the bedrooms. We’ll need a wine fridge too, on my mama! Plus, my pol—”

I stopped talking immediately. He just sat back, looking at me while smiling. He knew before I even realized the mistake I made. The day had me in my feelings, G. Just being up under Juan felt too normal. I caught myself putting me into his future plans, knowing I have a man coming home.

Fuck. I have a man coming home.

“I need to um...I have to step out real quick to call Devyn.”