Page 82 of The Ninth

“Damn,” Duke said, walking in his office and shutting the door. “That was a lot, even for me. How you feeling, shorty?”

“I’m okay!” It didn’t even sound convincing to me.

He nodded his head slowly, immediately picking up that something was wrong.

With everything going on, I at least made sure I was still coming to work. Both the shop and the club. I have less than a month to get out, so I don’t have time to feel bad for myself. I haven’t spoken to Cassandra once since we’ve argued.

The first day I came after Tati and I’s fight, I had to put on tinted sunscreen to hide the small bruise on my upper cheek. I made it through the day at the shop until the very end when Duke looked at me for way too long. He flew off the handle, asking who the fuck put they hands on me and why. It took a lot to calm him down, even after he found out it was my friend’s friend.

I nervously rubbed my arms as he came and sat next to me. Our legs were touching. His arm was around me. This was regular for us. Actually, we’re usually in each other’s skin. But I just haven’t been into it. And he can tell.

“Did you work things out yet?” he murmured like he was speaking to a wounded animal.

“No, but it’s fine.”

“Why won’t you come and stay with me? You don’t have to sleep in the bed with me...even though I don’t mind at all, foe.”

I chuckled, “We just agreed to take it slow and honestly? It’s embarrassing. We were just drunk. I’m still safe there.”

“Don’t be embarrassed with me. I know we just agreed to take it slow, but I didn’t expect to stop seeing you.”

“I see you every day, D.”

“You come to tattoo and do just that, tattoo. No hugs, no back scratches, lunch dates. I’ve asked you out at least twice since our dinner and you declined both times. I told you it was time for you to wrap anything up. What, you went to do so and got cold feet? Another nigga won you over?”

The anger hiding in his voice caused me to finally meet eyes with him. Ugh. So fine. Fine and crazy.

“No, I promise. I never had that much to wrap up anyways. The argument just struck a nerve. I need a little time to get myself back right mentally. I’m not thinking like the girl you met was.”

“I understand. Just know I’m still here for you. I’m still pursuing you and only you. And I don’t mind the ugly. It just teaches me how to handle and love you better in the future.”

The ice melted from around me that fast.

“Duke...”

“Merch a nigga don’t be talking fly as hell!”

I cackled, officially letting my guard down. Just for now.

He remained still as I climbed into his lap, getting comfortable. My favorite seat ever. I laid my head on his shoulder, pressing my lips to his throat.

“Thank you for caring about me...”

“Shit I’m supposed to do.”

He wrapped his arms around me tightly. My fingertip traced circles onto his chest as he caught me up on what he’s been doing while I’m not around. I didn’t want the moment to end. The vibrations of his chest tickling my ear. The warmth of him. His hand rubbing my leg. But duty calls.

I turned to him after we left out the shop.

“I’m sorry I got shit to handle. I’d ask to take you to my house first before going to handle it, but I’m wayyy too soft after posting up with you to hear no.”

I laughed softly, “It’s late! Let me find out you’re a superhero.”

“As long as I’m not the villain. I’ma get you a car, too.”

“Duke! I shut up about a lot but a car?!”

“It’s a company car! Bye Devyn, you holding me up.”