Page 97 of Obsessive Love
“Ain’t shit happening until I know what the fuck we are dealing with,” I said, shaking my head. “For all we know, Javien’s ass could’ve just been talking because he knew he was dying.”
“I don’t-”
“Xoe, I’m asking you to trust me on this and just follow my lead until I say otherwise,” I said, cutting her off. “I know you ain’t used to sitting, but I’m asking you to let me handle this before you get everybody worked up.”
“How long do you need?” She crossed her arms and mugged me hard.
“I’ll talk to my brothers after the engagement party,” I replied, and she twisted her mouth in annoyance. “It’s in three days, Xoe; let everybody celebrate Hood and Legacy before we have to turn the fuck up.”
“I don’t know,” she sighed. “Something is telling me we need to move now. I don’t think Javien was just talking.”
“A few days, Xoe,” I said, shaking my head. “That’s it. I swear on everything I love that I’ll talk to everybody right after.”
“Are you going to tell her?” she asked, and I nodded. Xoey’s shoulders dropped, and I knew she was in her feelings. She hated seeing her friends hurt. “Fuck man, this is going to break her.”
“No, it's not because, just like last time, she will have y’all to help her. Her support is there; we got her and little man.” I approached Xoey and threw my arm over her shoulder. “Trust me, this shit ain’t gonna break her at all.”
“It better not, Pyrite Stone,” Xoey sighed. “Because I’ll do whatever to protect her.”
“I know, sis,” I said, kissing the top of her head. “I already know.”
I was fronting hard as hell for Xoey’s peace of mind. Something was telling me that Javien Jr. wasn’t fronting. That nigga had a one-sided beef that was coming to light. I needed to talk to my people and fast.
FABLE
“Pyrite move,”I pushed him out of the way and grabbed the last that needed to be packed. I had less than an hour to get to the arena and set up before the staff arrived. I’d made enough treats for everyone to take a small box home and still have the soft opening of ‘Story Time.’ To surprise the girls, I’d sat up all night creating special treats for each team. All the money made from their treats would be reinvested in the team.
“Fable,” he sighed and moved out of the way. “I just need something to snack on, nothing major, just a small sample of something.”
“The gold box.” I pointed to the box on the table and shook my head. “I told you last night that everything in a gold box is up for grabs.”
“What they got in them?” Pyrite asked as he approached the table. “Cuz I’ono if I trust you yet.” I looked up in time to see him open the box and stare down at it. He licked his lips, and I had to squeeze my legs together. We hadn’t had sex in two weeks, and I was craving his touch.
I laughed and rolled my eyes. “Those are just different chocolate cookies.”
“You sure?” he questioned, smiling at me.
“I’m positive,” I replied, and he nodded. He ate one of the cookies in two bites and then picked up another one. “At least, I think.” His eyes damn near popped out of his head, and his eyebrows shot to his hairline. “I’m joking.” Pyrite narrowed his eyes at me and then turned to leave the kitchen. I rounded the island and grabbed his arm before he could go. “I’m joking.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled up at him. Touching Pyrite felt natural. Any time we were together, I found myself wanting to be near him and touching him.
He grilled me, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “You are playing too much, man,” he said, shaking his head. “For real, you are.”
“I wouldn’t do that again,” I said after I got myself together. Pyrite stared down at me like he didn’t believe me, which pushed me right into another fit of laughter.
“See, yo ass still laughing.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck. “I don’t even understand what I did to you to make you hate me.”
“Just a few things,” I said, and he grunted.
“I don’t think it was worth trying to kill me, though,” he said, then kissed my neck.
“If I wanted you dead, you would’ve been,” I replied. “I gave you your meds, didn’t I?”
“After you let me suffocate for a few seconds.” He lifted his head to look down at me. “I saw the light, was mentally making sure that my shit was right for you and everything. And you were sitting on my chest, watching me go to glory with no remorse.” His dramatic ass had the nerve to sniff like he was about to cry, and I pushed him away. “And now you’re putting your hands on me again? I already had a busted lip and black eyes. My friends are gonna think I’m being abused.”
“They’ll understand,” I said, returning to the island to finish packing. “Now, help me get this stuff to the car so we can get to the arena.”
“Barely fed me, and now you're bossing me around?” Pyrite shook his head as he grabbed a stack of boxes. “I run Stone ENT, not you!”
“But I run you, Pyrite Stone,” I laughed.
