Dax nodded as a smile tugged at his lips. “Fatherhood, huh? I love to hear that.”
Lo bobbed his head. “Yeah.”
The room had gotten quiet again. Lo was drained, physically and emotionally. He needed Bria at the moment. Her scent would calm him, and her touch would settle his nerves. So, he stood.
“I’ll be back later. I gotta go see my girl.”
Ada squeezed his hand, pulling him toward her. Lo kneeled down, gazing at her face and awaiting what she would say.
“I love you. I never stopped loving you, okay?”
He tipped his head. “I love you, too.”
Lo exhaled and made his exit from the room. Devyn and Meco stood and met him.
“Y’all good?” Meco asked.
“Yeah.”
“You sure? No more beef? Everything straight?” Devyn questioned, wearing narrowed eyes.
“We good, nigga. I’m gone. I gotta get to Bria.”
The brothers shared a hug before Lo made his exit. One of their soldiers was near the door and offered to take him back to Devyn’s. Lo obliged, following him to the car. On the ride, he rested while counting down the time until he saw his beauty’s face. He had been so concerned about Ada’s wellbeing that he didn’t update Bria. Knowing her, she had been worried.
The drive was a silent, long one. Lo thought about the revelation of Maddy being a rat. He never fucked with those. Family or not. He had some decisions to make regarding his aunt. They pulled up to Devyn’s estate, and Lo got out the car. A blanket of darkness covered the sky. Pain shot through his bones and muscles as he hiked the stairs. The beating they’d given him would be felt for weeks to come. Lo slowly entered inside, wincing from the pain. Footsteps resounded through the foyer as Tori descended the staircase.
“How’s my girl?” she asked.
“Straight.”
Her brows hiked. “Really? She’s okay?”
“Yeah, but she’s beat up right now.”
Tori exhaled as she laid her hand over her chest. “I’ve been so worried but don't tell her evil ass I was. She’ll never let me live it down.”
Lo chuckled. “I got you. Where is Bria?”
“She fell asleep in the living room. Poor thing has been worried all night.”
He nodded and strolled to the living room. He stopped and leaned against the frame of the entrance. Bria was balled up on the couch with her phone right next to her head. Her mouth was slightly parted with her arm hanging off the couch. She looked as if she had spent her night trading in sleep for worry.
Lo stepped over to her and kneeled down. He caressed her face, stirring her awake. When she realized it was him, she quickly sat up and wrapped her arms around him.
“Ow, shit, Bri.” He winced.
She jumped back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Are you okay?”
“No, they fucked me up pretty good.”
Bria held his face and kissed his lips, repeatedly. “I was so scared you wouldn’t make it back to me.”
“Yeah, me, too.”
Lo thought his time on earth had come to an end. He was thankful he had another chance to get things right, especially with Bria.
“Is everything over? How is your mama?”