Against her better judgment, Bria answered. “Hello?”
“What’s up, ma?”
Chill bumps burgeoned on her skin as she got up and made sure her dressing room door was closed.
“Dough?”
“Yeah, it’s me, baby.”
Bria was less than enthused to share a conversation with him.
“Oh, hey.” Her tone was extremely dry.
He smacked his lips. “Damn, why you sound like that? I should be the one with an attitude. Shit, I’m the one that got hurt. But best believe it’s gon’ take more than a coward-ass nigga to make a man like me tap out.”
Bria recognized the front Dough put on but decided not to address it. The beating was brutal, but he made it seem like it was a couple whips and nothing more.
“I shouldn’t be on the phone with you, especially when you were bragging about having sex with me.”
“Don't tell me that nigga got in your head. Do you really think I be pillow talking like that, Bria?
“I don't know. It’s possible.”
“You know I don't move like that. Has he hurt you?”
“No.”
“Are you lying to me?”
Bria kissed her teeth, not liking how Dough was interrogating her. He had no right, considering she didn’t belong to him.
“No, I’m not. He hasn’t done anything to me.”
There was a pause before he said, “Look, I can take care of that problem for you, but I need your help.”
“What problem?” she asked, knowing exactly what he was referring to.
“That nigga, Bria. Help me out, and I’ll help you.”
Slowly, she sat down as her heart rate increased. “Help you how?”
“I can’t say too much right now. I’d rather talk to you in person.”
Right away, Bria shook her head. “I can’t do that. Lo will find out and I don't want to test him again. Plus, you violated me by running your mouth.”
“Man,” he drawled, “let that shit go. Besides, he won’t find out,” he promised.
“Yes, he will. How do you think he found out about me creeping with you?”
Dough chuckled. “That man really got you scared of him. Listen, all you gotta do is make sure he’s at the right place at the right time. That’s it.”
Her eyes ballooned. “You want me to set him up?”
“See this why I wanna talk to you in person. You say way too much over the phone, Bria.”
“I just told you I can’t meet with you, Dough. I don't think I’ll ever be able to see you again. I can’t risk it.”
Bria waited anxiously for his reply. Despite her still holding feelings for Dough, she was devoted to her husband. She wanted it to work and finally saw potential in her and Lo. Her loyalty had to remain with him despite the obstacles in their marriage.