“We’re a well-oiled machine. I’ve been doing this for damn near twenty years. We have people on the inside who support us because it makes their jobs easier. Stop worrying. We got you.”
“I hear you, but you can’t expect me to trust people I barely know. What kinda nigga would you think I was if I didn’t ask questions?”
They nodded and simultaneously said, “True.”
“I’m good now. Let’s go.”
Two Months Later
“Welcome back!”everyone cheered when I entered the salon.
The salon was decorated with balloons, and my station was covered with flowers and cards. It had been two months since Sean attacked me. My nose healed much faster than my ribs, but I finally felt like myself again.
Breeze and Raine were two of the most overbearing people I’d ever encountered. Not even my parents or sister were as bad as those two. However, I appreciated their care and concern and honestly believed it helped my healing process.
The rest of our crew pitched in by sending home-cooked meals each week, hiring a cleaning company so I wouldn’t haveto lift a finger, and hanging out with me so I wouldn’t die from boredom. I would definitely miss the food, but I decided to keep the cleaning service.
“Thank you! Y’all are the best,” I said as we exchanged hugs, and they gave me a bouquet of flowers.
“We missed you around here, Mel,” Mari said.
“I would’ve come back two weeks ago if Breeze and Raine weren’t so damn strict. As much as I appreciate them, they are slightly over-the-top.”
“I can hear you,” Raine said. “And I’m telling my brother.”
“Girl, I’m not worried about you or him.”
“Him who?” I heard Breeze’s voice behind me.
“Huh?”
“You heard me.” I turned around just in time for him to wrap me in his arms and press his lips against mine.
Even though I was 90 percent healed, Breeze continued to be extra gentle with me. We didn’t have sex for the first three weeks of my recovery. When he finally decided to stop holding out, we made sweet, slow love. It was beautiful, but I was ready to be fucked from the front, back, top, bottom, and side.
“If you must know, I told Mari and Yvonne how over-the-top you and Raine have been. Y’all low-key had me on lockdown like a prisoner.”
Breeze shook his head. “She’s exaggerating, but it was for her own good.”
“Whatever. I’m just glad to be back.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I feel good.”
“How many clients do you have today? I don’t want you to overdo it.”
“Three, but after my last client, I planned to?—”
“Nah, Raine and the other ladies will cover you for whatever you’re about to say.”
“Breeze, you’re being ridiculous.”
“Call me what you want. You’re not back full-time yet. I want you to take things slow.”
“The doctor said?—”
“I don’t give a fuck about what that doctor said. I’m your man, and I got the final say.”
