“Fuck what you on.” He scoffed. “You owe me a kill, nigga.”
“Whatever.”
“I’m serious.”
“Aight. But, I’m off that. I’m done with that shit. Tried to be, at least.”
“Them niggas had that coming, though. They brought that upon themselves,” Cane interjected.
“True.” Nodding, I agreed with him.
“So, feel free to go around slinging that fucking FN. I’m chilling. I have no desires to end another man’s life.”
“Unless he brings it upon himself,” Cane added.
Agreeing again, I nodded. “Yeah. That shit right there he’s saying.”
“Well, we can’t count on niggas to act right, so there will come a time,” Laike assured us.
“I’m heading to the back, fellas. Appreciate your services.”
“Services? Nigga, we didn’t even touch the fucking triggers!” Laike called behind me as I slid the door of the bedroom backward and stepped inside.
I didn’t bother responding, knowing just how salty he was about what had transpired and his missed opportunity. I removed my shoes and the black cap from my head as I sat down on the bed. The softness welcomed me. I laid flat on my back, feet still on the floor. Visions of a battered and bruised Ever resurfaced, tightening my chest and gripping my heart.
I lifted my phone and typed the simple code to unlock it. Ever’s number was hardly in my call log because I hadn’t left her side in the last two weeks. I had to scroll for ages to finally locate it. When I did, I tapped it, connecting the call. Though I knew she was, undoubtedly, asleep, I wanted her. I needed her. Her voice. Her softness. Her words. Her attention. I needed it.
“Hello?” She groaned. “Luca?”
The words came one after the other. I could hear the concern intertwined in them.
“I’m okay, Ever.”
She sighed in relief before continuing.
“Baby, where are you?”
This time, I couldn’t put her worries to rest. Instead of responding, I remained silent, hoping she understood my position.
“Well, when will you be home, Luca?”
“Soon, love.”
“Okay.”
Silence.
“I love you.”
Silence.
“Luca?”
My chest burned. This woman, Ever Sinclair, was my entire world and I wondered if she knew it. Putting into words how I felt about her would be impossible, which meant the vows I’d been tasked with writing and reciting in the next fourteen hours would only be a fraction of my feelings in word form. I’d never be able to truly explain. The feeling she gave me was beyond words. Beyond me.
“Hmm?”
“Why’d you call? Are you sure you’re OK?”
