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“Liam, I wish things were different, but they’re not. As bad as I want it, you know we can’t be together right now. That doesn’t mean that I don’t miss the fuck out of you. I hope you’re back to stay.”

“You wanna have your cake and eat it too. I’ve never understood that phrase so much in my life.”

“That’s not it, and you know it, Liam.” I shook my head.

“Tell me how it is then, because apparently, I’m confused.”

“That shit with Zane is temporary.”

“Like us, huh? Ain’t that what you told me?”

“I didn’t know what I was saying. I was trying to make sense of this whole arrangement. My family expects me to be with a certain kind of man. You know I’m not with it, but that’s what they have been pushing since I was old enough to date.”

“And what kind of man is that? Not a bodyguard I’m assuming.”

“Someone who can move the business forward. I don’t care what they want, Liam. I swear I don’t. I’m just trying to help out for a change that’s all.”

“It looks like you’re doing more than that. I saw that nigga with his hands all over you. Is that what you want me hanging around to watch? You get off on that shit or something?”

“No, Liam. You know that’s not true.”

Taking a step to close the space between us, he stared me down.

“Let me tell you what I know. This is my fucking pussy. You hear me?” he asked, gently grabbing the meaty flesh between my thighs.

“Yes.” My voice was shaky, so I nodded my head to confirm.

“I don’t give a fuck who thinks what. I will kill every fucking body out there about you. You know that. Don’t you? I don’t care who’s out there. Fuck each and every one of them. I’m here for you. I will end this fucking party right now if you keep playing with me.”

“I didn’t even know you were here, Liam.”

“It shouldn’t matter. Every move I make is with you in mind. You telling me you forgot a nigga that quick?”

“No!” I snapped.

“How many more niggas I gotta kill to prove myself to you? ’Cause I don’t have a number in mind. Do you? How many more of these clowns you plan on entertaining in my presence, Divine?”

“This is it, Liam. I promise. You know I’m only doing this for my family.”

“Yeah, you say that, but you have to admit you’re enjoying this bullshit. Meanwhile, it’s killing me a little at a time just to think of you with another man.”

“It’s not like that.” I shook my head. “Wait a minute. What do you mean how manymoreniggas you gotta kill? You killed someone?”

“Just…You know I’m crazy about you. I’m trying to wrap my head around this whole arrangement shit, but I’m having a hard time. I’m not gon’ lie. This game y’all playing is fucking with my mental.”

“Answer my question, Liam. Did you kill somebody?”

“Is that really so important?”

“Yes!” I shouted. “The whole reason I got dragged into this mess is because they think one of us killed Sherrod.”

Eight

Liam

Divine’s words stopped me cold. While she was talking, my lips parted. I was all prepared to offer a rebuttal to her statement, but the words died on my lips. I wanted to say something in response, but my mouth was bone dry.

“D—What?”