Page 7

“Thank you, Father.”

“Nigga, come on. Been waiting on your hoe ass all day,” Auto’s loud voice prompted Blue’s open eyes.

A big smile covered his face as he took the stairs getting to them. “Shut your ass up. Talking like you did shit.”

Auto held his hands up in surrender while smiling at Forever. “Ain’t no way I’m taking Lawyer Barbie’s credit today. She did so fucking good, it made me wish I’d had her on my murder charge back in the day.”

“I ain’t lying,” Egypt agreed. “I fucks with her the long way, and I don’t even really like your ass.”

Everyone roared with laughter as they enjoyed the feeling of sincere happiness. The vibe was unmatched, and as much as Blue wanted to chop it up with Auto and Egypt, he had someonewho deserved him more. Without even taking a second to think about it, Blue walked directly to Forever and grabbed her face. With her cheeks held in both of his palms, he pressed his lips into hers.

Just as eager as him, she followed his lead, parting her lips to welcome his tongue. Blue had never felt more at home with a woman in his entire life. Her presence alone had him feeling like he was ready to be in love. The feel of her tongue being the cherry on top. As if that wasn’t enough, having her small body pressed against his, with her hands rubbing around the bottom of his back, made it even better.

Hearing her moan into his mouth had him hardening against her stomach, so he pulled away. “These dress pants too thin for this kissing shit, lil’ baby.”

Her soft snickers fell into the corner of his neck as she maintained her grip around his waist. “Sorry, I’m just so proud of us, we really did it.”

“You did it.” Blue pecked her lips, nose, and forehead before releasing her face and grabbing her in a hug instead. “I’m so damn proud of you. Do you know how good you look being a lawyer?”

He felt her shaking her head against his chest.

“Real shit, it’s your thing. Don’t ever stop. The streets need you bad.”

“Are the streets the only thing that need me?” she looked up into his face.

“Hell nah. I need you like a muthafucka, you just don’t know.”

Her smile made him give her one in return.

“These freckles working my appetite bad, baby. They make me wanna eat your little fine ass up.” He pecked all over her nose and face again before finally letting her go.

When he did, he dapped Auto and Egypt up, hugged Azayna, Goody, Nova, and Eternity, and shook Jerrico’s hand.

“Y’all showed up for me, ain’t it?” he smiled at the circle of people that looked genuinely happy to see him free.

“I’m really here for my sister, but I guess you alright too,” Goody sassed, making him laugh.

“I thought we were good?”

“We’ll see. That’s still pending on how you treat my sister.”

Blue looked from Goody to Forever and winked. “Oh, this finna be my life right here. What y’all girls be saying? Princess treatment only? Yeah, that’s her new life.”

“I know that’s right!” Eternity squealed while clapping.

“It’s real nice to meet you, man, but if we don’t get off these stairs, we’ll be here all day. We almost missed court this morning because of these same stairs. We can finish this at the house.” Jerrico announced for everybody to hear.

They all began to disperse, giving Blue alone time with Forever. She remained her typically poised self as they walked quietly toward his truck. He’d spotted it along the way and was more than ready to be back inside.

“Why you so quiet?” he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him.

Forever shrugged instead of answering.

“You nervous?”

Her beautiful bright eyes cut to him before nodding.

“Don’t be. I’m cool.”