Page 27 of Bern and Isley (D-Ville Projects #5)

Bern

Isley had spent nearly every night with me in my apartment since her aunt moved a month ago. And I was loving every minute of it. It was a blessing to wake up to her beautiful face every morning and snuggle with her every night after making sweet love.

“I don’t think I’m going to renew the lease,” Isley announced as we were lounging on the sofa. “It doesn’t feel the same with Aunt Fee being gone.”

“I can understand that. Besides, I wanted to see how you feel about moving in with me.”

She eyed me. “Are you serious?”

“Hell yeah I’m serious. I love you and want to be around you all the time.”

“You don’t think it’s too soon? We haven’t been official that long.”

“I don’t give a fuck about none of that, Icey. The timing doesn’t mean shit to me.”

“I don’t know, Bernie.”

“Isley, you’ve spent too many years caring for other people.

I know you’re an independent woman and everything, but let me take care of you, baby.

You can move in here with me. I’m going to pay all of the bills and the money you make from doing hair is all yours to keep and stack. What do you have to lose?”

“I don’t want to take advantage of you. You’ve done so much for me over the years.”

“Ay… stop that shit, Icey. I’m your man.

I’m supposed to protect and provide for you.

It’s never been me keeping a running tab on shit that I do for you and it’s not going to start now.

It makes me feel good to be able to take care of you.

To lighten your load. The love you give me is priceless and I can never repay you for it.

Let me give you the loving care that you deserve. Don’t deny me that, Icey.”

“Okay. If you’re sure…”

“Of course, I’m sure. I got you, Isley. I promise I do.”

I understood where she was coming from. With her past, it was easy for her to feel like she always had to depend on someone and felt indebted to them. But that would never be the case with me. In due time, she would see.