Page 6 of Bound to a Virgo Menace (BLP Signs of Love #3)

I swallowed the mouthful of food I’d inhaled when Cache walked away. “Let’s see. I’m from Savannah, Georgia. Mama was a successful real estate agent there. She was literally the best. There was days Tevyn and I didn’t see her because of her busy hours. She always made up for it though.”

Tears sprang up in my eyes again. I gulped down some of my orange juice, but nothing could stop the wave of tears that spilled down my face. My emotions overwhelmed me, but I pushed through.

“I was once ranked the top high school volleyball player in Georgia.

Mama was my biggest supporter next to Tevyn.

The last night of the playoff games, I served a perfect game.

My team and I won our place in the championship game.

I made it home and was only granted minutes with her before a drunk driver crashed inside our home and killed her.

“The driver ripped through our house, taking mama and the stove through a couple of walls and out the bay window in the living room. Mama’s body rolled and rolled until she stopped in the street.

She took her last breaths in my arms. It was and will always be the worst day of my life.

That goes for Tevyn too. We’re still trying to make sense of losing our mama in such a tragic and gruesome way. ”

Cache left his seat and food to comfort me. He stepped in front of me and cleaned my face. Afterward, he embraced me in another hug.

“You are safe with me. I’m so sorry your mama had to endure such a fucked up ordeal.

What’s worst is that you both had to witness it.

I wish I could take that painful memory away from you.

It’s not humanly possible. However, what helps me when painful memories surface, is focusing really hard on the good memories I’ve made with that person.

I know it’s easier said than done, but I’m not consumed with grief like I once was. ”

I wiped my eyes and swallowed. “Thank you for your kindness and support. I’m going to work at using that strategy. I really need to. Furthermore, you speak as if you lost someone close to you. May I ask who it was?”

Cache leaned against his island, but he was still in front of me.

He released a deep breath. “Just like you, I lost my mom too, and tragically. I was twenty-two at the time. She was a great mom and worked hard every day. I didn’t make life easy for her at first. I was a bad ass for sure, but my mom held me tighter the badder my ass was.

Eventually, I got my shit together, and we were locked in.

“My mom started to see this nigga I was not fond of. I kept my mouth closed because she was happy for the most part, and it was her life to live. One night, I came home to the house in a complete mess. There was blood all over the broken glass in the living room.

“Tread and I raced upstairs and discovered her dead body in our bathtub. He beat her, drowned her, and slit her throat. As a result of his actions, I killed him and all his immediate family.” Cache looked away then at me after his confession. “How does what I said make you feel?”

I gulped hard. “Um . . . Well, I’m really sorry your mom passed away so tragically. If she was anything like you, I know she was a good person inside and out. However, your lifestyle is new to me. I try not to judge, but you being a ‘K’ word worries me.”

Cache cleared his throat. “Are you afraid of me, Hevyn?”

“No. I’m only afraid that I might lose you from some kind of hit or retaliation,” I responded quicker than I expected.

Before I knew it, Cache had me off the floor, and my legs were wound tightly around his waist. His expressive brown eyes bore deep into my soul, making my heartbeat pick up.

“Hevyn, I never want you to be afraid of me or for me. I will never hurt you. Yes, I’m in the gangsta and killing business, but I will never bring work home. Outside, I’m Peel. When I’m with you, I’m just Cache.

“I’ll never lie to you unless I absolutely have to. The less you know about my work the better. You are my sweet butterfly, and you don’t need to associate yourself with danger. Am I clear?”

I nodded.

“Good. Hevyn, on top of never lyin’ to you, I’ll never betray your trust. I’m big on loyalty and respect.

From this day forward, we are locked in.

You are the only woman I want. I’m single with no kids, and I’ve never been married.

I’m saving that lifestyle for you. Now I know you don’t feel the same way I do right now, but you can grow to like me and fall in love with me. I’m not rushing it.

“All I need to know is that I have your loyalty and respect. No one will ever come before you. If there is ever a time when you can’t reach me, please know it’s related to work.

I’ll never intentionally ignore you. I’ll supply you with a burner phone, that way we’ll always be able to keep in contact. ”

Cache released a deep sigh, but he never broke our eye contact. His eyes widened slightly when I leaned forward and kissed his forehead.

“I may be shy, but I’ve always moved with grace and purpose. I’ve waited a long time for someone like you, Cache. I am a loyal and respectful person, so you’ll have me until you no longer want me.”

“I’ll always, always want you only, Hevyn.”

Cache’s lips crashed against mine, throwing me into foreign territory.

My body was stiff, but only for seconds.

I parted my lips and allowed Cache to explore my mouth.

His tongue was warm yet slightly sweet from the syrup.

It was a flavor I could get used to. Cache held me tightly around my waist and firmly to his chest.

It had been so long since I’d kissed a man that I almost forgot how to do it. While wearing my grief, I focused on my goals and pushed relationships to the recesses of my mind. Now that Cache barged his way into my life, there was hope after all for me.