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Peering down at Denim’s limp body, I couldn’t help but admire her. Baby girl was fine as hell and admittedly the best pussy I’ve ever had. The way she gripped my dick made me believe her shit was explicitly made for me. As I ran my fingers along her lower lips, she moaned subconsciously, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. I told her this dick was going to turn her every which way but loose, but I never expected her to lose consciousness. Thankfully, we released at the same time because somnophilia will never be my thing.

Leaving her sprawled on her sheets, I made my way to her en suite bathroom to clean myself. I noticed she kept a clean place, and I could appreciate that since it’s rare that I find myself at a woman’s house other than Sandra’s. After getting myself together, I passed a snoring Denim and moved toward the front of the house. Her small, two-bedroom home was located in a decent neighborhood. I shook my head, remembering her cousin threatening to send her brother after me. I was going to light this bitch up like the Fourth of July had that threat become a reality.

“She’s never mentioned a kid,” I said to myself as I passed her second bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, so I pushed it open and glanced inside. The room was lightly decorated in various shades of pink and purple. The child must’ve been a little girl, or at least I assumed. My thoughts were proven true when I noticed a picture of Denim and her daughter on the nightstand.

“What’s good, Skip,” I answered my vibrating cell phone as I backtracked out of the room. “You outside?”

“Yeah, you ready?” he asked, smacking in my ear. “Or you decided to have a slumber party so you could cuddle and shit?”

Hanging up on him, I strolled out the door. The night air was brisk as fuck, and I was more than ready to get to the condo so I could shower and go to bed. Taking note of my surroundings, I liked how the streets had no form of life. It was almost three in the morning, and everyone was sound asleep.

“Damn, nigga! Those wings must be good as hell with the way you’re smacking?” I frowned as I blew into my hands to warm them up. “You could have at least asked a nigga if he wanted an order. I got money to pay.”

Pointing toward the backseat, I saw a to-go container with my name on it. The ride to my condo was on the other side of town, so we had a little way to go before we got there. Getting comfortable, I began to tear into my food. In the distance, I could see flashing lights. Sitting up, I closed my box as Skip was being flagged to stop by a uniformed officer.

“Mr. Mills, good evening.” The officer leaned onto the driver’s window and greeted Skip as we approached the scene. “I’m going to have to ask you to follow the detour signs to get to the other side of town. This ramp has been closed off.”

“Is everything okay?” Skip asked as he looked from the officer to the scene before us. “It looks pretty bad up there.”

“Car accident.” The officer shook his head as he peered ahead. “Single car that flipped and caught fire. Unfortunately, no survivors.”

Blowing a low whistle, I resumed eating my wings as the officer pointed out the route Skip needed to take. Getting a glance at the wreckage, I could see the smoke coming from the charred bodies as they lay out on the asphalt.

“Hope they made peace with God,” I mumbled with a mouth full of chicken. “Never know the day nor the hour, especially when you’re dealing with a nigga like me.”

The dinging of the penthouse elevator pulled me from thoughts of Denim’s cousins. She called me the next day in her feelings about the accident, and I gave her my condolences. She asked if I could come over and see her, and I did. I didn’t want to abandon her in her time of need, and although we were just casual, I didn’t mind comforting her. Those folks were her family, and it was natural for her to be in mourning. I’d just fucked the lining out of her pussy, so the least I could do was cuddle with her. Killing two more people in Milly Grove was not on my agenda, but I will never tolerate someone disrespecting or threatening me. I wasn’t going for it, and it was unfortunate that her cousin had to find out she was dealing with a real-life killer the way she had.

“My baby!” my grandmother sang and ran to me as soon as she stepped off the elevator. It’d been a few weeks since I’d seen my girl, and I was more than happy to have her come visit me. “You’ve grown so much!”

“Wanita, unhand him and let me love on my boy.” My grandfather ordered with a smile. It was always funny how they treated me as if I was ten years old. “You look well, son.” He pulled me into his embrace and patted my back. “How’s Milly Grove been treating you?”

Pop knew of a few things I’ve gotten into since I’ve been here, and while he’s not too happy about it, he’s still been my main source of prayer and guidance.

“Your sweet baby has been causing a ruckus in the city since he stepped foot here,” Wild’s stupid ass chimed in as he and Skip helped bring the bags in. I had a meeting with Uno today, so they did me a solid by picking up my grandparents from the airport. “The ladies love his ugly tail, for one.”

“You want to tell Sweets about your run-in with the ladies, or is this just about me?” I raised my brow at Wild, causing him to instantly shut his mouth. “That’s what I thought.”

Skip chuckled as he brought in the last bag. “Is there anything we can do for you, Mr. and Mrs. Jones? If not, Wild and I are going to get going and let you all get settled. Plus, we want you all to come back and visit us. If you stick around my brother too long, you may head for the hills early.”

As I turned to face and thank him, I noticed the figure standing behind him for the first time. My mother was standing, quiet as a lamb, looking around as if waiting for a coyote to attack. My grandmother told me there would be a chance that she’d come on this trip with them, but I didn’t think she would. She and I hadn’t spoken since the day at my grandparent’s house, so I didn’t know how to greet her.

“Hey, Mama…” I walked over, deciding to pull her into my arms. She stiffened before wrapping her arms around me. I won’t lie; it felt good to be embraced by her. Smiling at her, I added, “How are you doing? How was your flight?”

“I’m good, Andre.” She returned a small smile as she clutched the strap of her purse. “The flight was nice. Thank you for flying us first class, but it would have been nice to have been on the jet.”

The disdain in her voice caused my smile to drop suddenly and all chatter to cease. My mother had a way of ruining the simplest moment with her snide remarks and rude attitude. Taking a deep breath, I ignored her comment and turned to Skip to dap him up. After thanking him, he walked to hug my grandparents before he grabbed his brother and left.

“Now, Mattie! We agreed that we would enjoy this trip and try to mend our relationship as a family.” My mother frowned as she took a seat in the living room. “We’re not going to do this.”

“Do what?” my mother asked as she began to stroll around the living room. Her nose was turned up as she looked at the expensive decor. “How are we supposed to heal if I can’t speak my truth?”

Leaning against the wall, I crossed my arms and watched my mother as if it was my first time seeing her. I thought that because she showed up here, she was ready to have a civilized conversation with her baby boy, but I guess I was wrong. If only she knew how imperative it was for her to convince me she wasn’t a threat to the Family, maybe she would be singing a different tune.

“Mattie, have a seat,” my grandfather called out to her and pointed to the empty loveseat across from him and my grandmother. “We’re going to discuss this now because I’m not about to listen to this the entire week.”

I could tell my mother wanted to fight him on it, but she did as instructed and plopped down on the loveseat. Walking over to the kitchen, I grabbed three bottles of water before returning to the common space.

“Say whatever it is that’s on your chest, Mama.” I handed her one of the bottles as she mugged me. “I’m not one to ever do the back and forth, but I will make an exception one time and one time only. Speak your peace so we can move on.”

Taking a sip of the water, she eyed me before snickering. My parents and I looked at her as if she was crazy, but we let her have her moment.

“Move on?” she asked as she leaned forward and looked at each of us. “You hear that? Your grandson wants to move on and act as if he’s not the reason my husband—his father—is no longer here today. You killed him!”

I could feel my jaw tick as the blood in my veins began to chill. I was so tired of the same dance and song with this woman. It was time to give her a rude awakening.

“You wanna know the truth, Mother?” I reclined in my seat and got comfortable as I observed her. “Your husband wasn’t a good man.” She went to say something, but I held my hand up to stop her. “I let you talk, and now you will be quiet and let me.” Neither she nor my grandparents said anything as I continued, “Your husband… my father, as you keep reminding me, was a pervert. He bought and sold women against their will without a care in the world.”

“Liar!” She jumped from her seat and screamed. “How dare you say that about him?”

“He raped and beat women for his enjoyment, Ma! Hundreds, maybe thousands, of women have been beaten, raped, or murdered because of him . Not only that, but he was jealous of Uncle Samuel! He would have done anything to be in his position as head of Boudreaux Enterprises, a company that in no way was he qualified to run. Rosier and I went to school, seminars, and sat through billion-dollar meetings with Uncle Samuel, and are the only ones capable of running the business the way it should be. You know what your husband would have done?” I scooted to the edge of the seat and eyed her as tears slid rapidly down her cheeks. “he would’ve turned our billion-dollar business into a cover-up for a sex trafficking ring. He was in bed with a lot of bad people. He made a lot of bad choices that he never took accountability for. If anyone is at fault for killing your husband, it’s him.”

Looking at my mother, I knew the love she had for me was no longer there. I never wanted my mother to find out about all of the vile things her husband had done, but she kept pushing and pushing, so I had no choice but to tell her. I loved my father because he was just that, but that nigga was all bad. Nothing good would’ve come from him if he was still alive. I had made peace with his exit, and it was time my mother did the same, or she would be exiting too.

She seethed as she stood up. “Claude told me a long time ago that you thought your uncle and cousins were better than him. He told me all the time that he asked you to help him move up the ladder of the organization, and you refused.” She stepped closer to me, and I glanced at my grandparents after sending up a quick prayer. If she put her hands on me, I was going to sling her out of the fucking window. “You’re pathetic and a sad excuse for a son. I hate you, and I can’t wait for you to meet the same fate you brought to him!”

Raising her hand to strike me, I jumped from my seat and grabbed her wrist. Her eyes bulged in fear as I hovered over her. She’d tried me for the last time, and it was time for her to know a little secret about her son.

“You want me to die, Ma? Your own flesh and blood…” I chuckled as I continued to squeeze her wrist, causing her to whimper. “Let me let you in on a little secret then, Mattie Boudreaux.” I snatched her jacket open, and just as I suspected, she was wearing a wire. Ripping it from her shirt, my grandparents gasped in shock as my mother shook with fear. “I’m not the nigga you wanna cross. I’ve been respectful because you’re my mother, and I love you, but your son is a man with low tolerance for disrespect. I’m the reason you still have the comfort to move around without a care in the world. If I ever take my hands off you, it will be you—not me—that’s resting in piss with your husband.”

“Andre!” my grandmother pleaded from the couch but didn’t move. “Let her go, baby boy.”

“The Bible says to honor thy mother and father, so my days will be long, right? Right?!”

“Y-Yes,” Ma nodded and cried. “Please don’t hurt me.”

“Hurt you?” I chuckled menacingly as I glared at her. “I’ve honored you and my father since the day I was conceived. I’ve always loved, cherished, and respected you both and never received it in return. That’s over, Mattie. Do you know what type of man I am? No…” She shook her head profusely. “Try and put your hands on me again, and I will throw you out of that fuckin’ window, but not before I break every single bone in your body. That’s two hundred and six bones that I will break one by one while making sure you’re lucid for it all.”

Pushing her from me, she fell to the floor as I clutched the wire in my hands. I balled my fist tightly as my chest heaved rapidly, with me standing over her. At that moment, I knew the relationship between us was tarnished—never to be the same.

“Son, where are you going?” My grandfather followed me as I went into my bedroom to gather my keys and phone. If I stayed in this house a second longer, I was going to kill her.

“I gotta get out of here…” I stepped past him and reentered the living room. My mother was still bawling on the floor as my mother consoled her. Walking past them, I pressed the button for the elevator doors to open. It didn’t take long before I stepped inside. Before the doors closed, I locked eyes with my mother.

“I don’t care where you go or what you do. Don’t be here when I get back.”

Before she could respond, the doors were closing—not just on the elevator, but the relationship with my mother. Accusing me of murder was one thing, but blatantly trying to set me up? That shit was unforgivable. I knew I had to tell Zoo about this, and it broke my heart. I tried as hard as I could to spare her. Her fate was now in his hands.

* * *

After leaving the penthouse, I drove aimlessly around the city, trying my hardest to calm down and ease my mind. I needed to have a conversation with Rosier, but not right now. I wasn’t in the right headspace, but it would have to happen sooner than later. My thoughts and emotions consumed me, and somehow, I ended up parked outside of Denim’s home. It was risky and unusual for me, but I wanted her company.

“Hello,” she answered the phone groggily. I shot my eyes to the dashboard for the time. It was a little after nine, so I knew she was probably sleeping. “Is everything okay, Dre?”

“Uh, yeah…” I gripped the back of my neck as I examined her dark home through my windshield. “I didn’t mean to wake you, Lil’ Mama. I was in the neighborhood and decided to pull up. You know what? My bad. I’m just going to?—”

“Dre, it’s fine.” She giggled sweetly. I could hear her moving around, and I assumed she was getting out of bed. “I’m opening the door. Come on in.”

Cutting the engine, I got out of my truck and scanned the neighborhood before I walked up her driveway. By the time I reached her front door, she was opening it.

“I honestly didn’t mean to wake you,” I stated as I stuffed my hands in my joggers and studied her. Her tiny robe was a sight to see, but I wasn’t here for that. “Did I interrupt anything?”

“Not at all.” She smiled as she eased the door open and let me inside. “Come on in. Would you like something to drink?”

Just like the last time I was here, her home was clean, with nothing out of place. The smell of homemade baked cookies filled the air and reminded me I hadn’t eaten all day. Just then, my stomach growled.

“Ha! I have some leftover spaghetti. Let me fix you a plate.”

“Oh, I’m good.” I shook my head as I followed her. “I don’t eat anyone’s red sauce. You won’t have me out here crashing out over some pussy.”

Rolling her eyes, she walked to the refrigerator and pulled out all the items needed to make a ham and turkey sandwich. I sat at the kitchen island and observed as she moved around effortlessly. Denim was a beautiful woman and seemed to have her shit together. I didn’t think I would ever be able to commit to a woman, but if I were, I would like to have a woman like her on my arm. I just knew that woman could never be her.

“How old is your daughter?” She froze as she slowly trailed her eyes over to me. Nodding toward the small purse on the counter, I added, “You don’t take me as a Hello Kitty type of woman.”

“I’m not.” She relaxed and snickered as she slid the napkin to me. The simple sandwich looked so good that I started to tell her to leave everything out so I could fix another when I finished. “She’s six going on sixteen. She’s my favorite girl in the world, though.”

Nodding, I ate as I watched her clean. She wasn’t obligated to tell me anything about her personal life. She and I were only supposed to be dealing with each other on a physical level. Still, knowing that didn’t make me want to get to know her any less. She’d intrigued me enough that I would kill to know more.

“I was thinking that maybe you could accompany me to an event next weekend,” I inquired as I sipped the ginger ale she’d placed in front of me. I usually wouldn’t ask this of someone I’d just met, but Denim’s vibe was cool, and after reviewing the file that Mimi sent over, I knew everything I needed to know. She went to answer, but a thought occurred, causing me to cut her off before she could even speak. “Are you still dealing with her father? I don’t mean to be invasive—just curious. I’d hate to knock that nigga outta his shoes because you know the fellas don’t play about their baby mama’s.”

She smirked as she peered at me over her shoulder. I couldn’t help but do the same. If she didn’t fix her face, I was going to give in to my intrusive thoughts and have her head knocking into the dishwasher. Visualizing her body under the robe had me adjusting my homie and telling myself that tonight wasn’t for any of that.

“I thought it was just dick and dinner with us, Dre. But give me the details of where we’re going. I’ll make a special exception to our previous discussion by attending.” Crossing her arm, she frowned. “As far as baby daddy’s go… her father and I aren’t together. We never really were. He’s married, but we’re working on doing better with co-parenting now. It’s nothing more than that there.”

Her tone told me she didn’t want to discuss it, so I left it alone. Sitting quietly, I continued to eat as my phone vibrated repeatedly in my pocket. I had several missed calls from my grandmother, so I did the right thing and answered. “Yes, Sweets.”

“Oh my goodness, Andre Boudreaux! You had me worried sick!”

“Sweets… I’m fine.” I slid my napkin back over to Denim, pointing at the fridge for another sandwich. “I just needed some air. I’m—” I paused and glanced up at Denim as she got to work on my food. “With a friend. I’ll be back later. Are you and Pop okay?”

Hearing me refer to her as a friend caused Denim to grin. Being as though I disrupted her sleep for some bullshit, she could have the label for the night.

“Yes, yes… we’re fine. We just wanted to make sure you’re okay. I’ve never seen you so upset, baby.”

I stiffened at her words because the last thing I ever wanted to do was make my grandparents uncomfortable in my presence. They knew what I was capable of to some extent, but I never wanted them to feel as if I could commit such actions in their company.

“I’m sorry,” I said somberly. “It was never my intention to do that. We can talk in the morning if you’re asleep when I get back.”

“Okay, baby… that’s fine,” my grandmother said as Dee slid the second sandwich and a bag of Doritos across the counter. “I’m going to bed now since I know you’re okay. Adrian took your mother back to the airport about two hours ago.”

Saying nothing in response to that, I told my grandmother I loved her and would see her later. I was relieved to hear my mother had taken my advice by no longer being at the penthouse when I got back. I meant every word I’d said to her. If she ever tried me again, I’d end her myself.

“Everything okay?” Denim asked as she snapped me from my thoughts. “You’re quiet.”

“Family shit.” I shrugged and continued to eat. “I’ve been going through a lot.”

“You want to talk about it?” she asked and seemed genuinely interested as she propped up against the counter. “I may be a clerical administrator on paper, but I was a therapist in a past life. Would you feel better if we moved to the couch?”

Eyeing her breasts as they spilled from her robe, my eyes moved back to hers, causing her to drop her head and blush. She’d better be careful before she found herself fucked. “If we go to that couch, the only thing I want to talk about is you being still while you take this dick, love.” She gasped as she balled up a paper towel and threw it at me. “Maybe this time, the dick won’t cause you to black out.”

Scoffing, she stomped from the counter, and I couldn’t help but bend over in laughter. After finishing my food, I cleaned behind myself and went in search of her. It didn’t take long to find her on the couch watching television.

“You’re an asshole.” She rolled her eyes at me as I took a seat beside her. “Don’t touch me.”

“Lil’ Mama, don’t act like that.” I pulled her into my lap and took the remote from her hand. Finding SportsCenter, she groaned as highlights from today’s games were discussed. Rubbing her smooth thighs, a sense of calmness came over me. The tension of today’s events slowly faded, and I could feel myself relax. With her head on my shoulder, I could feel her body unwind before soft hums filled my ears. Peeking down, she appeared to be asleep.

“Growing up, I had a good life,” I rattled off as she snoozed in my lap. “My two-parent household was everything I could pray for. My parents and grandparents fought a lot over who was my favorite since I was an only child.” I couldn’t help but smile at the memories before continuing my ramble. “I always envied my father and cousins because they had siblings, and I was all alone. I had them, but I resented their bonds. My cousins are my best friends now, though, and I’ll never make light of our relationship. We sometimes fight, but those are my brothers, and I’ll do anything for them.” I sighed heavily as I threw my head back against the sofa. “My parents had a love that was like no other, and I often think what it would be like to have that same love.” I peered down at Denim as she stirred in my lap and got more comfortable. “That’s not in the cards for me, and it’s cool because I’m probably not equipped to love somebody enough to adjust my lifestyle, anyhow.”

I wondered what it would be if I had a wife and kids like my cousins, but I’m selfish. The life I live is one I don’t want to step away from. Work, my grandparents, and the Family would always come first, and I wouldn’t want to add another person to the roster. I also didn’t want to share who I truly was with anyone new—enough people knew who Andre Boudreaux really was.

“When my father died, my mother blamed me…” I shook my head at how our relationship had diminished before his death. “She hates me and wishes death on me every day. I love her and always will, but I have to let her and her accusations go for my own sanity.”

Massaging Denim’s scalp as she slept, she nuzzled into my chest. I admit it was nice to hold a woman so closely. Even though she was asleep, expressing my intimate thoughts aloud felt good.

“Psalm Chapter 34 Verse 18 says, The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. ”

Letting my mother go was the hardest thing I’d ever do, but it must be done. Closing my eyes, I prayed for her soul and mine as we entered into unknown territory. As I sat here and embraced Denim, a serene feeling of peace rolled over me. I did my part as her child. If my mother wanted this to be where our love for each other ended, so be it.

Me:

I love my mother.

Zoo:

I know it, bro.

Me:

The betrayal from her is deep, but my hands are tied.

Zoo:

What are you saying, Dre?

Me:

I accept the assignment.

Exiting the text thread to Rosier, I wrapped my arms around Denim and pulled us both down on the couch. With her laying on top of me, I let go of all thoughts of doubt. My job is to serve and protect the Family from all enemies. This time, it just so happens to be my mother. Just like her husband, she has to go. Zoo had agreed to handle her, and I had agreed to handle the sex trafficking ring. As I went back to rubbing my fingers through Denim’s scalp, I closed my eyes and got more comfortable. I hate what the relationship with my parents came to, but it’s no fault of mine. Maybe they can reconnect in the afterlife and discuss if turning their back on their only son was worth it.