Page 13

“Have you been enjoying the time with your father?” I stared at my daughter as she ate her ice cream. It was his weekend with her, but I wanted us to spend a little time together before dropping her off. “He told me you guys have been playing a lot of fun games at his house.”

Co-parenting with Bryce has gotten better, and I was thankful. He’s been spending more time with Briley, and while I haven’t been vocal about it, I’m glad he’s been stepping up more with her.

“Yes! He plays with me now and watches all of the princess movies!” She was beaming, and I couldn’t help but giggle at all of the ice cream splattered over her face. “I like his new house more than I like the old one.”

Nodding, I listened to her sing the praises of her dad. He’s been sticking to the schedule of getting her every two weeks at his apartment in the city. At some point, he will have to transition her to the home he shares with his wife and kids, but the current plan has worked so far, so I wouldn’t criticize.

“Are you ready?” I watched as she finished the last bite. “Your dad just texted me and said he’s ready for you to come over. Something about making pizzas and bracelets.”

“Oh my gosh! Yes!” She jumped from her seat and ran over to me. “Help me clean myself, Mommy, so we can go!”

Chuckling at her urgency, I cleaned her face before we hurriedly made our way outside. Her father’s apartment wasn’t too far from the ice cream parlor, so it took us no time to drive there.

“Make sure you have lots of fun, okay?” I ruffled her cute little curls as we stood at his door and waited for him to open it. “I will be back to get you on Sunday.”

Mumbling a response while she played on her iPad, I chuckled to myself at how the device was a blessing and a curse. When her father finally opened the door, I gave him a polite smile before letting Briley’s hand go. Looking at Bryce, I assumed today was an off day for him because of how relaxed he was dressed. I rarely saw him out of suits and ties, so I was pleased to know he was being a dad when Bri was over.

“Hey, baby!” He smiled as he bent down and kissed Bri’s forehead before she dashed inside. Chuckling, he dragged his eyes back to me. By the smirk on his face, I knew he was about to annoy me. “You know… there’s a kiss for you, too, if you want it.” Scanning my body, he pulled his top teeth over his bottom lip. “You look good, Denim.”

Today, I had some business to attend to, so I was dressed in a simple black blazer and slacks that hugged my body. I was in no way attempting to impress Bryce, so his compliments did nothing for my ego. Instead, I scrunched up my face and pushed past him. “Bryce, move.”

The mother in me had to always check and make sure things were the way they were supposed to be before I left my child in his care. I’d thoroughly researched the area and apartment complex, and although it wasn’t somewhere I expected Bryce to rent, it was nice and seemed safe. Turning back to face him, I noticed his gaze had been on my ass. Snapping my fingers to make a point, I waited until his eyes met mine before speaking. “She’s excited about whatever plans you two have, so I hope you’ve had plenty of rest. She just had some ice cream, so maybe save any additional sugar for tomorrow.”

“Got it,” he replied, smiling as he ran his hand down his face. “I admit… I’ve dropped the ball with her, but I’m thankful for the chance to make it right. I’ve been enjoying every second of our time together, so I appreciate you for agreeing with this new arrangement.”

Giving him a small smile, I browsed the space once more. Everything was up to par, so it was time for me to head out. No matter how good we were at the moment, I didn’t want to be around him any longer than I needed to be. Bryce and I could be parents, but we would never be friends.

“Well… you two have fun. I have to go.” I stepped past him and headed for the front door, only for him to grab my wrist. Halting and looking down at his hand on me, I slowly dragged my eyes up to him. “Is there a problem?”

Stepping closer, Bryce attempted to touch my face, but I took a few steps back until my back bumped against the door. Frowning, I tried to snatch away from him, but he wouldn’t let me go.

“There’s nothing wrong with us rekindling what we had, Denim.” He caressed my cheek as he stared at me. “You’re already the mother of my child, so there’s nothing wrong with me getting what’s technically mine.”

“ Yours ?” I asked, holding in the vomit that desperately wanted to escape from the close proximity.

“Mine,” he reiterated as he stepped even closer, mushing his body into mine. “I’m the only one that’s put a baby in you, Dee. You haven’t dealt with a man since me, and?—”

“And who said that?” I asked as I raised a brow at him. “Just because you haven’t seen me with one doesn’t mean I don’t have niggas.” I smirked at his eyes darkening. He was pissed. “Sorry to break it to you, but me being single has nothing to do with you, Bryce. My focus is on my daughter and my job. You need to focus more on the kid instead of the mother because, I promise… I don’t want you.”

This time, when I pushed him off, he moved. The look of anger wasn’t missed, but he had no reason to be upset. He and I haven’t dealt with each other in a long time, and we never would again.

“You’ve been having different men around my child?” He fumed as I placed my hand on the doorknob to leave. “I don’t want Bri seeing her mother be a whore and think that behavior is okay.”

“I’ll see you guys on Sunday,” I called over my shoulder as I opened the door. His comments meant nothing to me. “While you’re worried about me and what I have going on, you need to have a conversation with your wife if you want my child to eventually start visiting the home you share with your other kids. There’s no sense why she’s more comfortable in your ‘new house’ versus the one you share with your family. I won’t tell you again… I’m not playing when it comes to my daughter. Fix your face and show my baby a good time.”

Stepping out, I closed the door behind me. I rolled my shoulders and took a deep breath before I made my way back to my truck. Bryce had a way of pissing me off, and I hated when he got under my skin the way he did. After taking a few moments to gather myself, I headed to my next destination of the day. Hopefully, the information I received would put me back in a better mood.

* * *

Pulling up to the park, I looked around in hopes that I wasn’t stood up. Surveying the area, I found her seated near a pond at the far end before the woodsy walking trails started. Gathering my things, I took a deep breath and proceeded her way.

“Good afternoon. Thank you for meeting with me, Ms. Boudreaux. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

The night Andre popped up at my home, I was shocked, to say the least. I knew immediately that something was wrong, so there was no way I was going to turn him away. He may have thought I was sleeping when he bared his soul, but I was wide awake as I turned into a recorder. It took everything in me to keep my breathing steady and my heart from beating out of my chest. When he admitted that his mother hated him, the wheels in my head began to turn. I took a chance by reaching out to her, but I had to do it if I wanted any information that would lock him away for life.

“It’s nice to meet you as well, Officer Atkins.” She stood from her seat and shook my extended hand. “Thank you for looking into my husband’s case.”

When I contacted Ms. Boudreaux, I may have lied about who I was and my intentions. I called and told her I was a highway patrol officer looking to close my file on Claude Boudreaux’s accident and was hoping she could clear a few things up for me. I offered to visit her at home, but she informed me she was in Milly Grove. I was confused at first, but then it clicked, and I assumed her being in Milly Grove had something to do with why Andre ended up at my house the other night.

“It’s not a problem at all.” I gave her a small smile and gestured for her to reclaim her seat on the bench. “First, I want to offer my condolences. I’m sure losing your husband in such a tragic way had been heartbreaking, to say the least.”

Her eyes misted as she nodded. “It has been tough, but I will feel better once my Claude receives the justice he deserves.” She dapped her eyes with her Kleenex and continued, “I’m not convinced it was an accident. That’s why I’m hoping you can help me.”

Confused, I opened my notepad and looked through my notes. “It says here… he was in a car accident. That he was driving drunk, and?—”

“I don’t care what the file says!” She threw her fists on her legs and glared at me. “I know my son and that gang of his is the reason my Claude is no longer here. I know he murdered my husband!”

Hearing her say Andre was the cause of his father’s death caused my heart to stop. That couldn’t be true, could it? I knew Andre was a ruthless killer, but would he go as far as killing his own flesh and blood?

“Those are serious accusations, ma’am.” I shook my head and jotted down a few notes. “Based on the findings in the accident report, it says your husband’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.”

“Listen here, sweetie. I don’t care what you or anyone else has to say. I know that bastard and his cousins killed my husband!” She stood and began to pace before me. “That’s why I can’t go home without him admitting what he did! He has to admit it!” The wild look in her eyes couldn’t go unnoticed, and I became a little uneasy as she continued to rattle off allegations.

“You see, my Claude was part of the Boudreaux Mafia, and he told me he was on his way to the top! He was next to be in charge. See… his brother was always jealous of him and stole the position right from under my husband’s nose. Samuel’s death was supposed to solidify Claude’s new role, but Rosier came in and took it right from under him!”

“Rosier?” I asked as I flipped through my notes, pretending not to know who he was. “Your nephew?”

“Yes!” She nodded as she continued to pace. She looked as if she was on the verge of a breakdown, and I was second-guessing my decision to come here. There was obviously something wrong with her. “Zoo is what they call him. He has an actual zoo too! Gators, gorillas, and kangaroos—he uses the animals to murder people and dispose of the bodies. Don’t get me started on that little witch boy brother of his!”

“Jules?” I asked with a raised brow. “Did you just call him a witch?” I sighed before closing my notebook and standing. “Maybe we should end this conversation. I was hoping I would be able to help you?—”

“Don’t you see! They’re all dangerous!” She snapped, turning to face me before gripping my shoulders. “They killed my husband, and now… they’re going to kill me! I know it, oh God, I know it! I tried to set my boy up! I was wearing a wire, and he found it!” She looked around in a panic. “They’re watching me!” She looked around frantically and caused me to do the same. Snapping her eyes back to me, she shook me with so much force that I thought my neck was going to crack. “Now they’re watching you too! They’re going to kill me! They’re going to kill us both!”

Taking a few steps back, she twirled and dashed across the park before I could stop her. I shouted her name repeatedly, but there was no use. She was long gone.

Standing there stunned, I thought about the strange encounter. Ms. Boudreaux was mentally unstable, but I wondered if there was some truth to what she said. Dre killing his father in a car crash is possible because I’m all but certain he did the same to my cousins. I couldn’t prove it, but it was a feeling I couldn’t shake.

“Maybe I’m in over my head,” I told myself as I walked back to my car. “Maybe I should?—”

Stopping in my tracks, I felt the chills run down my spine as the hairs on the back of my neck stood. Looking around, I had the eerie feeling I was being watched. I glanced around, and the park was as empty as it was when I arrived. High-stepping to my car, I hurried inside and locked the doors. I didn’t give the oil time to flow before I pulled off. I eyeballed my rearview several times to ensure I wasn’t being followed, but no cars were behind me.

The farther away I got from the park, the better I felt. Maybe his mother’s paranoia had rubbed off on me. Her talks of the mafia alone let me know she wouldn’t be a reliable source. Mafias haven’t existed for years, and if their existence were true, you wouldn’t be able to prove it. No matter how much I searched, I couldn’t find anything incriminating on Andre. I was thinking I should leave well enough alone. If Dre and his family are as dangerous as his mother says, I’m in way over my head.

* * *

“Damn, sis! Let me find out this is why Rissa was mad.”

Slapping Rome on the shoulders as he passed, I stared at myself in the mirror. Tonight, I was accompanying Andre to his business partner’s event. I was nervous—not because of the event itself, but because I would be back in Andre’s presence. It would be the first time since I had a conversation with his mother, and I was anxious.

In the days after meeting with Dre’s mother, I was on high alert. Everywhere I went, I felt as if I was being watched, but I could never pinpoint anyone lurking. I thought about reaching back out to her to make sure she was okay but thought better of it before I could pick up the phone. She was volatile, and I didn’t want to do anything else to jeopardize what I was trying to do.

“That’s not a nice thing to say about the dead,” I said over my shoulder as I snapped on my earrings. “How are you not torn up about losing our cousin?”

"R.I.P. to that hoe but fuck her.” He shrugged as he came over and helped me fasten my dress. “She hated our guts and shitted on us every chance she got, sis. Excuse me for not caring about a bitch who could give two fucks about me." Spinning me back around, he judged my reflection in the mirror. “You look beautiful tonight, and whatever has been on your mind these past few days needs to be placed to the back of your mind. This is the first time in a long time that you’ve been able to go on a date and actually let your hair down—unless you count letting that man finger fuck you at dinner.”

“Rome!” I gasped in embarrassment. “Why did you say that?”

“ Rome! ” he mocked me and rolled his eyes. “I’m serious! You’ve told me all about your work and how you have to seduce men to get the intel you want. Tonight… you’re going to be on the arm of a man you didn’t have to manipulate. Enjoy the company and let him put your legs in the air later. You can grieve over Rissa’s dead ass later.”

Hearing him speak about my job tactics caused my heart to palpate. I didn’t mind manipulating men if it meant I was cleaning our country of the filth that plagued us. Men were easy targets because most were gullible and stupid. Those low-hanging qualities didn’t stop them from being killers, drug dealers, and abusers, though. I was beginning to wonder if there was more to Dre because he didn’t feel gullible or stupid when I was with him. He also didn’t feel like a killer, even though I knew deep in my soul he was, so liking him had me looking at myself differently. That still didn’t stop me from wondering if he’d see me in a different light if the circumstances weren’t the same. I’d approached Dre under false pretenses, and no one knew because I was moving on impulse. My want to collar him could have me face-to-face with the corporate suit killer. Letting my hair down was not in the cards for me, and I couldn’t stop the tapping thought that I’d possibly fucked up.

“Jerome, I need to tell you something. I think I messed up with Dre. I?—”

Ding Dong.

“Hold that thought…” Jerome cut me off as he walked up the hall to open the door. I wanted to confess to him what I’d been up to regarding Dre, but I would have to do that later since the very man was now stepping inside my house.

“I know you fuckin’ lying! Why in the hell are you so fine, Dre?”

“Rome, if you don’t get your gay ass away from me!” Andre shouted, but I could hear the amusement in his tone. “I don’t know how many times I have to tell you… I like pussy!”

Grabbing my clutch, I took one last look at myself. The nude and black floor-length gown fit my curves like a glove. The heels, with the high thigh split, made my legs look even sexier. Thanks to Jerome, my hair and makeup were perfect, finishing the sexy, yet sophisticated look. Dabbing myself with Dolce and Gabbana perfume, I was ready to go. Taking a deep breath, I made my way toward the front of the house. Once I entered the living room, all banter ceased.

“Well, damn…” Dre murmured as he swallowed me with his eyes. Standing from the arm of the sofa, he slowly began to walk my way. I held my breath as he walked around me and stalked my frame as if I were his prey.

Whap!

“Dre!” I gasped at the sudden slap of my ass. “What was that for?”

“Just a little preview of what you’ll get later.” He winked as he pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. “If I was a reckless man, I’d trap you. Ain’t no way you should be walking around here looking this good.” He shook his head and laughed at himself.

Getting a good look at him, I couldn’t help but admire my view. Dre was hands down the most sexist man I’ve ever seen. His cut was fresh, his jewels were dancing, and the smell of his cologne made my clit pulse. Dressed in all black from head to toe, you could tell simply by the way he walked he knew he was the man. My eyes zoned in on the bulge resting against his thigh, and I couldn’t help but lick my lips at the sight.

“If you want to, we can go to the back and take care of this?” He smirked once my eyes landed back on his. “This isn’t my event, so who said we can’t be late?”

“Lock up, Jerome.” I slipped my arm through his and led him out of the door. “Don’t wait up.”

“Baby, I will be sitting right here on this couch with a glass of wine and bucket of popcorn waiting on you. I know the sex is going to be good and nasty, and this time, I’m sticking around to watch.”

As Dre threw his head back in laughter, I kissed my teeth and led us out the door. Helping me inside his car, I reached over and held his door open for him. I was used to seeing his Range Rover parked in front of my house, but we were in a two-seater McLaren tonight. I knew the car was expensive from the interior color and feel of the leather beneath my exposed thigh. I started to ask him if it was rented or brought, but glancing over, his smothering gaze had me too heated to speak.

“Did I tell you how good you look tonight?” he asked as we appeared to head toward the outskirts of town. I assumed the event was being held downtown, but I guess I was wrong. “I can see why your baby’s father skeeted off in you.”

“Andre, please…” I cackled at his silliness as I exhaled from the quick stare-off. “I can’t stand that man, and if I knew then what I know now, we wouldn’t have made my daughter. She’s here now, and I love her… but I can’t stand her father.”

Since declining his last advances, Bryce had been making my life a living hell. What makes matters worse is that for the last two weeks, he’s backed out of plans to spend time with Briley. While she’s been upset, my parents and I have done everything we can to make it up to her. She hasn’t missed a beat of having fun, and I was beating myself up for thinking things would be different this time. I should’ve known not to trust Bryce. He had gotten Bri accustomed to spending time with him just to go back to the way things were.

“How was your week?” I shifted in my seat and asked. I wanted to change the conversation topic so the ride wouldn’t be awkward. “How’s things going with you and Uno making Milly Grove a real city?”

Although I’m from here, I’ve never really had many run-ins with Uno and his brothers. I knew of them because of the city’s history, but I’d never been in the same circle with them. I have a few friends that have raved about Wild and his whorish ways, but that’s about it. I can honestly say that I admire the work they’ve done in the different zones of the city. There was a time when I thought they, too, were involved in illegal activities, but again, it was hard to prove. The town would’ve been in an uproar if I had attempted to take down the very family who’d done so much for the city. I would’ve been crucified for any false claims.

With Andre, it was more than that. It wasn’t a mere coincidence that an officer died once it was publicly mentioned he was building a case against them. It wasn’t a mere coincidence that the director of the ports went missing after speaking with me about inside intel concerning their ported shipments and business. I know this man isn’t who he says he is, and I wanted to prove myself right at the very least.

“My week was very interesting, actually.” He glanced over at me before giving his attention back to the road. “My grandparents came into town to spend a little time with me. They love the city so much that they’re thinking of retiring here.”

“That’s great!” I reached over and gripped his arm. “The city is beautiful and really peaceful. You should take them down to Groves Isles when the weather gets warmer. They will love the water.”

“Trust me, they’ve heard about it.” He chuckled before quieting down. “My mother came into town with them. We got into a big argument, and she ended up leaving.” He shook his head, and I could see his jaw tick under the streetlights as we rode through the countryside. “Well… I thought she left town. Come to find out, she’s been here the entire time.”

Hearing him mention his mother caused my heart to pound. I wondered if he knew I’d gone to see her. Looking through the windshield, I noticed we were almost outside the city. Now that I was thinking about it, we should have been at the venue by now. I began to panic as I tried to figure out where we were based on any landmarks, but nothing could be seen for miles—only the sky, the road, and the green grass and trees.

“Uh… Dre, where are we going?” I asked as I tried to keep my voice steady. “I thought we were going to your friend’s event.”

“You know… she and I said some pretty hurtful things to each other—things that neither of us can take back.” I watched him with scared eyes as he gripped the steering wheel. “It’s hurtful when the ones you love betray you in ways your enemy wouldn’t dare. They use your love for them as a weakness. Everyone has their breaking point—I guess we’re both at ours.”

Turning down a dirt road, I was worried for my life. I could feel the anger roll off him as he spoke about his mother, and I panicked, thinking it would end up toward me. Ms. Boudreaux ranted about him having her followed. If he knew she was still in town, did he know about her meeting me at the park?

“I-I’m sure whatever issue you two have can be discussed…” I held onto the door handle as he continued to speed down the dark dirt road. “You guys love each other.”

Chuckling, he tossed his head over with a sinister smile. “I’m not a forgiving man, Denim. I have the utmost respect for the ones I allow in my life. Hence, betrayal in any capacity won’t be tolerated. A nigga like me will always make you pay—one way or another.”

“Andre, I need to tell?—”

“We’re here,” he interrupted before I could purge my soul. As badly as I wanted to build a case against Andre, I had to think about the bigger picture, which is being here for my family and baby girl. I know in my soul he’s guilty of everything I’m accusing him of, but with no evidence or witnesses, I’m beating at a dead horse.

Looking around the wooded area, I noticed we were at a deserted warehouse. I felt as if I were hyperventilating as he walked over to my side of the car and opened the door.

“Where are we?” I stared up at him with worried eyes as he helped me out of the car. “I thought we were going to a charity event.”

“This is the place.” He smirked as he grabbed my hand. As soon as I stepped out of the car, my heels sank into the moist soil. My shoes were as good as ruined. “Skip said the location was in Sunset Valley. Should I have mentioned that?”

Trembling, I said nothing as I followed him up the muddy bath until we reached the door of a deserted warehouse. My heart pounded in my chest as he knocked on the door and waited for us to be let inside.

“Sunset Valley is a weird place to hold an event,” I stated as calmly as I could. “The event halls in town are so much nicer.”

Humming his response, he held my hand tighter, and all I could think about was him doing it so I couldn’t run. The thought crossed my mind, but I knew I wouldn’t get far. Once the door opened, we stepped inside, and I let Andre lead the way. The building was much more presentable than I imagined. The open space was simply decorated in red and gold with six tables spread about, with a few guests sitting at them while others stood around, conversating. Jazz played softly in the background, and you could tell there was a lot of money in the building tonight from the various designer brands and expensive-smelling cologne and perfumes.

“It’s about time you got here!” His cousin, Jules, walked up, greeting us with a beautiful woman clinging to him. “Had you not shown, I was going to haunt your dreams tonight, nigga.”

“Bad enough I have to see your ugly ass while I’m awake… please don’t pop up in my sleep.” Dre smirked as he embraced him. Turning to the woman, he pulled her into his arms. “Hey, Bunny.”

“Hello, Dre!” She giggled and hugged him back. I felt a twinge of jealousy but shook it off because I didn’t have the right. Jules breaking them up caused me to snicker. All eyes shifted to me, shutting me up immediately. “Hello.” She gave me a small wave. “You are…?”

“I’m Denim.” I held my hand out for her to shake, which she did. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to see you again, Denim.” Jules grinned, but in a way that caused me to shiver. “Looks like Dre kept you around longer than expected…”

“What do you mean?—”

“Come on, Lil’ Mama. Let me introduce you to my people.”

For the next thirty minutes, we walked around and mingled with his cousin, Rosier, and his wife, Gabriella. It was then that I found out that Bunny, or Bridgette, was married to Jules. I also met their colleagues, Luca and Nicky. The way the guys carried on with each other allowed me to see another side of Dre. He was happier and more carefree when he was with his people, as he called them.

As the servers came around with food and drinks, the tension I was feeling moments earlier had disappeared. That was until Rosier set his sights on me.

“So, Denim… tell us a little about yourself.” He wrapped his arm around his wife, who was in deep conversation with Bridgette. “Andre tells us you work as a clerical administrator.”

“You’ve told your family about me?” I eyed him, causing him to smirk. I didn’t know if I needed to be flattered or worried. “Yes, that is correct,” I answered as I returned my attention back to Rosier. The server was coming around with champagne, and I was more than happy to grab a glass each time she passed. “It’s not the most interesting job, but it pays the bills.”

“What exactly is it that you do?” Jules asked as he handed his wife a drink. She smiled as she kissed his cheek, and I couldn’t help but do the same. These girls loved their husbands; you could tell through every breath they inhaled and exhaled. “Is there a certain company you work for?”

Looking between the two brothers, I tested my ability to see if there was any indication that they knew anything I didn’t want them to know. There’s no way anyone could. Dealing with this family, I knew I had to be careful with my answer.

“I work for a private institution that helps prestigious companies find people specializing in whatever service they need. Accounting, security… things like that.”

“Sounds boring,” Jules added, causing his wife to elbow him. “What, Bunny? The girl just described someone who works at a staffing agency.”

While she fussed at him, everyone seemed to have decided against getting to know me. Dre’s arm was wrapped around my shoulders as he conversed with Luca. Everyone had chosen a new study, but Rosier continued to sip his drink, with his eyes never leaving mine. Gabby was waving someone over, and as badly as I wanted to see who, I was too scared to move.

“Now, what the hell are y’all doing here with my sister?” Jules stood from his seat, causing the ones near us to stare. “Mimi, why are you walking in with a mime and a gigolo?”

“Fuck you, Harry Potter!” Wild spat as he dapped him up. “I’m locked in with Sweets, and we know she’s locked in with Big G. I ain’t scared of you anymore.”

“Oh.” Jules smirked as he kept his eyes on him. Everyone looked around in amusement. “So, if I go get my little black book?—”

Without a word, Wild took off to the bar. The fellas bent over in laughter at his antics, and I even chuckled, although I was confused. As I was introduced to Dre’s cousin, Noemi, he stood from his seat to greet yet another person.

“Mr. Boudreaux… thank you so much for coming tonight. Looks like you brought your family as well.”

Dragging my head up to meet his voice, I frowned in confusion. Standing from my seat as they made introductions, I waited for the blow-up that was bound to happen in seconds.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Bryce frowned as his eyes landed on me. “This event isn’t for someone like you.”

“Whoa! Wait a minute,” Andre chimed in and stood between us when Bryce stepped in my direction. “Let’s be respectful. After all, she’s my date for the evening.” Glancing from me to Bryce, he scowled at our stare-off. “Is there an issue, Lil’ Mama?”

“No issue at all…” I crossed my arms and tugged my eyes toward Dre. “This man is upset because I won’t let him fuck me. He should be more upset that I’m ten seconds from knocking his head off his shoulders and embarrassing the fuck outta him for talking to me like he’s crazy.” Dropping my arms, I sighed heavily. “Andre, this Bryce. The Lieutenant Governor… and my daughter’s father.”