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“Well, I would have a nice talk with him. Maybe you should cook and wear something sexy. That way you can entice him while cooking for him.”

Bria gave it some thought and bobbed her head. “Okay, food, lingerie, and a talk. You think that’ll work?”

Cecilia gave a half-shrug. “It’s worth a try. When you talk to him, make sure you're not talking at him or giving him attitude. I want you to be open and calm. If that doesn’t work, take a step back and evaluate if this is something you're willing to deal with.”

“I can tell you right now that it’s not. I want to be in love. I don't want a loveless marriage. I need some adoration and affection.”

“I get it. I’m the same way. There is a certain way that I need to be loved, and your father does a great job at that.”

“Yeah, well, at least somebody is getting loved on.”

Smirking, her mother replied, “Have you guys been intimate yet?”

“No.”

“Really? That’s strange.”

“ He’s strange.” Bria rolled her eyes at the idea of Lo. “He makes me regret even getting married.”

“Well, let’s not take it that far. This could work, especially with more effort on his part. Bria, be patient. It’s only been a little over a month. He’ll open up to you.”

Bria didn’t have patience. It was actually a flaw she’d possessed ever since she was a child. Being the youngest gave her leeway to be impatient. She had taken it with her in adulthood and now Lo was testing her patience.

“I hope so.”

“He will. Look I’m going to write down my recipe for my Mississippi pot roast. You follow my directions, put on something sexy to wear, and I think this will get him to open up. Bria, you're a beautiful woman. Use your feminine wiles to entice your husband.”

Bria’s forehead wrinkled. “What’s feminine wiles?”

“A woman’s superpower. Use it to your advantage.”

While Cecilia wrote down the recipe for the pot roast, Bria thought about what she would say to Lo. She had so much to unload but didn’t know where to start.

Her mother slid the paper to her. “Follow every instruction, Bria. No cutting corners.”

She smirked. “I won’t.”

“Now, tell me all about your performance.”

It was the monthly don meeting, and Lo found himself sitting on the side of Devyn.

Typically, these meetings were held for important updates, alerts of federal activity, or if the chiefs needed to pass a message to the dons.

Lo didn’t have to be present, but Devyn insisted that he and Meco attend so they could be up to speed on everything.

Joe entered the room and took a seat in the open chair. “Gentlemen, it’s always nice to catch up with you all. I would like to introduce Douglas to the fold. He is officially Noir Mob, thanks to Lo’s contribution.”

“Y’all give this nigga too much credit,” Rowan fussed.

Lo cut his eyes at him. Every meeting, he had something slick to say to either him or his brothers.

“Fuck you mean too much credit?” Meco argued. “If he didn’t marry his daughter, then his ass wouldn’t be here.”

“I’m very much appreciative of the sacrifice,” Douglas added.

“Rowan, you gotta stop being a bitch. Don't you get tired of wearing those high heels and skirts, nigga?”

Leo chuckled. “Bruh, they done called you a young lady and now you wearing heels and skirts. I know you not about to let that shit slide,” he instigated.

Rowan reclined in his seat, shooting bullets with his eyes. “Douglas, what kind of man are you to hand your daughter over to this lunatic-ass nigga? You must don't care about her at all.”

Lo smirked. “She’s in good hands, literally. I heard you was looking at her once upon a time. You wanted her, Rowan?”

He waved his hand dismissively and spat, “If I did, she wouldn’t be on your arm, my nigga.”

Lo had done his research, and he learned that his wife was quite popular in The Mob circuit. There were several men after Bria, which included Rowan. Now that Lo knew he was more than likely salty about him having her, Lo wanted to throw it in his face.

“Try to take her from me,” Lo challenged.

“Don't do it,” Aziel chimed in. “That’s a setup.”

“Uh, let’s not,” Douglas interrupted. “My daughter isn’t a pawn, and she’s with the person she’s supposed to be with.”

Lo smirked, rubbing his hand down his fade. “Good save, Douglas.”

“Gentlemen, let’s get down to business.” Joe redirected the conversation.

“The Legacy Mafia is feeling some type of way about Douglas’ integration into The Noir Mob.

I expect some chaos or maybe not. I just want you all to know that if you have any dealings with TLM, that it won’t be tolerated.

Cease any communication for the time being until we come to some resolution.

“Damn, Douglas, you bringing beef over here now.” Devyn smirked. “You know we run a peaceful ship in The Mob.”

Leo snickered. “Cap.”

“Big cap,” Meco added. “But make sure that shit don't come my brother’s way.”

Douglas nodded. “I don't see any beef. There’s just talk, that’s it. I’m confident in the decision to bring my family to Noir Mob.”

“What about your two sons-in-law?” Lo inquired. “They still with TLM, right?”

Douglas nodded. “They are.”

“Don't you think that’s a conflict of interest?” Devyn asked.

“Not necessarily. We have an understanding and a mutual respect. I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and they know I’m on the side of Noir Mob.”

Lo wasn’t sold on that but decided not to question it further. The meeting continued until it was adjourned. While walking out, Lo heard his name being called. Douglas approached him as they walked outside.

“Hey, is it alright if I talk to you about something?”

Stepping to the side, Lo gave him his complete attention.

“I wanted to talk to you about Bria. She came over earlier in distress. She informed us very vaguely about you and how you're not being receptive to her. Bria is very sensitive, and she needs a lot of love.”

Lo snorted, not liking how it appeared as if Douglas was checking him.

“Aye, when you walked her down the aisle, you gave her to me, right?”

“Yes, but I’m also her father and when she’s stressed, I become very concerned.”

“You don't need to be. She ain't your responsibility no more. She’s mine.”

Douglas reared his head, peering at Lo with rumpled brows. “I’m still a father, Lo. I can’t ignore what she’s going through.”

Lo invaded his personal space. “Yes, the fuck you can. You can absolutely mind your business and not tell me how to handle my wife. Did she say she was in danger?”

“Well, no.”

“Then, she’s good. Let this be the last time you approach me about mine, nigga.”

Lo walked away and approached Meco and Devyn who were conversing.

“What happened?” Devyn asked.

“That nigga, Douglas, almost got his ass smacked for trying to come at me about Bria’s spoiled ass.”

Meco smirked. “You threatened him?”

“Yep,” Lo answered proudly. “And yes, I’ll body that nigga for getting in my business.”

“Bro, chill out. That’s your father-in-law,” Devyn taunted him.

“I don't give a fuck about that. He bet not come at me again.”

“Listen, did y’all get on that assignment I told y’all about? ‘Cause I need it handled ASAP.” Devyn stated.

“We’ll start tonight,” Lo offered.

“A’ight, cool. I gotta go. Hit me later on.”

The brothers slapped hands before they parted ways. When Lo got inside his car, he also made a mental note to check Bria for running to her parents about him.

Jazmine Sullivan’s sultry voice filled the ambiance, setting the perfect mood.

There was a nervous excitement coursing through Bria as she pulled the roaster pan from the oven.

Taking the lid off, she forked the roast that was so tender that it fell apart.

She smiled, knowing she had followed her mother’s recipe to a T.

Afterward, Bria checked the mashed potatoes and the cornbread that was still in the oven.

All day, she had been praying for this night to work in her favor.

Bria’s only desire was to connect with her husband.

She wanted them to be on one accord and establish a semblance of love.

Bria’s heels tapped against the hardwood floor in the living room as she checked her appearance in the mirror.

Instead of sexy lingerie, she opted for a pink mini dress that had sheer sleeves and a plunging neckline.

Her hair was styled in soft curls with minimal makeup.

Bria felt beautiful and she prayed that Lo did as well.

Hearing the garage open, she hurried back to the kitchen.

Tucking her hair behind her ear, she waited with bated breath until the door opened.

Lo walked in, dressed in all black with his attention in his phone.

Seconds passed when he looked up, drinking her in with a pensive stare.

Bria couldn’t tell if it was lust in his eyes, but he examined her carefully.

Smiling, she walked over and stood in front of him.

“Hey, I’m glad you're home.”

Grabbing his wrist, she pulled him farther into the kitchen and led him toward the stove.

“Look, I made us dinner. Roast, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. I figured we could eat and talk about anything since we really haven’t spent any time together. What do you say?”

Lo eyed the food then peered at her. “I appreciate this, but I can’t stay.”

A pain shot through her chest as rejection washed over her frame. “But Lo, come on. You can’t make an exception for me?”

He sighed frustratedly. As if he was wrestling with himself.

“I wish I could but I gotta handle something. Just make me a plate, and I’ll eat it when I get home.”

Bria snorted, shaking her head. “But it’s not the same as sharing a meal together… Just forget it.”

“Why you giving me attitude?”

“Because I went out of my way to make you dinner so we could spend time together. Making you a plate isn’t equivalent to us eating and bonding.”

“You should’ve told me ahead of time then.”

She gawked. “Well, forgive me for trying to surprise you with a home-cooked dinner. I was only trying to do something nice.”

Normally, Bria was frustrated but this time, she was vexed.

Why couldn’t Lo bend just this one night?

Did he not see how badly she wanted to connect with him?

She was empty on love. In fact, she had run out of gas long ago but was holding onto hope that Lo would finally let her in.

Regret encompassed her. It hugged her so tightly that she thought she would run out of air.

The idea of Lo not being the man for her teased her thoughts, but she had to accept the reality.

Bria had gotten in bed with a person who couldn’t care less about her.

That was a hard pill to swallow. In fact, Bria spit it out because forcing this marriage between her and Lo had become unbearable.

Carefully, Bria placed the lids on the pots. Lo stood there silently. His eye contact was fierce as she felt his lenses on her. She was done. Trying had become harder than a fouetté. Bria was forced to accept that this marriage was nothing more than convenience.

“Why you acting brand new to this?” he asked. “You know the game and if I say I got something to do, then that’s what I mean. I’m not trying to slight you.”

Bria was silent, tuning him out while she tried her best to keep her emotions locked inside her heart. Showing any type of sentiment to Lo would be a waste of time. He didn’t appreciate how many hours she had slaved over the stove so she knew he wouldn’t care about any tears.

“Aye, don't ignore me like I’m not saying shit to you.”

Bria spun on her heels. “What? What are you saying that’s worth anything right now!”

Lo chuckled and shook his head. “You a fucking headache.”

“And you're a cancer.”

His brows peaked as a smirk landed on his lips. “Word? Okay, cool.”

“Don't cool me. You haven’t been anything nice to me since we got married. But it’s okay, Kylo. I got the picture.”

Stalking over to the mudroom, she grabbed her keys and purse that hung on the wall. She couldn’t take being in his presence. It actually repulsed her.

“Where you going?”

Bria didn’t bother answering him as she stormed out of the house. What would be the point? Lo would only frustrate her more with his nonchalant attitude and oblivion to her feelings.

Getting inside the car, she started the engine. Before she pulled off, she grabbed her phone out of her purse and dialed the person that she knew would put her back together again.

“What’s up, ma?”

“Hey, I need you.”