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“I won’t keep you long but I’m proud of you, Bria. You’ve made Daddy the happiest man in the world, and I can’t wait to be a grandfather. You think you can name him after me?” he joked.

Bria sucked her teeth, prompting him to chortle. “Daddy, no offense but you have an old man name.”

Besides, Lo would never allow me to name our child after you…

“Just think about it. I’ll let you go but please forgive me, Bria. I’m very sorry.”

“Okay, Dad.”

“Bye, baby.”

“Bye.”

Bria was somewhat relieved that her father had extended the olive branch, but she’d never forget what he said to her.

When she finished the call, she went upstairs and started her laundry.

She felt so behind on the housework that she made a mental note to hire a cleaning lady when she was working.

Hours had flown by, and she had cleaned the bedroom, vacuumed the floors, and folded her clothes.

“Oh, let me get ready for Stella’s call,” she whispered to herself.

Bria took a quick shower and just as she stepped out, her phone buzzed on the counter.

“Who is this?”

Bria thought for a moment before she reluctantly took the call.

“Hello?”

“Aye, dis Bria?” a male voice asked.

“Who is this?”

“Yeah, this you.” He chuckled. “A bitch like you must got lethal pussy for a nigga to take my brother out for it.”

Bria gripped the phone as her pulse increased to a dangerous tempo. His voice had injected her with fear that caused her limbs to vibrate. Dough always spoke highly of his brother, Luco. She knew all about him, but she never anticipated him reaching out to her.

“Why you quiet? You don't wanna talk to me?” he taunted her.

“Why are you calling me?”

“Because me and you got unfinished business. You see, Dough should’ve never fucked around with you.

I told him that before he did it because I knew your ass was trouble.

But the pussy was too good, so he refused to let go.

Now look where that got him. A plot at a fucking cemetery because of your hoe-ass. ”

Bria wanted to retort but she had no comeback. Luco was right. Ultimately, Dough’s death was her doing, and she would never be able to forgive herself for inserting him into her marriage.

“But look, my fucked-up feelings ain't just with you,” he continued. “Where your husband at?”

“Why you need to know about my husband?”

“Because I have something that belongs to him. Does the name Ada sound familiar.”

Bria’s eyes widened. “W-what are you trying to say?”

“I’m saying if I don't hear from your man, that his mama gon’ be torched. Let that nigga know I’m waiting on his call. He knows how to find me.”

Luco hung up, leaving Bria in a daze. Her mind was so warped on the phone call that she couldn’t form a complete thought.

“What the fuck?” she said when she realized Ada was in danger. Right away, she dialed Lo’s number.

“Pick up, pick up,” she chanted.

When he didn’t answer, she called again only to get the same results.

Bria couldn’t sit back and do nothing. So, she threw on the first article of clothing she saw and hurried to the garage.

Getting inside her car, she sped to Devyn’s estate.

Once she was stopped by the guards at the gate, she let them know her name and they let her through.

Bria parked, got out, and hurried to the front door.

Seconds later, Devyn answered the door, sporting a muddled expression.

“You good?” he asked, taking in her frazzled appearance.

She shook her head, pacing back and forth while shaking her hands. Her anxiety had stepped to the forefront, opting to be the spokesperson for the time being.

“What’s wrong?”

“Where’s your mom?”

He shrugged. “I don't know. She left earlier.”

“Shit,” she griped, planting her hand on her forehead.

“Why you ask? What’s going on?”

Bria faced Devyn with so much apprehension that she wished she could disappear at that moment. She couldn’t predict his reaction when he learned that Luco had Ada. Being the leader of The Crown Family, she was certain he would lose his shit.

“I think she’s been taken.”

He cocked his head as his nostrils flared. “What the fuck you mean been taken?”

She gulped just as Tori entered the foyer. “Hey, Bria, what’s wrong?”

“Luco called my phone and told me he had your mother. This is the number he called from.”

She passed Devyn the phone, and he looked at the screen. Without saying a word, he walked away with her phone in tow.

“What happened?” Tori asked, grabbing her shoulders.

“Ada has been taken.”

“What?” Her eyes expanded. “By who?”

“Oh, my God. This is all my fault.” Bria was unraveling. This was all her doing. If she hadn’t stepped out on Lo, then Ada wouldn’t have had to serve as collateral damage.

“Bria, calm down.”

But she couldn’t. Panic had entered her system, taking over every single function of her body. She fell to her knees as Tori traveled with her. She’d done so much damage to their family. Lo had been bruised by her indiscretion and now Ada was paying for it.

“I shouldn’t have done that. How could I be so stupid?” she hissed, smacking the side of her head.

“Bria, it’s okay.”

“No, it’s not!” she shouted. “I got that lady into this by being so fucking stupid. Everyone is going to hate me now.”

“Listen to me,” Tori ordered, grabbing her hands. “You don't need to blame yourself for this. This is how shit goes in The Mob. People get caught slippin’ every day. It’s the name of the game. Now get up so we can go wipe your face.”

Bria whimpered as Tori helped her stand to her feet. This had to be the worst day of her life. The fear that loomed over her was more frightening than a ghost. Once Lo found out what was happening, she was certain his forgiveness would fade, and he’d cut her off for good.