Page 26

“He ain’t a 9-5 nigga, friend,” Xoey said as we walked outside. She looped her arm through mine and laughed. “I mean, not at all, but I love that for you.”

“I mean, did you think she had a choice?” Mercy said, linking our arms. “He wasn’t playing about his Point Guard.”

“I had my doubts for a second,” Xoey answered with a shrug. “I mean, he’s a damn team doctor; who would’ve thought that he could turn up like that?”

“His nickname is literally Hood,” Mercy replied and rolled her eyes. “That’s like someone saying that you are calm.”

“Bitch, I am!” she replied. Mercy and I shared a look and then started to laugh. “I’m a calm, gentle soul.”

“That has never met a nigga that can tame you,” Mercy said, and I nodded in agreement. “You intentionally drive men crazy so they don’t get to know you.”

“We all have our challenges,” Xoey replied. “Plus, he would let it be known if he wanted me. The niggas I’ve dealt with in the past get one good look at the real me and run for the hills.”

“You’ve never let anyone get close enough to experience the Xoey that we do,” I said, and she shrugged. “That’s not fair to you.”

“Everything changes when they find out I’m a St. James.” Xoey pulled us to the steps, and we unlinked our arms and sat down. She leaned back, resting her elbows on the step behind her, and sighed. “Do you know how exhausting it is to be a St. James? The pressure is a lot.”

“Trust me, I understand,” Mercy said. “Being a DeCorte ain’t easy at all, especially since that shit came out about Corinthians. We are about to be on the warpath.”

“It’s going to be exciting, though,” Xoey shrugged. “At least you have that.”

“I don’t think so,” I said, shaking my head. I watched as Corinthians stood next to her car, talking to Four. Since her secret had come out, he’d been working overtime to handle it, but I knew because of Mercy that he was hitting roadblock after roadblock. The frustration was evident on his face, and I felt for them. “She’s hurting.”

“And he’s angry because of it,” Xoey said, nodding. “He’s a fucking Number and can't get a hold of who he needs to. Once he does, it's going to be a blood bath.”

“You say that so casually,” I replied, and they both shrugged. “I’ll never get used to this world.”

“What world?” Xoey asked with a laugh. “You make it seem like this is the black mafia or something.”

“You think it's not?” I reared back in surprise, and they shook their heads. “How many family dynasties are here right now?” I started counting on my fingers. “The Lincolns, Rush brothers, DeCortes, Strongs, Carlsons, Stones, St. James, and shit – even the Blackmon’s.

“Who are the Blackmon’s?” Xoey asked.

“Them,” Mercy answered as she nodded at the black SUV next to Corinthians and Four.

When a tall, dark-skinned man with a mug on his face exited the car, I groaned for no other reason than I knew Xoey was about to show out. He adjusted his suit, rounded the car, and opened the passenger door. Purpose exited the vehicle, spoke to Four and Corinthians, and approached us.

“FBI, this is no disrespect to you, but your date is fine as hell,” Xoey said, standing and hugging her. Mercy and I exchanged looks, stood, and started laughing.

“Date?” Purpose questioned, and Xoey nodded. She laughed, shook her head, and pointed to the man beside Four. “That’s not my date.”

“Who is it, then?” Xoey asked with new interest.

“That’s Gift,” I answered as I crossed my arms. “He’s the cop that showed up to my house the first time you sent the police.”

“The one you described to me on the phone?” Xoey asked without taking her eyes off Gift. “Friend, your description didn’t do him justice.” Gift turned to us, his dark eyes sweeping over everyone before stopping on Xoey. He licked his lips and gave his full attention as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. She tilted her head to the side and then nodded. “Oh yeah, this is about to be fun as hell.”

“What do you mean?” I asked as I watched her take off her shoes. “Xoey, what are you doing?”

“About to find my Prince Charming,” she answered, then turned to Purpose. “I know you said he was off limits, but that was before I saw him. You might as well get used to me.”

“Xoey,” Purpose said in her name in a warning tone. “Gift is not going to deal with your shit. He’s quiet and lives a normal 9-5 life. He isn’t what you need.”

“Friend, I’m getting the 9-5 nigga?” Xoey excitedly asked me. She shook her head and smiled. “I never thought it would be me!” She giggled, then turned back to Purpose. “Don’t worry, all the voices have agreed.” She tapped the side of her head. “He’s ours.”

“Xoey,” Purpose said, shaking her head. “Not my brother; pick any other nigga; please, I’m begging you.”

“No,” Xoey said, shaking her head. She stepped around us and made her way to Gift. He watched her approach him with an expressionless face, but I could see the interest in his eyes. She put her hand out and smiled once she was close enough. “My name is Xoey, and you’re my Gift.”

“I’m your Gift?” he asked with a laugh, and she nodded. “You sure about that?”

“Absolutely,” she replied. “Now, watch me work.”

See y’all in the next book!