Page 25 of Love Me Now: Baltimore & Madelyn

“With that being said,” he continued, “I’ma respectfully ask you to step. Ya presence is makin’ the missus uneasy.”

Gladden’s eyes narrowed as he and Baltimore visually tussled for supremacy. For a second, I thought Gladden would continue to poke the bear. Baltimore wasn’t the head of security for nothing. His poise was a mask to the man who lay beneath. Seconds passed before the mayor stalked off. Not before he smirked and sized up Baltimore once again.

“I’m sorry about that,” I said to Baltimore.

“Stop it,” he shot back. His fingers touched my elbows, and he drew me closer to him. This was the most contact we’d ever had in front of anyone. “Do you need anything?”

“No, I’m okay.” On second thought… “Actually, I’m going to make my rounds so I can get out of here.” The hour was nearing nine, and Baltimore had other plans for us. Just the thought caused my stomach to shudder.

“Aight, mama,” he stated.

As I said my goodbyes to everyone, Baltimore remained patient. Heir seemed to be having a good time. She was in VIP dancing with Coco and Haven. I waved at her, then blew her a kiss, which she returned.

Thirty minutes later, we were inside the Maybach, headed to whatever destination he had in mind. Quietly, I reflected on the last several months of my life. Picking up the pieces of what I thought I knew about my life was complicated. On one hand, I was happy to be free of Duval. On the other hand, I’d lost a son. I would never excuse anything DJ did, and I couldn’t blame Adir for his judgement upon DJ. However, DJ was still my son. No matter how much longer I had on this earth, I never wanted to step back inside that dungeon.

“You okay?”

Baltimore’s voice was just like butter—smooth and rich for no damn reason. Like when our skin touched, his voice made my body respond. He sat in the back seat with me, quietly peering at me.

“Yes,” I whispered. I could’ve sworn he chuckled a little bit as if he could read my mind and tell me what my body was doing because of him. Too many times, tonight, I’d kept my eyes on him. Whether he was by my side or not, I found myself seeking him out. I loved that he did the same thing with me.

We rode for so long that I nodded off. I awoke to the sound of doors closing. Then, my door opened. Baltimore reached his hand inside to help me out. Stepping from the Maybach, I was instantly in shock.

A mansion larger than one I’d ever seen created a picture of regalness and elegance against the backdrop of the starry night. The large cream structure boasted tall columns leading to the French style front doors, and balconies stretched from one end to the other of the tall structure.

“Oh, my…” My mouth hung open as Baltimore led me to the stately front door. A man wearing a black suit and gloves stood at the door holding a platter in his hands. Baltimore released my hand and began removing his jewelry.

“Evenin’, sir, welcome home. Evenin’, madam,” the man spoke.

Home,I thought.What the hell?

“‘Sup,” Baltimore spoke back as he placed his watch and chains on the platter. “Dube, this is Maddie. Maddie this is the homie, Dube.”

Dube smiled. “The homiemeaning the mister’s butler.”

Butler?An expensive lifestyle was something I was accustomed to being married to a Bell. Hell, we had round the clock security and lived on an entire estate.Thiswas something out of a fairytale and crazy as hell.

“Quit callin’ yaself that before she thinks I’m uppity,” Baltimore stated.

“Never that, sir. You’re the epitome of down ass nigga,” Dube said. He winked at me, and I chuckled.

“That’s right,” Baltimore replied. He took my hand again and started back for the door.

“Your shower is waiting. The plane is on standby,” Dube called after him.

“Thanks, homie,” Baltimore responded.

Okay… What the entire hell?It felt like I woke up to a wild ass fantasy. When we walked through the front door, my mouth came unhinged. Luxury was an understatement. Expensive furniture, wall décor, and marble floors graced every room. If it weren’t for the photographs of Baltimore and his family on the walls, I wouldn’t have believed this place was real. I wanted to stop and marvel at how beautiful everything was. However, Baltimore tugged me behind him.

“I’ll give you a tour another day, baby. We have a plane to catch.”

“What?”Why?I didn’t want to bethatfar away from Genesis. Although we’d been together for some time now, he needed me close just like I needed him close.

Plus… “I need to call Heir.” My baby would worry if she didn’t hear from me.

Baltimore chuckled as we bounded an elaborate staircase leading to the second floor.

“You think I’d whisk you off without Heir’s approval?”