Page 51 of Wicked Throne

"Getting my feet rubbed," Trey cackled.

"I'm not doing anything," Naomi said. "But I have an early shift in the morning was about to shower and turn in. You?"

"I feel like dancing," I blurted out.

"Dancing?" Trey repeated.

"Yes, so join me?"

"Girl why aren't you going home to your husband? Enzo said you've been there just about every night."

"Boy that brother-in-law is quite nosey," I growled. "No what, I'm gonna get up with you guys in the morning. Love yall."

"Okay," they both replied.

Well, that was a fucking bust...

My house sat looking dark. I had been meaning to come by and turn on a lamb before I got robbed. I had a few pieces of nice jewelry sitting around not locked up. As I approached the steps, I saw I had a big ass package waiting for me. Unlocking the door and dragging it inside, I almost tripped over the bunched-up carpet.

I had no idea what was awaiting me inside of the box. Grabbing a box cutter I kept by the door, the silver blade glinted in the light as I unsealed the box. Folding back the paper, I realized it was the shirts I'd ordered before I left for Italy. I was selling Magnolia Bloom shirts and had orders some for the staff as well. They felt really comfy and I was tempted to put one on and sleep in it.

Except, I was going out.

Yes, it was cold and frosty as shit out but I hadn't been to The Mercury Lounge in a long while. The idea of a drink appealed to me. My phone vibrated a few times while I was brushing my teeth and getting dressed. I already knew they were from Thierry.

Make him squirm, I thought.

Leaving a light on in the house this time, I pulled out of the driveway and headed crosstown. Even with as cold as it was, The Mercury was looking crowded, I just hoped I could find a booth free. Heading straight for the I ordered vodka, no ice, with a raspberry spritzer.

The bartender smiled his pearly whites in my direction, but I wasn't in the mood. Slapping a ten down on the bar, I scooted onto a stool and made myself comfy. Pulling out my phone, I purposely ignored Thierry's messages that had taken over my phone screen.

Treyanna started texting next.

Thierry is looking for you...

And,I replied.

Are you two fighting....again?

I'm not doing anything with that man.

Girl, he's on the warpath. He's pissed. He texted his brother....we are in here trying to make sweet passionate love...

Then make love...I'm trying to enjoy myself. Just need some me time.

Are you okay?

I smirked at that question. I hadn't been okay in a long time. My world hadn't spun right since Thierry Scarpetta had taken over my life.

I'm good. Talk to you in the morning.

I used a heart emoji at the end of the text and then all was quiet. I just wanted to enjoy my drink, the crowd seemed to be looking extra twenty-ish tonight. Scrolling on Facebook at a bar because my husband had pissed me off. How weird did that seem?

"Damn you the finest lady I've seen in here for a while," a voice said.

I turned and came face to face with a brotha that was six foot two, a Ceasar fade and waves rippling through his scalp like we were at the beach. When he smiled, he revealed a set of gold fangs. The old me would have had him eating me out in the next five minutes in the women's bathroom. This new version of me was not impressed.

"Oh really?"