We took a few moments to pray over our food.
Every few seconds, I would glance at Coye, but he was too engrossed in his food to notice.
The silence killed me, so I decided to tell him why I wanted to see him.
“So, I was thinking that we need to cool off for a bit so I can focus on my dad.”
Coye dropped his fork on the plate and wiped his mouth.
For a few long seconds, he stared at me. “I agree.”
My eyes watered as soon as he said that because even though I thought we needed space, I didn’t want him to agree so easily.
Coye pushed his chair back and came around to my side of the table. He pulled me up and wrapped me in his arms. I closed my eyes and nestled my head against his chest. His strong arms and fresh scent comforted me.
“I can tell my agreeing is bothering you, and that’s not what I want. I only agreed because I know that’s what you need. I’ll be here, though, if you need me. That won’t change. And make no mistake about it. You are still mine, River, and taking some time apart won’t change that.” He lifted my chin and stared into my eyes. “You understand me?” He dropped a soft kiss on my lips.
“Yes,” I whispered.
He leaned down to kiss me, and when he slipped his tongue into my mouth, I moaned. We probably shouldn’t have gone any further, but I couldn’t help myself. I gripped his shirt and tried to pull it over his head.
“What you doing, baby?” Coye asked when he broke the kiss.
“I need to feel you, Coye.” I grabbed his shirt again.
His eyes searched my face, then his tattooed hands helped me pull his shirt over his head. Underneath his hoodie was a black T-shirt.
He picked me up and carried me to my bedroom. This time when we made love, there were no words exchanged, and hardly any eye contact, but it didn’t bother me. Coye made sure he imprinted on me and solidified his place in my life.
When we were done, we fell asleep, and by the time I woke up, Coye was gone.
I was glad he left when he did because I would have tried to keep him there, but we needed the space for me to deal with my father. There was no doubt in my mind that Coye and I would be together at some point. I just prayed my brother understood.
It had beena week since River suggested we chill out on things between us. I agreed because I knew it was what she needed, but I didn’t like it. I got used to being around her, or at least talking to her every day, and I missed her. I occupied my time by spending more time at work. I spent time with Pop Dean when I knew she wasn’t there, and I hated every minute of it. Shit just wasn’t the same anymore. I hoped she would come back to me when it was all said and done, because I wanted things to progress with us.
I was in my office when my cell phone rang. A part of me hoped it was River, but it was her brother instead.
“Yo,” I answered on the second ring.
I heard him sniffle and exhale loudly before he spoke. “He’s gone, man.” The pain in his voice had me shooting up from my seat.
“Where you at?” I asked as I grabbed my keys from my desk.
Jordan sniffed again. “We are at his house.”
“I’m on my way.”
We hung up the phone as I exited my office. I informed the two people working that I would be gone for the rest of the day. My staff knew what was going on, so they were already prepared for me to be gone for a while. They were capable of holding it down in my absence but knew I was only a phone call away if need be.
In the car, all I thought about was River and how hard she was probably taking it. I knew Jordan took it just as hard, and I wanted to be there for him as well, but River was my priority.
I broke damn near every law getting to Pops’ house. When I arrived, multiple cars were parked outside. I found a spot and hurriedly shut my car off.
Luckily, the front door was unlocked, so I didn’t have to wait for anyone to open it for me. The energy was heavy when I stepped inside. I could hear everyone crying, and a tear made its way down my cheek.
My mother was the first one to spot me.
“Hey, baby,” she whispered as she hugged me.
