Shoppers raced out of the store and few at a time. My heartbeat picked up, and fear crept into my head and heart. All I could think about was if something had happened to Travel and Deshoni.
When I entered the store, I dropped my gifts and pulled out my piece. Mook's bitch ass stood in front of Travel and Deshoni with his gun aimed at her. I hated a weak ass nigga.
As if this stunt would get him what he wanted, Mook only made things worse.
Travel cried and held Deshoni tightly. It broke my heart to see my girl so scared. Travel was terrified. Her teary brown eyessaid it all. Yeah, that nigga had to pay. I needed to end this shit quickly before the law arrived.
"Mook, chill. You don't have to do this. I'll come with you willingly. I give up," Travel whimpered between her sobs.
"Then move yo' feet. I'm tired of playing games with yo' silly ass!" Mook shouted.
At the sight of me, Travel relaxed a bit. I slammed my gun against Mook's temple, and he hit the floor. A shriek escaped Travel, but I couldn't take my eyes off that nigga.
Mook held his hands in the air. Blood trickled from his head and down his face. "Come on, man. It ain't even like that," he pleaded.
"Fuck all that. Ain't no telling what yo' ass had planned for her. Get this through yo' fuckin' head. That's my woman now. Travel ain't yo' responsibility no more. I won't deny you from seeing your son, but it's gon' be a minute before you see him after this bullshit you just pulled. The fucked-up part is you still ain't gon learn after today, but that's cool too. When you show up for revenge, just make sure you buy your mama that black dress because you're going back to her spirit free."
"Oww fuck," Mook groaned in pain.
I kicked him in his shit before I signaled for Travel to follow me. That pussy thought shit was sweet, but I had some for his ass. I grabbed my packages from the floor as we headed out of the mall and to my truck.
<<<
Today was one for the books. Travel and Deshoni had been held up in her room since we got back. I didn't mind it. I understood that she needed some time to herself. She was in a fucked up situation.
I ordered takeout earlier and made sure all the Christmas gifts were placed under the tree. Afterward, I reached out to a few of my associates. Travel still had to work and go to class, so I made sure her baby Glock would be delivered tomorrow. I'd teach her how to use it then, too. Mook had to be stopped. I knew from the look in his eyes that he would risk it all to see Travel hurt or worse. That's why I had to make sure I was as many steps ahead of him as possible. He wanted to make Travel pay for his bullshit. I'd get to him first before he came for his revenge.
Only weak ass niggas wanted the woman they hurt to pay for their mistakes until the woman got fed up and left. I knew Mook was a snake ass nigga, but now I realized he was treacherous. It was okay, though. I had planned to cut his head off his shoulders.
After my business was taken care of, I sat at the island and enjoyed a glass of wine. My mind was stuck on Travel. For some odd reason, the kitchen reminded me of her the most. We had some of our best conversations in here while I watered my plants or she made food for Deshoni. I smiled between sips, thinking of her dimpled smile. I'd just got my dream girl and I couldn't lose her. No fuckin' way would I allow that shit to happen.
I tossed back the remnants of my wine when I heard small steps shuffling behind me. I set my glass down, and small arms circled my stomach. Travel placed her head on my back. The warmth of her body and presence brought me the security that I needed. It felt so good to have my girl back.
"I'm sorry for staying away from you, Trek. You did absolutely nothing wrong. I'm not mad at you, nor do I blame you for anything. Still, I have to be honest. I'm so scared. I never thought Mook could hurt me, let alone pull a gun on me. Trek, I don't wanna go to work or school without you. I'm too afraid. Mook is going to hurt me. I can feel it." Travel released a sniffle before she quietly sobbed.
I brought her around me and placed her on my lap. Travel's head rested on my chest like my chain. It broke my heart again to see my baby so scared. Mook's ass would pay. There wouldn't be shit he could do about it. I'd never tell Travel, but if one day she came to me and wanted to know, I'd be honest.
I kissed her head and held her closer to me.
"Travel, you're the only person walking this Earth who knows me. Not even my family knows me the way you do. With that being said, you have to know with your whole heart that I'll never let anything happen to you. Do you believe me?"
She nodded. "Yes, I do," she voiced between sniffles.
"Good girl. I purchased you a gun, and you will learn how to use it. One rule, though. If you pull it, you have to use it. The only reason I didn't shoot Mook was because you were there, but that shit won't happen again. If you find yourself in a life-or-death situation and you have to pull it, use it, baby. It's your life or theirs, and I prefer it to be you who lives to tell the story. Secondly, I hired an associate of mine to follow you for a while. He's highly trained and licensed to kill. You won't see him, but he'll see you, so you can feel comfortable going to work, class, shopping, to your parents, or wherever without me. I got you covered, baby. Please know that I do."
"Thank you. I feel much better than I did a minute ago. I appreciate you so much, my love."
"No, thank you is needed. It's my job to make sure you're safe at all times. Would you like me to make you some tea or run you a bath to help you relax?" I quizzed.
"No, thank you. I showered already."
"Alright. Is there anything else I can do?"
"Yeah, you can." Travel rose from my lap and slipped the straps of the long maxi dress from her shoulders. It hit the floor. She stepped out of it. "I need to feel you."
My eyes roamed over her soft, moisturized skin. Her body was tea. My dick sprang to life from the masterpiece. If she wanted to feel me, I'd make sure she'd get what she wanted.
I stood from my seat and picked her up. Travel's legs wrapped around my waist as I guided her to my playroom. I needed my girl to take me for a ride.